thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Denver weighs code changes allowing up to 5 unrelated people to live together, expanding halfway hou

Denver weighs code changes allowing up to 5 unrelated people to live together, expanding halfway house sites

The Denver City Council is considering several code changes to help those in need of affordable housing and different types of residential care , though some feel strongly the issues should wait or be shot down entirely .
The first change would allow up to five unrelated people to live together in the same home , said Andrew Webb , senior city planner .
And the second would expand the number of places where residential care facilities — like nursing homes and community corrections facilities — can be located .
Both proposals , which would come as updates to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in the works for years , Webb said , and the final products going before council now are the result of many public meetings and compromises between council members and city staff .
But neither the city ’ s affordable housing crisis nor problems with residential care facilities are new , said Green Valley Ranch resident Gail Bell .
And since the pandemic began , many residents have been too occupied with their safety and personal wellbeing to fully participate in this process .
Rather than moving ahead now , the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six months or so , she said .
Currently , city code mandates that only two unrelated people can live together in the same home , Webb said .
That limit — among the lowest in the country — prevents many from legally finding affordable housing in Denver , he said .
Allowing more people to live in the same homes encourages rent-sharing and could ultimately lower the cost of living in the city for many residents , Webb said .
Originally the idea was to allow up to eight unrelated people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing concerns from residents and others , that number was reduced to five , Webb said .
Among those concerns , Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval said at a committee meeting Tuesday , is the increased number of vehicles in residential neighborhoods .
But those concerns can be rooted in racism , Sandoval noted , because many of those who rely on their cars for work and transportation are people of color .
Plus , Sandoval said new investments in bike lanes and other multi-modal infrastructure could further alleviate concerns of increased traffic .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessory dwelling units , can act as another tool for those looking to lessen the rent and mortgage burdens pressing down on Denverites .
But Councilman Kevin Flynn said he isn ’ t so sure this change would lower rents or mortgages .
“ It doesn ’ t make housing affordable , ” Flynn said .
“ It just makes it more affordable for people to cram five people into a unit.
” Similarly , Paige Burkholder and Florence Sebern , Southmoor Park and Virginia Village residents , respectively , voiced their skepticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals be stopped .
They launched the group Safe and Sound Denver in opposition to the measures .
Changing the group living code will only increase density in Denver without tangibly lowering any prices , they said .
Other groups , however , like nonprofits Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Enterprise Community Partners , alongside organizations like the Chaffee Park Neighborhood and the East Colfax Community Collective , voiced support for the group living and residential care proposals in a group letter to City Council members .
The next change would update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regulate them all the same , Webb said .
This would place nursing homes , transitional housing , shelters and more in the same category and allow them all in the same places , he said .
This is most impactful for transitional housing or community correction centers , Webb said .
These resources , also sometimes called halfway houses , are meant as residential sites for felons to receive supervision and treatment in a regulated environment while working to transition back into the community .
In short , those corrections facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s industrial areas and some places downtown , which are not necessarily the most effective locations for those hoping to stay on the straight and narrow , Webb said .
“ This effectively keeps many of the people seeking such supported living situations away from the very transportation , employment opportunities , social service supports and community benefits necessary for their livelihood , ” the collaboration of nonprofits and other local organizations wrote in their letter of support .
“ Moreover , residential care sites and services are often concentrated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and people of color ) communities throughout Denver , ” the letter continues .
“ This places disproportionate strain on the public systems and services in these communities.
” Initially , the proposed change would have allowed those facilities in some residential areas , but many pushed back on that notion , Webb said .
So the compromise would be to allow them along commercial corridors as well as the currently accepted zones .
This would increase the number of plots where such a care facility — of which there are only around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 15,000 , Webb said .
Flynn acknowledged that community correctional sites are treated differently than other residential care facilities but he also said that ’ s somewhat justified because those living in the facilities have a criminal history and are under the custody of the state Department of Corrections .
“ I do believe that justifies a little more intentional approach , ” Flynn said .
“ And I say that as the council member who has the most community correctional facility beds and clients in my district right now.
” Burkholder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of those facilities in portions of residential neighborhoods , which they fear would inject a modicum of instability into the areas .
The City Council ’ s Land Use and Transportation Committee agreed to send both proposals before the full body early next year for approval .
The measures would require two affirmative votes and a public hearing in order to pass .

The Denver City Council is considering several code changes to help those in need of affordable housing and different types of residential care, though some feel strongly the issues should wait or be shot down entirely.
The first change would allow up to five unrelated people to live together in the same home, said Andrew Webb, senior city planner. And the second would expand the number of places where residential care facilities — like nursing homes and community corrections facilities — can be located.
Both proposals, which would come as updates to the city’s zoning code, have been in the works for years, Webb said, and the final products going before council now are the result of many public meetings and compromises between council members and city staff.
But neither the city’s affordable housing crisis nor problems with residential care facilities are new, said Green Valley Ranch resident Gail Bell. And since the pandemic began, many residents have been too occupied with their safety and personal wellbeing to fully participate in this process. Rather than moving ahead now, the city should postpone any concrete action for another six months or so, she said.
Group living
Currently, city code mandates that only two unrelated people can live together in the same home, Webb said. That limit — among the lowest in the country — prevents many from legally finding affordable housing in Denver, he said.
Allowing more people to live in the same homes encourages rent-sharing and could ultimately lower the cost of living in the city for many residents, Webb said.
Originally the idea was to allow up to eight unrelated people to live in the same home, but facing concerns from residents and others, that number was reduced to five, Webb said.
Among those concerns, Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval said at a committee meeting Tuesday, is the increased number of vehicles in residential neighborhoods. But those concerns can be rooted in racism, Sandoval noted, because many of those who rely on their cars for work and transportation are people of color.
Plus, Sandoval said new investments in bike lanes and other multi-modal infrastructure could further alleviate concerns of increased traffic. This change, paired with other solutions like accessory dwelling units, can act as another tool for those looking to lessen the rent and mortgage burdens pressing down on Denverites.
But Councilman Kevin Flynn said he isn’t so sure this change would lower rents or mortgages.
“It doesn’t make housing affordable,” Flynn said. “It just makes it more affordable for people to cram five people into a unit.”
Similarly, Paige Burkholder and Florence Sebern, Southmoor Park and Virginia Village residents, respectively, voiced their skepticism and say they’d prefer both proposals be stopped. They launched the group Safe and Sound Denver in opposition to the measures.
Changing the group living code will only increase density in Denver without tangibly lowering any prices, they said.
Other groups, however, like nonprofits Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Enterprise Community Partners, alongside organizations like the Chaffee Park Neighborhood and the East Colfax Community Collective, voiced support for the group living and residential care proposals in a group letter to City Council members.
Residential care facilities
The next change would update the definition of a residential care facility and regulate them all the same, Webb said. This would place nursing homes, transitional housing, shelters and more in the same category and allow them all in the same places, he said.
This is most impactful for transitional housing or community correction centers, Webb said. These resources, also sometimes called halfway houses, are meant as residential sites for felons to receive supervision and treatment in a regulated environment while working to transition back into the community.
In short, those corrections facilities and shelters are only allowed in the city’s industrial areas and some places downtown, which are not necessarily the most effective locations for those hoping to stay on the straight and narrow, Webb said.
“This effectively keeps many of the people seeking such supported living situations away from the very transportation, employment opportunities, social service supports and community benefits necessary for their livelihood,” the collaboration of nonprofits and other local organizations wrote in their letter of support.
“Moreover, residential care sites and services are often concentrated in low-income and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) communities throughout Denver,” the letter continues. “This places disproportionate strain on the public systems and services in these communities.”
Initially, the proposed change would have allowed those facilities in some residential areas, but many pushed back on that notion, Webb said. So the compromise would be to allow them along commercial corridors as well as the currently accepted zones.
This would increase the number of plots where such a care facility — of which there are only around 10 — can be located from 1,200 to 15,000, Webb said.
Flynn acknowledged that community correctional sites are treated differently than other residential care facilities but he also said that’s somewhat justified because those living in the facilities have a criminal history and are under the custody of the state Department of Corrections.
“I do believe that justifies a little more intentional approach,” Flynn said. “And I say that as the council member who has the most community correctional facility beds and clients in my district right now.”
Burkholder and Sebern said the change could allow some of those facilities in portions of residential neighborhoods, which they fear would inject a modicum of instability into the areas.
Next steps
The City Council’s Land Use and Transportation Committee agreed to send both proposals before the full body early next year for approval. The measures would require two affirmative votes and a public hearing in order to pass.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Rockies’ Jeff Bridich can learn lessons from Matt Holliday, Troy Tulowitzki trades

To borrow a phrase from Jim Tracy , the colorful former Rockies manager , “ it would behoove ” the team ’ s front office to take a hard look at its trade history .
Before , that is , trading third baseman Nolan Arenado or shortstop Trevor Story , or both , this offseason , should it choose to go that direction .
The Nov. 10 , 2008 , trade , in which Colorado dealt all-star outfielder Matt Holliday to Oakland for 23-year-old outfielder Carlos Gonzalez , closer Huston Street and left-hander Greg Smith , worked out remarkably well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 , 2015 , “ Tulo ” trade ?
Not so well .
Colorado dealt Troy Tulowitzki , the oft-injured , five-time all-star shortstop , along with veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins , to Toronto for veteran shortstop Jose Reyes and a trio of right-handed pitching prospects : Jeff Hoffman , Miguel Castro and Jesus Tinoco .
The Holliday deal , engineered by former Rockies general manager Dan O ’ Dowd , ranks as the best trade in franchise history .
Gonzalez and Street helped lead the Rockies to the playoffs in 2009 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Silver Slugger Awards , was in the playoffs again in 2017-18 , and became one of the most popular players in team history .
The art of the CarGo deal was that the Rockies received a proven , quality pitcher in Street , and a young player , in Gonzalez , who was on the verge of becoming one of the most exciting players in the game .
In 2010 , CarGo won the National League batting title with a .336 average , blasted 34 homers , posted a .974 OPS and finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain parallels between the Holliday situation and the current scenario between the Rockies and Story .
When the Rockies and Holliday — who was represented by Scott Boras , the powerful , high-profile agent — could not agree to a contract extension , the writing was on the wall for an offseason trade .
O ’ Dowd took a measured approach to the situation .
“ We made a decision at the end of the ( 2008 season ) , that if the right opportunity came along and was a really good fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in the best interest of our organization to move on from Matt , ” O ’ Dowd told The Denver Post years later .
O ’ Dowd stressed that the blockbuster trade not only netted the Rockies a genuine closer in Street — in addition to a tantalizing talent such as Gonzalez — but also enabled the club to avoid “ the constant tugging , pulling and distraction ” of Holliday ’ s contract status as the 2009 season loomed .
Story , who ’ s eligible to become a free agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s scheduled to make $ 18.5 million , has said little about a possible trade .
“ I ’ m aware of the situation that ’ s coming up , ” he said at season ’ s end .
“ I love being here .
These guys drafted and developed me , and it ’ s fun playing here .
So I try not to think too far ahead .
I ’ m always the guy who ’ s going to cross that bridge when it gets here.
” The Rockies made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a long-term deal with Story , but that was before the full financial ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic were known .
Now the franchise is cutting payroll in advance of the 2021 season due to the loss of revenue this year .
The blockbuster Tulo deal , engineered by first-year general manager Jeff Bridich at the trade deadline , did not go smoothly .
Indeed , it sent shockwaves through the Rockies clubhouse .
Tulowitzki said he was “ blindsided ” by the trade and angry Bridich and owner Dick Monfort didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something Tulowitzki insisted he ’ d been promised .
“ I was shocked , we all were , by Tulo getting traded , ” Arenado said at the time .
“ I ’ m hurt .
Tulo ’ s been the one guy who has been by my side ever since I was in ( Single-A ) Asheville .
It ’ s disappointing .
That is not the guy I wanted to see go .
I don ’ t know any of these dudes we got .
But I think if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would think it would be for an ace , an established veteran pitcher .
Obviously , we are starting to rebuild from the ground up.
” Indeed they were .
The Rockies went 68-94 in 2015 and 75-87 in 2016 before qualifying for the playoffs as a wild-card team in 2017 with an 87-75 record .
Hoffman , Castro and Tinoco all flashed potential , but none of them panned out at the major league level .
Hoffman , 10-16 with a 6.40 ERA in five seasons in Colorado , was traded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect Case Williams , for right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson and minor league outfielder Jameson Hannah .
There were , however , benefits to the Tulo deal .
The Blue Jays took on $ 108 million of Tulowitzki ’ s remaining contract , while the Rockies inherited Reyes ’ contract and ultimately saved about $ 50 million .
Plus , the deal opened the door for Story , who became Colorado ’ s starting shortstop in 2016 .
Now , with the Rockies at a pivotal point as Bridich investigates possible trades for Arenado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure he gets CarGo-like trade value in return .

To borrow a phrase from Jim Tracy, the colorful former Rockies manager, “it would behoove” the team’s front office to take a hard look at its trade history.
Before, that is, trading third baseman Nolan Arenado or shortstop Trevor Story, or both, this offseason, should it choose to go that direction.
The Nov. 10, 2008, trade, in which Colorado dealt all-star outfielder Matt Holliday to Oakland for 23-year-old outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, closer Huston Street and left-hander Greg Smith, worked out remarkably well for the Rockies.
The controversial July 28, 2015, “Tulo” trade? Not so well. Colorado dealt Troy Tulowitzki, the oft-injured, five-time all-star shortstop, along with veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins, to Toronto for veteran shortstop Jose Reyes and a trio of right-handed pitching prospects: Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro and Jesus Tinoco.
The Holliday deal, engineered by former Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd, ranks as the best trade in franchise history. Gonzalez and Street helped lead the Rockies to the playoffs in 2009. CarGo won three Gold Gloves, two Silver Slugger Awards, was in the playoffs again in 2017-18, and became one of the most popular players in team history.
The art of the CarGo deal was that the Rockies received a proven, quality pitcher in Street, and a young player, in Gonzalez, who was on the verge of becoming one of the most exciting players in the game. In 2010, CarGo won the National League batting title with a .336 average, blasted 34 homers, posted a .974 OPS and finished third in MVP voting.
There are certain parallels between the Holliday situation and the current scenario between the Rockies and Story. When the Rockies and Holliday — who was represented by Scott Boras, the powerful, high-profile agent — could not agree to a contract extension, the writing was on the wall for an offseason trade.
O’Dowd took a measured approach to the situation.
“We made a decision at the end of the (2008 season), that if the right opportunity came along and was a really good fit for us, then we felt it was in the best interest of our organization to move on from Matt,” O’Dowd told The Denver Post years later.
O’Dowd stressed that the blockbuster trade not only netted the Rockies a genuine closer in Street — in addition to a tantalizing talent such as Gonzalez — but also enabled the club to avoid “the constant tugging, pulling and distraction” of Holliday’s contract status as the 2009 season loomed.
Story, who’s eligible to become a free agent after the 2021 season in which he’s scheduled to make $18.5 million, has said little about a possible trade.
“I’m aware of the situation that’s coming up,” he said at season’s end. “I love being here. These guys drafted and developed me, and it’s fun playing here. So I try not to think too far ahead. I’m always the guy who’s going to cross that bridge when it gets here.”
The Rockies made it clear that they wanted to work out a long-term deal with Story, but that was before the full financial ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic were known. Now the franchise is cutting payroll in advance of the 2021 season due to the loss of revenue this year.
The blockbuster Tulo deal, engineered by first-year general manager Jeff Bridich at the trade deadline, did not go smoothly. Indeed, it sent shockwaves through the Rockies clubhouse. Tulowitzki said he was “blindsided” by the trade and angry Bridich and owner Dick Monfort didn’t keep him in the loop, something Tulowitzki insisted he’d been promised.
Tulo’s teammates, including Arenado, were stunned.
“I was shocked, we all were, by Tulo getting traded,” Arenado said at the time. “I’m hurt. Tulo’s been the one guy who has been by my side ever since I was in (Single-A) Asheville. It’s disappointing. That is not the guy I wanted to see go. I don’t know any of these dudes we got. But I think if we were going to trade Tulo, I would think it would be for an ace, an established veteran pitcher. Obviously, we are starting to rebuild from the ground up.”
Indeed they were. The Rockies went 68-94 in 2015 and 75-87 in 2016 before qualifying for the playoffs as a wild-card team in 2017 with an 87-75 record.
Hoffman, Castro and Tinoco all flashed potential, but none of them panned out at the major league level. Hoffman, 10-16 with a 6.40 ERA in five seasons in Colorado, was traded to Cincinnati last month, along with pitching prospect Case Williams, for right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson and minor league outfielder Jameson Hannah.
There were, however, benefits to the Tulo deal. The Blue Jays took on $108 million of Tulowitzki’s remaining contract, while the Rockies inherited Reyes’ contract and ultimately saved about $50 million. Plus, the deal opened the door for Story, who became Colorado’s starting shortstop in 2016.
Now, with the Rockies at a pivotal point as Bridich investigates possible trades for Arenado and/or Story, it would behoove him to make sure he gets CarGo-like trade value in return.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Week 16 NFL Picks: Seahawks host Rams with chance to clinch NFC West

The Seahawks are a two-point home favorite in what is basically an NFC West title game .
Seattle clinches the division with a win .
A Rams win puts both teams at 10-5 , but Los Angeles holds the head-to-head tie-breaker .
At stake : A first-round home playoff game against Tampa Bay or a road game at the NFC East champ .
The Bears ( 7-7 and a 7 1/2-point favorite ) are still alive for an NFC playoff berth and have scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games for the first time in seven years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , but their fan base is hoping for a Bears rout and one step closer to drafting Trevor Lawrence .
A terrific Sunday night match-up , albeit at nearly-empty Lambeau Field ( 1,000 fans ) .
The Packers are a 3 1/2-point favorite and will have the NFC ’ s top seed if they keep winning .
Receiver Davante Adams ’ 14 touchdown catches are second in the league .
Tennessee ’ s Derrick Henry leads the NFL with 1,649 rushing yards .
Around the NFC : Self-inflicted off-field issues continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgment .
File this under the “ Don ’ t Let Owners Make The Draft Pick Dept.
” Less than two years ago , as the story goes , Washington owner Dan Snyder was influential in drafting quarterback Dwayne Haskins in the first round .
On the field , it hasn ’ t worked — a 3-9 record , 12 touchdowns and interceptions apiece .
Off the field , it hasn ’ t worked — the latest episode is Haskins getting fined a reported $ 40,000 by the team for violating COVID-19 protocols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Haskins was also stripped of his captaincy .
Hard to imagine Haskins being on the roster next year .
Gurley ’ s fall continues .
Just two years after being named first-team All-Pro and helping the Rams to the Super Bowl , running back Todd Gurley was officially demoted by Atlanta interim coach Raheem Morris in favor of Ito Smith .
In last week ’ s loss to Tampa Bay , Smith played 31 snaps and Gurley had one rush and two catches in 16 snaps .
Released by the Rams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 3.5 yards per rushing attempt .
300-game club .
Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady was scheduled to play in his 300th regular season game ( 298th start ) Saturday at Detroit , becoming only the ninth member of the 300-game club .
The top eight : Morten Anderson ( 382 ) , Adam Vinatieri ( 365 ) , Gary Anderson ( 353 ) , Jeff Feagles ( 352 ) , George Blanda ( 340 ) , Jason Hanson ( 327 ) , Phil Dawson ( 305 ) and Jerry Rice ( 303 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts ) and Rice weren ’ t full-time specialists .
Brady is one of only eight active players to have appeared in at least 250 games .
For the record , the leaders among Broncos in games played are Jason Elam ( 236 ) and John Elway ( 234 ) .
Around the AFC : By getting first win , Jets squander hold on first overall pick Riddick popular candidate .
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick is making the interview rounds for the general manager openings in Houston and Jacksonville .
It makes sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they can ’ t talk to employed NFL front office types until Jan. 4 .
The Jaguars , now in control of the Trevor Lawrence Sweepstakes , are the most attractive job so long as owner Shad Khan hires a GM who will then run the head-coaching search .
Riddick was a long-time executive for Washington and Philadelphia before moving into television .
He would be a great hire for any team .
Patriots ’ problems .
For the first time since 2008 , when quarterback Tom Brady was injured in Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the playoffs .
It is one loss away from its first losing season since 2000 ( coach Bill Belichick ’ s first year ) .
This will be a huge offseason for the Patriots .
Quarterback Cam Newton ( only five touchdown passes ) isn ’ t the answer , but he ’ s far from the only problem .
If the Patriots move up to draft a quarterback , they also need to address receiver and tight end and find the money to re-sign guard Joe Thuney , who played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jets win , but lose .
Last Sunday was disheartening for long-suffering Jets fans … their team won , beating the Rams as a 17 1/2-point underdog to improve to 1-13 .
Goodbye Trevor Lawrence , but all is not lost for the Jets .
They have a combined five draft picks in rounds 1-3 thanks to trading safety Jamal Adams to Seattle and could have as much as $ 70 million in cap space .
The key is their decision on quarterback Sam Darnold .
Keep him and the Jets can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 or trade down to a passer-needy team to pick up even more draft capital .

Game of the week
L.A. Rams at Seattle
The Seahawks are a two-point home favorite in what is basically an NFC West title game. Seattle clinches the division with a win. A Rams win puts both teams at 10-5, but Los Angeles holds the head-to-head tie-breaker. At stake: A first-round home playoff game against Tampa Bay or a road game at the NFC East champ.
Rams 23, Seahawks 21
Lock of the week
Chicago at Jacksonville
The Bears (7-7 and a 7 1/2-point favorite) are still alive for an NFC playoff berth and have scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games for the first time in seven years. The Jaguars’ players don’t care, but their fan base is hoping for a Bears rout and one step closer to drafting Trevor Lawrence.
Bears 37, Jaguars 17
Upset of the week
Tennessee at Green Bay
A terrific Sunday night match-up, albeit at nearly-empty Lambeau Field (1,000 fans). The Packers are a 3 1/2-point favorite and will have the NFC’s top seed if they keep winning. Receiver Davante Adams’ 14 touchdown catches are second in the league. Tennessee’s Derrick Henry leads the NFL with 1,649 rushing yards.
Titans 24, Packers 20
Around the NFC: Self-inflicted off-field issues continue to plague Dwayne Haskins
Haskins’ lack of judgment. File this under the “Don’t Let Owners Make The Draft Pick Dept.” Less than two years ago, as the story goes, Washington owner Dan Snyder was influential in drafting quarterback Dwayne Haskins in the first round. On the field, it hasn’t worked — a 3-9 record, 12 touchdowns and interceptions apiece. Off the field, it hasn’t worked — the latest episode is Haskins getting fined a reported $40,000 by the team for violating COVID-19 protocols for being at a private party last Sunday. Haskins was also stripped of his captaincy. Hard to imagine Haskins being on the roster next year.
Gurley’s fall continues. Just two years after being named first-team All-Pro and helping the Rams to the Super Bowl, running back Todd Gurley was officially demoted by Atlanta interim coach Raheem Morris in favor of Ito Smith. In last week’s loss to Tampa Bay, Smith played 31 snaps and Gurley had one rush and two catches in 16 snaps. Released by the Rams during the offseason, Gurley is averaging only 3.5 yards per rushing attempt.
300-game club. Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady was scheduled to play in his 300th regular season game (298th start) Saturday at Detroit, becoming only the ninth member of the 300-game club. The top eight: Morten Anderson (382), Adam Vinatieri (365), Gary Anderson (353), Jeff Feagles (352), George Blanda (340), Jason Hanson (327), Phil Dawson (305) and Jerry Rice (303). Only Blanda (106 non-kicker starts) and Rice weren’t full-time specialists. Brady is one of only eight active players to have appeared in at least 250 games. For the record, the leaders among Broncos in games played are Jason Elam (236) and John Elway (234).
Around the AFC: By getting first win, Jets squander hold on first overall pick
Riddick popular candidate. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick is making the interview rounds for the general manager openings in Houston and Jacksonville. It makes sense for those teams to contact Riddick in-season because they can’t talk to employed NFL front office types until Jan. 4. The Jaguars, now in control of the Trevor Lawrence Sweepstakes, are the most attractive job so long as owner Shad Khan hires a GM who will then run the head-coaching search. Riddick was a long-time executive for Washington and Philadelphia before moving into television. He would be a great hire for any team.
Patriots’ problems. For the first time since 2008, when quarterback Tom Brady was injured in Week 1, New England won’t be in the playoffs. It is one loss away from its first losing season since 2000 (coach Bill Belichick’s first year). This will be a huge offseason for the Patriots. Quarterback Cam Newton (only five touchdown passes) isn’t the answer, but he’s far from the only problem. If the Patriots move up to draft a quarterback, they also need to address receiver and tight end and find the money to re-sign guard Joe Thuney, who played this year on the franchise tag.
Jets win, but lose. Last Sunday was disheartening for long-suffering Jets fans … their team won, beating the Rams as a 17 1/2-point underdog to improve to 1-13. Goodbye Trevor Lawrence, but all is not lost for the Jets. They have a combined five draft picks in rounds 1-3 thanks to trading safety Jamal Adams to Seattle and could have as much as $70 million in cap space. The key is their decision on quarterback Sam Darnold. Keep him and the Jets can take the Best Non-Quarterback Available at No. 2 or trade down to a passer-needy team to pick up even more draft capital.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Broncos Journal: Decision on Kareem Jackson’s future more to do with money than performance

Ten things entering Sunday ’ s Broncos-Chargers game , one for each of Diontae Spencer ’ s punt returns this year : 1 .
One of the Broncos ’ major early offseason decisions will be what to do with safety Kareem Jackson .
Fourth on the team with 85 tackles , Jackson turns 33 on April 10 and his 2021 cap hit is $ 12,882,353 ( currently second-highest on the team behind Von Miller ’ s $ 22.125 million ) .
If the Broncos cut Jackson , they would create around $ 7.2 million in cap space .
2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Jackson said this past week .
“ I feel like , on a day-to-day basis , I ’ m the same guy .
I ’ m consistent in what I do , being a veteran guy and trying to be a leader and help the young guys and bring them along giving them the knowledge that I have.
” 3 .
Jackson has seven missed tackles , but appears to be moving well and with a purpose , delivering big hits in nearly every game .
The issue , of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Justin Simmons signs a contract in-line with the game ’ s top five safeties , the average will be $ 14 million .
I doubt the Broncos would be keen on having both safeties making more than $ 12 million , especially with needs all over the depth chart .
This year , only Minnesota — Harrison Smith on a long-term deal ( $ 10.75 million hit ) and Anthony Harris ( $ 11.441 million tag number ) — had two safeties with cap hits of at least $ 10 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offense : Their red zone efficiency .
After the loss to New Orleans , the Broncos were 30th in the league ( 14-of-29 , 48.3 % ) .
But they ’ ve scored seven touchdowns on as many possessions in the last three games , moving up to 21st ( 21-of-36 , 58.3 % ) .
5 .
Against Kansas City , Carolina and Buffalo , quarterback Drew Lock was 6-of-9 passing for 35 yards and five touchdowns in the red zone .
“ We focus on it a lot during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down there , it ’ s not about field goals , it ’ s about us sticking it into the end zone finishing the drive , ” he said .
“ The little details that matter a lot on the field get amped up more in the red zone .
We ’ ve been dialed in and extremely focused.
” 6 .
Asked about the red zone , offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur started by mentioning the Broncos ’ improved third-down work ( 16-of-35 in the last three games ) .
Four of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plays — a 14-yard zone read and 13-yard scramble by Lock and Melvin Gordon carries of six and 10 yards .
Gordon scored a 10-yard touchdown on third-and-8 .
“ Caught ( Buffalo ) playing pass and we called a run and executed , ” said Shurmur , who added : “ I really don ’ t care how we score .
We could crawl it in , throw it in , burrow-under-the-ground in.
” 7 .
The Broncos have a ton of respect for Chargers running back Austin Ekeler , the Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hamstring injury cost him six games this year and in eight games , he has 467 yards rushing and 45 catches .
Ekeler signed a four-year , $ 24.5 million contract in March when the Chargers chose to build the running game around him and not Gordon .
8 .
Broncos coach Vic Fangio ’ s scouting report of Ekeler : “ He brings a lot .
He ’ s a great back , very versatile , a good runner obviously when they hand it off to him .
He ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both running routes and getting screens and check-downs .
He ’ s elusive and hard to tackle in the open field .
They chose to keep him over ( Gordon ) so that tells you how they feel about him.
” 9 .
The Broncos ’ defense can ’ t get off the field lately .
In the first eight games , opponents had only seven drives of at least five minutes , but have 13 such possessions in the past six games .
Carolina ( 5:11 , 5:04 , and 5:03 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7:46 ) had three apiece in the last two weeks .
Opponents had 16 drives of at least 10 plays in the first eight games , but 15 in the last six games .
10 .
What the defense needs to curb against the Chargers and Las Vegas are allowing explosive plays ( rushes of at least 12 yards/passes of at least 16 ) .
Through 11 games , the Broncos allowed 6.5 explosive plays per game ( 26 rushes/46 passes ) .
But in the last three games , they have allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .

Ten things entering Sunday’s Broncos-Chargers game, one for each of Diontae Spencer’s punt returns this year:
1. One of the Broncos’ major early offseason decisions will be what to do with safety Kareem Jackson. Fourth on the team with 85 tackles, Jackson turns 33 on April 10 and his 2021 cap hit is $12,882,353 (currently second-highest on the team behind Von Miller’s $22.125 million). If the Broncos cut Jackson, they would create around $7.2 million in cap space.
2. “I had a pretty solid year,” Jackson said this past week. “I feel like, on a day-to-day basis, I’m the same guy. I’m consistent in what I do, being a veteran guy and trying to be a leader and help the young guys and bring them along giving them the knowledge that I have.”
3. Jackson has seven missed tackles, but appears to be moving well and with a purpose, delivering big hits in nearly every game. The issue, of course, is more money than performance. If Justin Simmons signs a contract in-line with the game’s top five safeties, the average will be $14 million. I doubt the Broncos would be keen on having both safeties making more than $12 million, especially with needs all over the depth chart. This year, only Minnesota — Harrison Smith on a long-term deal ($10.75 million hit) and Anthony Harris ($11.441 million tag number) — had two safeties with cap hits of at least $10 million.
4. Hey, a positive about the offense: Their red zone efficiency. After the loss to New Orleans, the Broncos were 30th in the league (14-of-29, 48.3%). But they’ve scored seven touchdowns on as many possessions in the last three games, moving up to 21st (21-of-36, 58.3%).
5. Against Kansas City, Carolina and Buffalo, quarterback Drew Lock was 6-of-9 passing for 35 yards and five touchdowns in the red zone. “We focus on it a lot during the week and realize that when you get down there, it’s not about field goals, it’s about us sticking it into the end zone finishing the drive,” he said. “The little details that matter a lot on the field get amped up more in the red zone. We’ve been dialed in and extremely focused.”
6. Asked about the red zone, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur started by mentioning the Broncos’ improved third-down work (16-of-35 in the last three games). Four of their six conversions against Buffalo came via run plays — a 14-yard zone read and 13-yard scramble by Lock and Melvin Gordon carries of six and 10 yards. Gordon scored a 10-yard touchdown on third-and-8. “Caught (Buffalo) playing pass and we called a run and executed,” said Shurmur, who added: “I really don’t care how we score. We could crawl it in, throw it in, burrow-under-the-ground in.”
7. The Broncos have a ton of respect for Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, the Colorado native and Western State alum. A hamstring injury cost him six games this year and in eight games, he has 467 yards rushing and 45 catches. Ekeler signed a four-year, $24.5 million contract in March when the Chargers chose to build the running game around him and not Gordon.
8. Broncos coach Vic Fangio’s scouting report of Ekeler: “He brings a lot. He’s a great back, very versatile, a good runner obviously when they hand it off to him. He’s a really good receiver out of the backfield both running routes and getting screens and check-downs. He’s elusive and hard to tackle in the open field. They chose to keep him over (Gordon) so that tells you how they feel about him.”
9. The Broncos’ defense can’t get off the field lately. In the first eight games, opponents had only seven drives of at least five minutes, but have 13 such possessions in the past six games. Carolina (5:11, 5:04, and 5:03) and Buffalo (6:05, 5:09 and 7:46) had three apiece in the last two weeks. Opponents had 16 drives of at least 10 plays in the first eight games, but 15 in the last six games.
10. What the defense needs to curb against the Chargers and Las Vegas are allowing explosive plays (rushes of at least 12 yards/passes of at least 16). Through 11 games, the Broncos allowed 6.5 explosive plays per game (26 rushes/46 passes). But in the last three games, they have allowed 33 explosive plays (nine rushes/24 passes).


thedenverpost--2020-12-27--Grading the Week: Hey Stan Kroenke, could you spare us a few Nuggets and Avalanche games this winter

Grading the Week: Hey Stan Kroenke, could you spare us a few Nuggets and Avalanche games this winter?

Stan Kroenke ’ s got himself one heck of a professional sports pleasure palace over there in Inglewood , Calif. As ostentatious monuments to American sporting largesse go , the home of Kroenke ’ s Los Angeles Rams ( as well as the Chargers ) is almost without peer .
Opened this fall , SoFi Stadium is 3.1 million square feet in size , can seat more than 70,000 fans and even has a translucent roof — because , you know , those Southern California winters can be unforgiving .
So , can someone please explain why the man atop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t figure out a way for Avalanche and Nuggets fans to watch their teams play this winter ?
Here we are , at the start of Year 2 of the Comcast/Altitude TV dispute , and it ’ s come to this : Subscribe to DirecTV or its streaming service , become a no-good streaming pirate or stop watching Avs and Nuggets games altogether .
Because nobody is getting inside Ball Arena anytime soon — not while the COVID-19 pandemic continues — and there ’ s no end in sight to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Comcast subscribers for going on 16 months .
We here at the Grading the Week offices don ’ t claim to have good business sense — heck , we chose sports journalism as a profession — but cutting off customers from your product doesn ’ t exactly seem like a wise move to us .
Even more of a head-scratcher : Both the Nuggets and Avalanche are legitimate title contenders .
This is the time to grow your fanbase , not let it wither .
So , please , Stan , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
Spare us a few games .
Let ’ s all take a moment and give thanks that we get another season of Wright in CU Buffs black and gold .
The crafty 6-foot point guard is the biggest reason CU men ’ s basketball is 6-1 through seven games this season , including four straight wins prior to the team ’ s brief Christmas break .
Too often , talented college basketball players are in a rush to make the jump to the NBA .
But Wright correctly read his standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Boulder for his senior year and is now producing his best season so far with the Buffs .
The numbers — 16.3 points per game on 60.8 % shooting ( 42.1 % from 3 ) , 5.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds — are tremendous .
So , too , is the shot making , which was on full display in the final minutes of Tuesday ’ s 74-64 win over Grand Canyon , when Wright sank all manner of floaters to put away a pesky Antelopes squad .
The coronavirus robbed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip last spring .
It ’ s starting to look like this March just might offer redemption for both .
We already knew the third and final installment of the Nuggets ’ “ City Edition ” jerseys were an assault upon the eyeballs .
Then we saw Denver play in them Christmas night against the Los Angeles Clippers .
The result ?
A 121-108 loss that was somehow even worse than that score suggests .
There ’ s only one thing to be done with those Flatirons Red abominations : Light them on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around their ashes .

Stan Kroenke’s got himself one heck of a professional sports pleasure palace over there in Inglewood, Calif.
As ostentatious monuments to American sporting largesse go, the home of Kroenke’s Los Angeles Rams (as well as the Chargers) is almost without peer.
Opened this fall, SoFi Stadium is 3.1 million square feet in size, can seat more than 70,000 fans and even has a translucent roof — because, you know, those Southern California winters can be unforgiving.
Total price tag: approximately $5 billion.
KSE — D+
So, can someone please explain why the man atop the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment food chain can’t figure out a way for Avalanche and Nuggets fans to watch their teams play this winter?
Here we are, at the start of Year 2 of the Comcast/Altitude TV dispute, and it’s come to this: Subscribe to DirecTV or its streaming service, become a no-good streaming pirate or stop watching Avs and Nuggets games altogether.
Because nobody is getting inside Ball Arena anytime soon — not while the COVID-19 pandemic continues — and there’s no end in sight to a stalemate that has kept Altitude TV away from Comcast subscribers for going on 16 months.
We here at the Grading the Week offices don’t claim to have good business sense — heck, we chose sports journalism as a profession — but cutting off customers from your product doesn’t exactly seem like a wise move to us.
Even more of a head-scratcher: Both the Nuggets and Avalanche are legitimate title contenders. This is the time to grow your fanbase, not let it wither.
So, please, Stan, if not for us, do it for you. Spare us a few games.
McKinley Wright IV — A
Let’s all take a moment and give thanks that we get another season of Wright in CU Buffs black and gold.
The crafty 6-foot point guard is the biggest reason CU men’s basketball is 6-1 through seven games this season, including four straight wins prior to the team’s brief Christmas break.
Too often, talented college basketball players are in a rush to make the jump to the NBA. But Wright correctly read his standing as an end-of-the-draft long shot, returned to Boulder for his senior year and is now producing his best season so far with the Buffs.
The numbers — 16.3 points per game on 60.8% shooting (42.1% from 3), 5.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds — are tremendous.
So, too, is the shot making, which was on full display in the final minutes of Tuesday’s 74-64 win over Grand Canyon, when Wright sank all manner of floaters to put away a pesky Antelopes squad.
The coronavirus robbed the Buffs and Wright of an NCAA Tournament trip last spring. It’s starting to look like this March just might offer redemption for both.
Nuggets’ City Edition jerseys — F
We already knew the third and final installment of the Nuggets’ “City Edition” jerseys were an assault upon the eyeballs. Then we saw Denver play in them Christmas night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The result? A 121-108 loss that was somehow even worse than that score suggests.
The Basketball Gods have spoken.
There’s only one thing to be done with those Flatirons Red abominations: Light them on fire, so we can all dance around their ashes.


thedenverpost--2020-12-27--CU Buffs’ trip to Alamo Bowl another chance to tap into fertile Texas recruiting grounds

At its apex , the Colorado football program found some of its best players in Texas .
It was like that when Buffs coach Bill McCartney recruited the H-town boys — Kanavis McGhee , Alfred Williams and Arthur Walker — to spearhead a run of nationally-ranked teams .
And now , as the Buffs once again tap into that pipeline — one that has produced two of the program ’ s biggest stars of the past three seasons in Laviska Shenault and Jarek Broussard — they have an opportunity to make further in-roads into the Lone Star State by playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not only are they playing in one of the biggest bowl games in Texas , they ’ re also playing Texas , the state ’ s flagship program .
“ Playing Texas , back in our own home state , it ’ s an exciting feeling .
Everybody ’ s locked in , ” said left tackle Will Sherman , a Texas native .
“ The California guys have our back because ( playing Texas ) is kind of like their USC or UCLA .
All of the Texas guys are fired up.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s important for recruiting .
Especially in a state as football crazy as Texas .
And right now , Colorado doesn ’ t have much of it .
The Pac-12 hasn ’ t been represented in the College Football Playoff since the 2016 season , and the CU Buffs ’ last bowl game came that same year .
One Texas football player , starting running back Bijan Robinson , said he didn ’ t even know Colorado was once in the Big 12 .
Re-establishing the Buffs in the Lone Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission since being hired away from Texas Tech in 2016 to be a wide receivers coach and later recruiting coordinator for his alma mater .
“ We were heavily involved in recruiting Texas back in the ’ 90s in the Bill McCartney era , Gary Barnett era , that was always a focal point .
Even with Coach ( Rick ) Neuheisel , ” Chiaverini said .
“ We recruited Texas very well so I was really surprised when I got hired in 2016 , I looked at the roster , I noticed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players from the state of Texas.
” Almost immediately , the Buffs went from having one coach recruiting Texas to eight .
And the results were dramatic , as that pipeline quickly produced the likes of Sherman , Shenault , KD Nixon , Chris Miller and Alex Fontenot — all players who have started for Colorado since 2017 .
The number of Texans on CU ’ s roster has more than doubled from 10 in 2016 to 22 this season .
Six of them will be starting in the Alamo Bowl , five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , includes redshirt sophomore running back Broussard — the Pac-12 offensive player of the year who hails from Dallas .
The pitch , according to Chiaverini , is proximity .
Colorado is a relatively short flight from Texas , getting from gate to gate in around two hours .
And Chiaverini said that once the recruit realizes how close it is , the facilities and the surroundings of Boulder , it becomes an easier sell .
Chiaverini admits that Texas recruits have been worried about living in a colder climate , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunshine in Colorado and when it ’ s 45 degrees out , it feels more like 60 .
“ When we get them on campus and they come to a game in the wintertime or in the fall , ” Chiaverini said , “ they ’ re really blown away by that.
” Karl Dorrell and his coaching staff have continued to recruit Texas .
They currently have three 2021 signees from the state , and Dorrell believes that is only going to grow .
“ It has been a good pipeline for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Dorrell said .
“ I want to make sure we still have those pipelines running .
( Recruiting Texas ) is extremely important .
It ’ s a good piece of what we are in terms of our program.
” In the Buffs ’ Big 12 glory days , it might ’ ve been easier to go into Texas and sell Colorado because recruits knew they would be playing all of the nearby schools , and beating them .
It ’ s a lot different now , but Chiaverini believes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s advantage .
“ I feel like we have an advantage being the closest Pac 12 team in the West , ” Chiaverini said .
“ And we have to dive into that and be consistent , and build these relationships with these high school coaches in those areas.
” Despite playing in the Pac-12 , they have still shown a desire to play games with programs in Texas .
CU will play Texas A & M at home in 2021 , and has a home-and-home series with TCU in 2022 and 2023 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2025 and 2026 .
When they step on the field at the Alamodome Tuesday , the Buffs will be ready to make a statement in more ways than one .
They ’ ll be looking to gain some respect .
“ This is going to be a big game for not only us but the program as well , ” Broussard said .
“ And also the Pac-12 .
I feel like we deserve some respect as a conference .
Just having this opportunity is a good thing overall.
” The Buffs have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State since Darrin Chiaverini arrived on campus .
Here ’ s a look at the number of recruits on CU ’ s roster by year .

At its apex, the Colorado football program found some of its best players in Texas.
It was like that when Buffs coach Bill McCartney recruited the H-town boys — Kanavis McGhee, Alfred Williams and Arthur Walker — to spearhead a run of nationally-ranked teams.
And now, as the Buffs once again tap into that pipeline — one that has produced two of the program’s biggest stars of the past three seasons in Laviska Shenault and Jarek Broussard — they have an opportunity to make further in-roads into the Lone Star State by playing in the Alamo Bowl on Tuesday.
Not only are they playing in one of the biggest bowl games in Texas, they’re also playing Texas, the state’s flagship program.
“Playing Texas, back in our own home state, it’s an exciting feeling. Everybody’s locked in,” said left tackle Will Sherman, a Texas native. “The California guys have our back because (playing Texas) is kind of like their USC or UCLA. All of the Texas guys are fired up.”
It’s the respect factor that’s important for recruiting. Especially in a state as football crazy as Texas. And right now, Colorado doesn’t have much of it.
The Pac-12 hasn’t been represented in the College Football Playoff since the 2016 season, and the CU Buffs’ last bowl game came that same year. One Texas football player, starting running back Bijan Robinson, said he didn’t even know Colorado was once in the Big 12.
Re-establishing the Buffs in the Lone Star State is something Darrin Chiaverini made his mission since being hired away from Texas Tech in 2016 to be a wide receivers coach and later recruiting coordinator for his alma mater.
“We were heavily involved in recruiting Texas back in the ’90s in the Bill McCartney era, Gary Barnett era, that was always a focal point. Even with Coach (Rick) Neuheisel,” Chiaverini said. “We recruited Texas very well so I was really surprised when I got hired in 2016, I looked at the roster, I noticed there weren’t a lot of players from the state of Texas.”
Almost immediately, the Buffs went from having one coach recruiting Texas to eight.
And the results were dramatic, as that pipeline quickly produced the likes of Sherman, Shenault, KD Nixon, Chris Miller and Alex Fontenot — all players who have started for Colorado since 2017.
The number of Texans on CU’s roster has more than doubled from 10 in 2016 to 22 this season. Six of them will be starting in the Alamo Bowl, five on offense. That, of course, includes redshirt sophomore running back Broussard — the Pac-12 offensive player of the year who hails from Dallas.
The pitch, according to Chiaverini, is proximity. Colorado is a relatively short flight from Texas, getting from gate to gate in around two hours. And Chiaverini said that once the recruit realizes how close it is, the facilities and the surroundings of Boulder, it becomes an easier sell.
Chiaverini admits that Texas recruits have been worried about living in a colder climate, but he tells them about the 300-plus days of sunshine in Colorado and when it’s 45 degrees out, it feels more like 60.
“When we get them on campus and they come to a game in the wintertime or in the fall,” Chiaverini said, “they’re really blown away by that.”
Karl Dorrell and his coaching staff have continued to recruit Texas. They currently have three 2021 signees from the state, and Dorrell believes that is only going to grow.
“It has been a good pipeline for us for a long period of time,” Dorrell said. “I want to make sure we still have those pipelines running. (Recruiting Texas) is extremely important. It’s a good piece of what we are in terms of our program.”
In the Buffs’ Big 12 glory days, it might’ve been easier to go into Texas and sell Colorado because recruits knew they would be playing all of the nearby schools, and beating them. It’s a lot different now, but Chiaverini believes that he can use that to CU’s advantage.
“I feel like we have an advantage being the closest Pac 12 team in the West,” Chiaverini said. “And we have to dive into that and be consistent, and build these relationships with these high school coaches in those areas.”
Despite playing in the Pac-12, they have still shown a desire to play games with programs in Texas. CU will play Texas A&M at home in 2021, and has a home-and-home series with TCU in 2022 and 2023 followed by a home-and-home with Houston in 2025 and 2026.
When they step on the field at the Alamodome Tuesday, the Buffs will be ready to make a statement in more ways than one. They’ll be looking to gain some respect.
“This is going to be a big game for not only us but the program as well,” Broussard said. “And also the Pac-12. I feel like we deserve some respect as a conference. Just having this opportunity is a good thing overall.”
Texas athletes at CU
The Buffs have made steady gains in the Lone Star State since Darrin Chiaverini arrived on campus. Here’s a look at the number of recruits on CU’s roster by year.
Year Texans 2015 10 2016 10* 2017 15 2018 16 2019 19 2020 22
* Coach Darrin Chiaverini takes over as recruiting coordinator


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--House fire in Brighton sends 7 to hospital with smoke inhalation

Seven people were taken to the hospital Saturday for observation after suffering from smoke inhalation in a fire at house @ @ @ @ @ .
Brighton Fire Rescue tweeted just after 3 p.m. that crews were on scene in @ @ @ @ @ Street , where they found heavy fire in the basement and ground floor of a @ @ @ @ @ already were outside when firefighters arrive , officials said .
The South Adams County Fire @ @ @ @ @ , and five ambulances were sent to the scene to provide medical treatment and transport @ @ @ @ @ hospital , according to Brighton Fire Rescue .
As of 3:30 p.m. , the fire @ @ @ @ @ cause is under investigation , authorities said .

Seven people were taken to the hospital Saturday for observation after suffering from smoke inhalation in a fire at house in Brighton, authorities said.
Brighton Fire Rescue tweeted just after 3 p.m. that crews were on scene in the 1300 block of Strong Street, where they found heavy fire in the basement and ground floor of a single-story home. All occupants already were outside when firefighters arrive, officials said.
The South Adams County Fire Department assisted with the blaze, and five ambulances were sent to the scene to provide medical treatment and transport the smoke-inhalation patients to the hospital, according to Brighton Fire Rescue.
As of 3:30 p.m., the fire was under control and its cause is under investigation, authorities said.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Unemployment benefits for millions in limbo as Trump rages

WEST PALM BEACH , Fla. — Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet were set to lapse at midnight Saturday night unless President Donald Trump signed an end-of-year COVID relief and spending bill that had been considered a done deal before his sudden objections .
Trump ’ s refusal to sign the bipartisan package as he demands larger COVID relief checks and complains about “ pork ” spending could also force a federal government shutdown when money runs out at 12:01 Tuesday in the middle of a pandemic .
“ It ’ s a chess game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lanetris Haines , a self-employed single mother of three in South Bend , Indiana , who stands to lose her $ 129 weekly jobless benefit unless Trump signs the package into law or succeeds in his improbable quest for changes .
Washington has been reeling since Trump threw the package into limbo after it had already won sweeping approval in both houses of Congress and after the White House assured Republican leaders that Trump would support it .
Instead , he has assailed the bill ’ s plan to provide $ 600 COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should be $ 2,000 .
House Republicans swiftly rejected that idea during a rare Christmas Eve session .
But Trump has not been swayed .
“ I simply want to get our great people $ 2000 , rather than the measly $ 600 that is now in the bill , ” Trump tweeted Saturday from Palm Beach , where he is spending the holiday .
“ Also , stop the billions of dollars in ‘ pork.
’ ” President-elect Joe Biden called on Trump to sign the bill immediately as two federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expire Saturday .
“ It is the day after Christmas , and millions of families don ’ t know if they ’ ll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump ’ s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority , ” Biden said in a statement .
He accused Trump of an “ abdication of responsibility ” that has “ devastating consequences.
” “ I ’ ve been talking to people who are scared they ’ re going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Christmas holidays , and still might be if we don ’ t sign this bill , ’ said Rep. Debbie Dingell , a Michigan Democrat .
Lauren Bauer , a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution , has calculated that 11 million people would lose aid from the programs immediately without additional relief ; millions more would exhaust other unemployment benefits within weeks .
Andrew Stettner , an unemployment insurance expert and senior fellow at the Century Foundation think tank , said the number may be closer to 14 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ All these folks and their families will suffer if Trump doesn ’ t sign the damn bill , ” Heidi Shierholz , director of policy at the liberal Economic Policy Institute , tweeted Wednesday .
However , she said the unemployed could potentially receive payments retroactively if the bill is eventually signed .
How and when people are affected by the lapse depends on the state they live in , the program they are relying on and when they applied for benefits .
In some states , people on regular unemployment insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program that extends benefits when the jobless rate surpasses a certain threshold , Stettner said .
About 9.5 million people , however , rely on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that expires altogether Saturday .
That program made unemployment insurance available to freelancers , gig workers and others who are normally not eligible .
After receiving their last checks , those recipients will not be able to file for more aid starting Monday , Stettner said .
While payments could be received retroactively , any gap means more hardship and uncertainty for Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , often depleting much of their savings to stay afloat while waiting for payments to kick in .
They are people like Earl McCarthy , a father of four who lives in South Fulton , Georgia , and has been relying on unemployment since losing his job as a sales representative for a luxury senior living community .
He said he will be left with no income by the second week of January if Trump fails to sign the bill .
McCarthy said he already burned through much of his savings as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment benefits .
After leaving weekly messages with the unemployment agency , McCarthy reached out to the South Fulton mayor ’ s office , then to his state legislative representative to ask for help .
He finally started getting payments in November .
“ The entire experience was horrifying , ” said McCarthy , who is receiving about $ 350 a week in unemployment insurance .
“ For me , I shudder to think if I had not saved anything or had an emergency fund through those five months , where would we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s going to be difficult if the president doesn ’ t sign this bill.
” The bill awaiting Trump ’ s signature would also activate a weekly $ 300 federal supplement to unemployment payments .
Sharon Shelton Corpening had been hoping the extra help would allow her 83-year-old mother , with whom she lives , to stop eating into her social security payments to make their $ 1,138 rent .
Corpening , who lives in the Atlanta area , had launched a freelance content strategy business that was just taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several of her contracts to fall through .
She is receiving about $ 125 a week under the pandemic unemployment program and says she will be unable to pay her bills in about a month .
This , despite her temporary work for the U.S. census and as an elections poll worker .
“ We on the brink , ” said Corpening .
“ One more month , if that .
Then , I run out of everything.
” Trump , meanwhile , has been spending his final days in office golfing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his loss to Biden in the Nov. 3 election .
On Saturday , he again lashed out at members of his own party for failing to join his quest to try to overturn the results of the election with baseless claims of mass voter fraud that have been repeatedly rejected by the courts .
“ If a Democrat Presidential Candidate had an Election Rigged & Stolen , with proof of such acts at a level never seen before , the Democrat Senators would consider it an act of war , and fight to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Republicans “ just want to let it pass .
NO FIGHT !
” Trump also lashed out at the Supreme Court , the Justice Department and the FBI as he seemed to encourage his supporters to gather in Washington on Jan. 6 , the day Congress tallies the Electoral College vote — even though a similar event last month devolved into violence , with multiple people being stabbed in the capital ’ s streets .
In addition to freezing unemployment benefits , Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would lead to the expiration of eviction protections and put on hold a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses , restaurants and theaters , along with money to help schools and vaccine distribution .
The relief is also attached to a $ 1.4 trillion government funding bill to keep the federal government operating .

Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet were set to lapse at midnight Saturday unless President Donald Trump signed an end-of-year COVID relief and spending bill that had been considered a done deal before his sudden objections.
Trump’s refusal to sign the bipartisan package as he demands larger COVID relief checks and complains about “pork” spending could also force a federal government shutdown when money runs out at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday in the middle of a pandemic.
“It’s a chess game and we are pawns,” said Lanetris Haines, a self-employed single mother of three in South Bend, Indiana, who stands to lose her $129 weekly jobless benefit unless Trump signs the package into law or succeeds in his improbable quest for changes.
Washington has been reeling since Trump threw the package into limbo after it had already won sweeping approval in both houses of Congress and after the White House assured Republican leaders that Trump would support it.
Instead, he has assailed the bill’s plan to provide $600 COVID relief checks to most Americans — insisting it should be $2,000. House Republicans swiftly rejected that idea during a rare Christmas Eve session. But Trump has not been swayed.
“I simply want to get our great people $2000, rather than the measly $600 that is now in the bill,” Trump tweeted Saturday from Palm Beach, Florida, where he is spending the holiday. “Also, stop the billions of dollars in ‘pork.’”
President-elect Joe Biden called on Trump to sign the bill immediately as two federal programs providing unemployment aid were set to expire Saturday.
“It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don’t know if they’ll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority,” Biden said in a statement. He accused Trump of an “abdication of responsibility” that has “devastating consequences.”
“I’ve been talking to people who are scared they’re going to be kicked out from their homes, during the Christmas holidays, and still might be if we don’t sign this bill,’’ said Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat.
Lauren Bauer, a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, has calculated that 11 million people would lose aid from the programs immediately without additional relief; millions more would exhaust other unemployment benefits within weeks.
Andrew Stettner, an unemployment insurance expert and senior fellow at the Century Foundation think tank, said the number may be closer to 14 million because joblessness has spiked since Thanksgiving.
“All these folks and their families will suffer if Trump doesn’t sign the damn bill,’’ Heidi Shierholz, director of policy at the liberal Economic Policy Institute, tweeted Wednesday.
How and when people are affected by the lapse depends on the state they live in, the program they are relying on and when they applied for benefits. In some states, people on regular unemployment insurance could continue to receive payments under a program that extends benefits when the jobless rate surpasses a certain threshold, Stettner said.
About 9.5 million people, however, rely on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that expires altogether Saturday. That program made unemployment insurance available to freelancers, gig workers and others who are normally not eligible. After receiving their last checks, those recipients will not be able to file for more aid after Saturday, Stettner said.
While payments could be received retroactively, any gap means more hardship and uncertainty for Americans who have already grappled with bureaucratic delays, often depleting much of their savings to stay afloat while waiting for payments to kick in.
They are people like Earl McCarthy, a father of four who lives in South Fulton, Georgia, and has been relying on unemployment since losing his job as a sales representative for a luxury senior living community. He said he will be left with no income by the second week of January if Trump fails to sign the bill.
McCarthy said he already burned through much of his savings as he waited five months to begin receiving his unemployment benefits. After leaving weekly messages with the unemployment agency, McCarthy reached out to the South Fulton mayor’s office, then to his state legislative representative to ask for help. He finally started getting payments in November.
“The entire experience was horrifying,” said McCarthy, who is receiving about $350 a week in unemployment insurance.
“For me, I shudder to think if I had not saved anything or had an emergency fund through those five months, where would we have been?” he said. “It’s going to be difficult if the president doesn’t sign this bill.”
The bill awaiting Trump’s signature would also activate a weekly $300 federal supplement to unemployment payments.
Sharon Shelton Corpening had been hoping the extra help would allow her 83-year-old mother, with whom she lives, to stop eating into her social security payments to make their $1,138 rent.
Corpening, who lives in the Atlanta area, had launched a freelance content strategy business that was just taking off before the pandemic hit, prompting several of her contracts to fall through. She is receiving about $125 a week under the pandemic unemployment program and says she will be unable to pay her bills in about a month. This, despite her temporary work for the U.S. census and as an elections poll worker.
“We on the brink,” said Corpening, who lobbies for Unemployment Action, a project launched by the Center for Popular Democracy to fight for relief. “One more month, if that. Then, I run out of everything.”
Trump, meanwhile, has been spending his final days in office golfing and angrily tweeting as he refuses to accept his loss to Biden in the Nov. 3 election. On Saturday, he again lashed out at members of his own party for failing to join his quest to try to overturn the results of the election with baseless claims of mass voter fraud that have been repeatedly rejected by the courts.
“If a Democrat Presidential Candidate had an Election Rigged & Stolen, with proof of such acts at a level never seen before, the Democrat Senators would consider it an act of war, and fight to the death,” he railed. He said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Republicans “just want to let it pass. NO FIGHT!”
Trump also lashed out at the Supreme Court, the Justice Department and the FBI as he seemed to encourage his supporters to gather in Washington on Jan. 6, the day Congress tallies the Electoral College vote — even though a similar event last month devolved into violence, with multiple people being stabbed in the capital’s streets.
In addition to freezing unemployment benefits, Trump’s lack of action on the bill would lead to the expiration of eviction protections and put on hold a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants and theaters, along with money to help schools and vaccine distribution.
The relief is also attached to a $1.4 trillion government funding bill to keep the federal government operating.
Olson reported from New York.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Jeff Shiffrin Resiliency Fund nears $3M raised for athletes

The Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund is at 98 % of its fundraising goal — nearing $ 3 million raised to help U.S .
Ski & Snowboard athletes across all disciplines continue to maintain a competitive edge during the uncertainty of COVID-19 .
With over 180 athletes across disciplines , many paying mostly their own way , the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund aims to “ keep the flame alive ” ahead of the Beijing 2022 Olympics .
Donations go from $ 25 to $ 1,000 and go toward things like travel , meals , college tuition grants , rehab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , resiliency is the ability to experience something really difficult — hardship , pain , struggle — to experience that , and to get to the other side of it , holding on to some form of strength or purpose , ” Edwards resident Mikaela Shiffrin shares on the fundraising page .
“ And it doesn ’ t mean you were the same person that you were before … but you keep that strength , you keep that toughness or that determination you had before.
” As part of the Jeff Shiffrin Resiliency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share their motivational stories by asking “ What does resiliency mean to you ?
” Three-time World Cup champion Steven Nyman answered : “ Resiliency to me is fortitude .
It ’ s having a belief in something and continuing to fight for that and push for that and knowing that it ’ s possible .
I ’ ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career .
I ’ ve had a lot of injuries , a lot of setbacks — mental and physical — and in my heart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known that it ’ s possible and I ’ ve known that I can be one of the best in the world .
”

The Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund is at 98% of its fundraising goal — nearing $3 million raised to help U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes across all disciplines continue to maintain a competitive edge during the uncertainty of COVID-19.
With over 180 athletes across disciplines, many paying mostly their own way, the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund aims to “keep the flame alive” ahead of the Beijing 2022 Olympics. Donations go from $25 to $1,000 and go toward things like travel, meals, college tuition grants, rehab sessions and more.
“To me, resiliency is the ability to experience something really difficult — hardship, pain, struggle — to experience that, and to get to the other side of it, holding on to some form of strength or purpose,” Edwards resident Mikaela Shiffrin shares on the fundraising page. “And it doesn’t mean you were the same person that you were before … but you keep that strength, you keep that toughness or that determination you had before.”
As part of the Jeff Shiffrin Resiliency Fund, Mikaela asked fellow racers to share their motivational stories by asking “What does resiliency mean to you?”
Three-time World Cup champion Steven Nyman answered: “Resiliency to me is fortitude. It’s having a belief in something and continuing to fight for that and push for that and knowing that it’s possible. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career. I’ve had a lot of injuries, a lot of setbacks — mental and physical — and in my heart, the entire time, I’ve known that it’s possible and I’ve known that I can be one of the best in the world.”
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Girl Scouts rebuke Boy Scouts in escalating recruitment war

NEW YORK — The Girl Scouts are in a “ highly damaging ” recruitment war with the Boy Scouts after the latter opened its core services to girls , leading to marketplace confusion and some girls unwittingly joining the Boy Scouts , lawyers for the century-old Girl Scouts organization claim in papers filed in a federal court .
The competition , more conjecture than reality two years ago , has intensified as the Boy Scouts of America organization — which insists recruits pledge to be “ trustworthy , loyal , helpful , friendly , courteous and kind ” — has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims in legal briefs filed on behalf of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America .
The lawyers filed papers in Manhattan federal court Thursday to repel an effort by the Boy Scouts to toss out before trial a trademark infringement lawsuit the Girl Scouts filed in 2018 .
Last month , lawyers for the Boy Scouts asked a judge to reject claims that the Boy Scouts can not use “ scouts ” and “ scouting ” in its recruitment of girls without infringing trademarks .
Messages seeking comment on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday to lawyers for the Boy Scouts .
In its filing , the Girl Scouts said the Boy Scouts ’ marketing of expanded services for girls was “ extraordinary and highly damaging to Girl Scouts ” and had set off an “ explosion of confusion.
” “ As a result of Boy Scouts ’ infringement , parents have mistakenly enrolled their daughters in Boy Scouts thinking it was Girl Scouts , ” the lawyers said , adding that this never occurred before 2018 .
The Girls Scouts said they can prove there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instances of association between Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts ” after the Boy Scouts targeted girls and their parents with marketing and recruiting communications in ways it never has before .
“ The parties ’ programs , which have many similarities , are now directly competitive , ” the Girls Scouts maintained .
The organization cited proof from a narrow subset of documents turned over by 19 of 250 local Boy Scout councils , including evidence that registration fees sometimes were returned to parents who mistakenly thought they registered girls for the Girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusion and interference at the local level by the Boy Scouts was a tiny fraction of what was occurring nationwide .
Each of dozens of times the Girl Scouts complained about unfair marketing , the Boy Scouts responded by blaming individuals , churches or others for what they said was an isolated incident , the lawyers said .
“ According to Boy Scouts , blame for the rampant marketplace confusion lies at everyone ’ s feet but its own , ” they wrote .
Both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declines in membership in recent years as competition grew pre-pandemic from sports leagues and busy family schedules .
In spring 2018 , the Boy Scouts program for 11- to 17-year-olds announced it would change its name to Scouts BSA in early 2019 .
The parent organization , the Boy Scouts of America , and the Cub Scouts , a program serving children from kindergarten through fifth grade , kept their names .
The organization started admitting girls into the Cub Scouts in August 2018 , and Scouts BSA began accepting girls in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Boy Scouts councils and volunteers began using Girl Scouts ’ intellectual property to recruit girls , employing targeted advertising utilizing terms such as “ Scout , Scouts , Scouting , Scout Me In and Scouts BSA , ” the lawyers wrote .
“ Boy Scouts knew full well in 2017 , just as it had in the 1930s and 1970s , that SCOUT , SCOUTS and SCOUTING , when used in connection with girls ’ services , could only create associations with Girl Scouts unless other distinguishing content referencing Boy Scouts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” they said .
“ But it did so anyway , and the only plausible inference is that its motive was to free ride off of Girl Scouts ‘ impeccable ’ reputation and boost its position in a ‘ new market — Girls in Scouting.
’ ” The lawyers said Boy Scouts councils in Illinois acknowledging improperly using the Girl Scouts ’ slogan in Cub Scout recruiting materials and pictures of Girl Scouts to promote a Boy Scouts “ Scouts Sign-Up Night !
” They said a western Massachusetts Boy Scouts council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a photograph of a girl depicted in her Girl Scouts Brownie uniform .
Meanwhile , Ohio Boy Scouts used the Girl Scouts trademark to try to get a local newspaper to write an article , suggesting a storyline entitled “ Boy and Girl Scouts Looking for Members ” even though the recruitment involved only the Boy Scouts , the lawyers said .
In Seattle , a Boy Scouts council used the Girl Scouts trademark in social media recruiting materials , the lawyers said .
They said confusion has skyrocketed among children , parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited examples in other states , including Florida , Minnesota , Arkansas , Michigan , North Carolina and Hawaii .

NEW YORK — The Girl Scouts are in a “highly damaging” recruitment war with the Boy Scouts after the latter opened its core services to girls, leading to marketplace confusion and some girls unwittingly joining the Boy Scouts, lawyers for the century-old Girl Scouts organization claim in papers filed in a federal court.
The competition, more conjecture than reality two years ago, has intensified as the Boy Scouts of America organization — which insists recruits pledge to be “trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous and kind” — has unfairly recruited girls lately, according to claims in legal briefs filed on behalf of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
The lawyers filed papers in Manhattan federal court Thursday to repel an effort by the Boy Scouts to toss out before trial a trademark infringement lawsuit the Girl Scouts filed in 2018.
Last month, lawyers for the Boy Scouts asked a judge to reject claims that the Boy Scouts cannot use “scouts” and “scouting” in its recruitment of girls without infringing trademarks.
It called the lawsuit “utterly meritless.”
Messages seeking comment on the latest filing by Girl Scouts were sent Saturday to lawyers for the Boy Scouts.
In its filing, the Girl Scouts said the Boy Scouts’ marketing of expanded services for girls was “extraordinary and highly damaging to Girl Scouts” and had set off an “explosion of confusion.”
“As a result of Boy Scouts’ infringement, parents have mistakenly enrolled their daughters in Boy Scouts thinking it was Girl Scouts,” the lawyers said, adding that this never occurred before 2018.
The Girls Scouts said they can prove there are “rampant instances of confusion and mistaken instances of association between Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts” after the Boy Scouts targeted girls and their parents with marketing and recruiting communications in ways it never has before.
“The parties’ programs, which have many similarities, are now directly competitive,” the Girls Scouts maintained.
The organization cited proof from a narrow subset of documents turned over by 19 of 250 local Boy Scout councils, including evidence that registration fees sometimes were returned to parents who mistakenly thought they registered girls for the Girl Scouts.
It said repeated instances of confusion and interference at the local level by the Boy Scouts was a tiny fraction of what was occurring nationwide.
Each of dozens of times the Girl Scouts complained about unfair marketing, the Boy Scouts responded by blaming individuals, churches or others for what they said was an isolated incident, the lawyers said.
“According to Boy Scouts, blame for the rampant marketplace confusion lies at everyone’s feet but its own,” they wrote.
Both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, like other major youth organizations, have seen declines in membership in recent years as competition grew pre-pandemic from sports leagues and busy family schedules.
In spring 2018, the Boy Scouts program for 11- to 17-year-olds announced it would change its name to Scouts BSA in early 2019. The parent organization, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Cub Scouts, a program serving children from kindergarten through fifth grade, kept their names.
The organization started admitting girls into the Cub Scouts in August 2018, and Scouts BSA began accepting girls in February, 2019, lawyers said.
Afterward, Boy Scouts councils and volunteers began using Girl Scouts’ intellectual property to recruit girls, employing targeted advertising utilizing terms such as “Scout, Scouts, Scouting, Scout Me In and Scouts BSA,” the lawyers wrote.
“Boy Scouts knew full well in 2017, just as it had in the 1930s and 1970s, that SCOUT, SCOUTS and SCOUTING, when used in connection with girls’ services, could only create associations with Girl Scouts unless other distinguishing content referencing Boy Scouts of America appeared in advertising and promotional materials,” they said. “But it did so anyway, and the only plausible inference is that its motive was to free ride off of Girl Scouts ‘impeccable’ reputation and boost its position in a ‘new market — Girls in Scouting.’”
The lawyers said Boy Scouts councils in Illinois acknowledging improperly using the Girl Scouts’ slogan in Cub Scout recruiting materials and pictures of Girl Scouts to promote a Boy Scouts “Scouts Sign-Up Night!”
They said a western Massachusetts Boy Scouts council posted a recruiting flyer on Facebook including a photograph of a girl depicted in her Girl Scouts Brownie uniform.
Meanwhile, Ohio Boy Scouts used the Girl Scouts trademark to try to get a local newspaper to write an article, suggesting a storyline entitled “Boy and Girl Scouts Looking for Members” even though the recruitment involved only the Boy Scouts, the lawyers said.
In Seattle, a Boy Scouts council used the Girl Scouts trademark in social media recruiting materials, the lawyers said.
They said confusion has skyrocketed among children, parents, schools and religious organizations and they cited examples in other states, including Florida, Minnesota, Arkansas, Michigan, North Carolina and Hawaii.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--FBI searches home of possible person of interest in Nashville bomb

Federal agents converged Saturday on the home of a possible person of interest in the explosion that rocked downtown Nashville as investigators scoured hundreds of tips and leads in the blast that damaged dozens of buildings on Christmas morning .
More than 24 hours after the explosion , a motive remained elusive as investigators worked round-the-clock to resolve unanswered questions about a recreational vehicle that blew up on a mostly deserted street on a sleepy holiday morning and was prefaced by a recorded warning advising those nearby to evacuate .
The attack , which damaged an AT & T building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cellphone service and police and hospital communications in several Southern states .
Investigators from multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies were at a home in Antioch , in suburban Nashville , after receiving information relevant to the investigation , said FBI Special Agent Jason Pack .
Another law enforcement official , who was not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity , said investigators regard a person associated with the property as a person of interest .
Federal agents could be seen looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the backyard .
A Google Maps image had shown a similar recreational vehicle parked in the backyard when the photo was captured in May 2019 ; an AP reporter at the scene did not see the vehicle at the property in the late afternoon Saturday .
There were other signs of progress in the investigation , as the FBI revealed that it was looking at a number of individuals who may be connected to it .
Officials also said no additional explosive devices have been found — indicating no active threat to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 tips and leads .
“ It ’ s just going to take us some time , ” Douglas Korneski , the special agent in charge in charge of the FBI ’ s Memphis field office , said at a Saturday afternoon news conference .
“ Our investigative team is turning over every stone ” to understand who did this and why .
Beyond that , the only known casualties were three injured people .
The infrastructure damage , meanwhile , was broadly felt , due to an AT & T central office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency systems in Tennessee , Kentucky and Alabama , as well as Nashville ’ s COVID-19 community hotline and a handful of hospital systems , remained out of service .
The building contained a telephone exchange , with network equipment in it — but the company has declined to say exactly how many people have been impacted .
Asked whether the AT & T building could have been a possible target , Korneski said , “ We ’ re looking at every possible motive that could be involved.
” Investigators shut down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene — an area packed with honky-tonks , restaurants and shops — as they shuffled through broken glass and damaged buildings to learn more about the explosion .
Mayor John Cooper has enforced a curfew in the downtown area until Sunday via executive order to limit public access to the area .
More than 40 buildings were affected .
AT & T said restoration efforts are facing several challenges , which include a fire that “ reignited overnight and led to the evacuation of the building.
” This has forced their teams to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drilling access holes into the building in order to reconnect power .
“ Our teams continue to work around the clock on recovery efforts from yesterday morning ’ s explosion in Nashville , ” the company said in a Saturday statement .
“ We have two portable cell sites operating in downtown Nashville with numerous additional portable sites being deployed in the Nashville area and in the region.
” Ray Neville , president of technology at T-Mobile , said on Twitter that service disruptions affected Louisville , Nashville , Knoxville , Birmingham and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service interruptions in these areas following yesterday ’ s explosion .
Restoration efforts continue around the clock & we will keep you updated on progress , ” he said in a tweet Saturday .
The outages had even briefly grounded flights at the Nashville International Airport , but service was continuing normally as of Saturday .
The Federal Aviation Association has since issued a temporary flight restriction around the airport , requiring pilots to follow strict procedures until Dec. 30 .
According to Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake , police officers responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired when they encountered the RV blaring a recorded warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes .
Police evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad .
The RV exploded shortly afterward .
Associated Press photographer Mark Humphrey in Nashville and writer John Raby in Charleston , West Virginia , contributed to this report .

Kimberlee Kruesi, Michael Balsamo, Eric Tucker

Federal agents converged Saturday on the home of a possible person of interest in the explosion that rocked downtown Nashville as investigators scoured hundreds of tips and leads in the blast that damaged dozens of buildings on Christmas morning.
More than 24 hours after the explosion, a motive remained elusive as investigators worked round-the-clock to resolve unanswered questions about a recreational vehicle that blew up on a mostly deserted street on a sleepy holiday morning and was prefaced by a recorded warning advising those nearby to evacuate. The attack, which damaged an AT&T building, continued to wreak havoc Saturday on cellphone service and police and hospital communications in several Southern states.
Investigators from multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies were at a home in Antioch, in suburban Nashville, after receiving information relevant to the investigation, said FBI Special Agent Jason Pack. Another law enforcement official, who was not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said investigators regard a person associated with the property as a person of interest.
Federal agents could be seen looking around the property, searching the home and the backyard. A Google Maps image had shown a similar recreational vehicle parked in the backyard when the photo was captured in May 2019; an AP reporter at the scene did not see the vehicle at the property in the late afternoon Saturday.
There were other signs of progress in the investigation, as the FBI revealed that it was looking at a number of individuals who may be connected to it. Officials also said no additional explosive devices have been found — indicating no active threat to the area. Investigators have received around 500 tips and leads.
“It’s just going to take us some time,” Douglas Korneski, the special agent in charge in charge of the FBI’s Memphis field office, said at a Saturday afternoon news conference. “Our investigative team is turning over every stone” to understand who did this and why.
Beyond that, the only known casualties were three injured people. The infrastructure damage, meanwhile, was broadly felt, due to an AT&T central office being affected by the blast. Police emergency systems in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama, as well as Nashville’s COVID-19 community hotline and a handful of hospital systems, remained out of service.
The building contained a telephone exchange, with network equipment in it — but the company has declined to say exactly how many people have been impacted.
Asked whether the AT&T building could have been a possible target, Korneski said, “We’re looking at every possible motive that could be involved.”
Investigators shut down the heart of downtown Nashville’s tourist scene — an area packed with honky-tonks, restaurants and shops — as they shuffled through broken glass and damaged buildings to learn more about the explosion.
Mayor John Cooper has enforced a curfew in the downtown area until Sunday via executive order to limit public access to the area. More than 40 buildings were affected.
AT&T said restoration efforts are facing several challenges, which include a fire that “reignited overnight and led to the evacuation of the building.” This has forced their teams to work with safety and structural engineers and drilling access holes into the building in order to reconnect power.
“Our teams continue to work around the clock on recovery efforts from yesterday morning’s explosion in Nashville,” the company said in a Saturday statement. “We have two portable cell sites operating in downtown Nashville with numerous additional portable sites being deployed in the Nashville area and in the region.”
Ray Neville, president of technology at T-Mobile, said on Twitter that service disruptions affected Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Birmingham and Atlanta. “We continue to see service interruptions in these areas following yesterday’s explosion. Restoration efforts continue around the clock & we will keep you updated on progress,” he said in a tweet Saturday.
The outages had even briefly grounded flights at the Nashville International Airport, but service was continuing normally as of Saturday. The Federal Aviation Association has since issued a temporary flight restriction around the airport, requiring pilots to follow strict procedures until Dec. 30.
According to Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake, police officers responded on Friday to a report of shots fired when they encountered the RV blaring a recorded warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes. Police evacuated nearby buildings and called in the bomb squad. The RV exploded shortly afterward.
Associated Press photographer Mark Humphrey in Nashville and writer John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-12-26--Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay placed on injured reserve, ending his season

Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay ’ s maddening season ended Saturday when he was placed on injured reserve because of knee-and-hip injuries .
Lindsay was previously ruled out of Sunday ’ s game at the Los Angeles Chargers .
He finishes the season with 118 carries for 502 yards and one touchdown ( 55 yards against the Chargers ) .
Rookie LeVante Bellamy was called up from the practice squad to take Lindsay ’ s roster spot and back up Melvin Gordon and Royce Freeman for the final two games .
The Broncos also announced that outside linebacker Bradley Chubb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to out for the Chargers game .
Jeremiah Attaochu is expected to start in Chubb ’ s place .
Following consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career , Lindsay became one of the Broncos ’ most popular players .
But his 2020 never could get out of the blocks .
Lindsay sustained a turf toe injury in the Week 1 loss at Tennessee and missed three games .
When Melvin Gordon was out against New England , Lindsay rushed 23 times for 101 yards — his only game with at least 20 carries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concussion cost him half of the Week 7 loss to Kansas City and a knee injury sent him to the bench during the Week 12 loss to New Orleans .
Lindsay ’ s rookie year , in which he was voted to the Pro Bowl , ended early because of a significant wrist injury that required surgery .
He had another wrist operation after the 2019 season .
Lindsay ’ s future with his hometown team will be an offseason subplot .
As a restricted free agent , Lindsay is eligible to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of three levels — first round , second round or undrafted .
If the Broncos offer him a first- or second-round tender , a team must give up a draft choice in the specified round to sign Lindsay and have the Broncos decline to match .
If the Broncos decline to tender Lindsay , he will become an unrestricted free agent .

Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay’s maddening season ended Saturday when he was placed on injured reserve because of knee-and-hip injuries.
Lindsay was previously ruled out of Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers. He finishes the season with 118 carries for 502 yards and one touchdown (55 yards against the Chargers).
Rookie LeVante Bellamy was called up from the practice squad to take Lindsay’s roster spot and back up Melvin Gordon and Royce Freeman for the final two games.
The Broncos also announced that outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle) was downgraded from questionable to out for the Chargers game. Jeremiah Attaochu is expected to start in Chubb’s place.
Following consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, Lindsay became one of the Broncos’ most popular players. But his 2020 never could get out of the blocks. Lindsay sustained a turf toe injury in the Week 1 loss at Tennessee and missed three games. When Melvin Gordon was out against New England, Lindsay rushed 23 times for 101 yards — his only game with at least 20 carries and 100 yards this season.
A concussion cost him half of the Week 7 loss to Kansas City and a knee injury sent him to the bench during the Week 12 loss to New Orleans.
Lindsay’s rookie year, in which he was voted to the Pro Bowl, ended early because of a significant wrist injury that required surgery. He had another wrist operation after the 2019 season.
Lindsay’s future with his hometown team will be an offseason subplot.
As a restricted free agent, Lindsay is eligible to be tendered a contract by the Broncos at one of three levels — first round, second round or undrafted. If the Broncos offer him a first- or second-round tender, a team must give up a draft choice in the specified round to sign Lindsay and have the Broncos decline to match. If the Broncos decline to tender Lindsay, he will become an unrestricted free agent.