thedenverpost--2020-03-21--Kickin’ It with Kiz: Broncos gave the money Phillip Lindsay deserved to Melvin Gordon

Ugh , not feeling this signing of running back Melvin Gordon at all .
You ’ re telling me the Broncos couldn ’ t have drafted 85 % of Gordon for way less cheddar ?
Kiz : I ’ ve given enthusiastic thumbs-ups to the acquisitions of Jurrell Casey and Graham Glasgow .
But $ 13.5 million guaranteed for a soon-to-be 27-year-old running back coming off a meh season , with a nagging history of both fumbling and injury ?
Sorry , but that ’ s stupid money .
It ’ s also an insult to Phillip Lindsay , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also has become a heart-and-soul leader in the locker room .
Money is the only way to show a player true love in the NFL , and when a team doesn ’ t take care of its good people , they notice .
Every time .
( Ask Chris Harris . )
While I ’ ve advocated for the Broncos to add another ballcarrier to take some load off Lindsay ’ s shoulders , it could ’ ve been done in draft with far greater cost efficiency .
This deal ?
Smells cheesy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordon is way better than Lindsay .
Love the underdog/overachiever story , but Lindsay is best suited for change-of-pace back .
He ’ s never going to put up the workhorse numbers like Gordon .
Kiz : I ’ ll gladly acknowledge Gordon is well-suited to gaining the plow-horse yards to move the chains , and he poses a more dangerous passing target than Lindsay .
But the staff here at Kickin ’ It Headquarters calls balderdash on your claim Gordon is way better overall .
As well as running for more yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per carry ( 4.9 ) output than Gordon ( 4.0 ) , whose salary will dwarf what Lindsay earns .
Sixteen backs ( including Lindsay ) gained more than 1,000 yards last season .
Only two of those 16 ( Carlos Hyde and Mark Ingram ) were older than Gordon .
Running back is a young man ’ s game .
Unless a vaccine for the coronavirus comes out soon , we are just doing the slow-infection approach to conquering this pandemic , and you can ’ t do that with 70,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to be an NFL season this year .
So it ’ s really kind of moot to argue about Gordon ’ s impact on the Broncos .
Kiz : No NFL season is certainly possible .
But it ’ s also a distinct possibility ( slim , I pray ) that some of us won ’ t be alive in November .
Why let a pandemic stop us from engaging and having lively sports conversation now ?
Gordon getting rich while working stiffs get laid off is tough to swallow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s silly free-agency season does provide entertainment while we ’ re hunkering down .
And today ’ s parting shot answers this compelling question : Were you more fond of the Case Keenum or Joe Flacco era of Broncos football ?
I will never forgive John Elway for making me watch a quarterback who is at least 50 percent responsible for my most heartbreaking moment as a Broncos fan ( the loss to Baltimore in the 2012 NFL playoffs ) .
So I preferred Case Keesum ( as Elway called him at the @ @ @ @ @

Ugh, not feeling this signing of running back Melvin Gordon at all. You’re telling me the Broncos couldn’t have drafted 85% of Gordon for way less cheddar?
Mike, Salida
Kiz: I’ve given enthusiastic thumbs-ups to the acquisitions of Jurrell Casey and Graham Glasgow. But $13.5 million guaranteed for a soon-to-be 27-year-old running back coming off a meh season, with a nagging history of both fumbling and injury? Sorry, but that’s stupid money. It’s also an insult to Phillip Lindsay, who not only produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons but also has become a heart-and-soul leader in the locker room. Money is the only way to show a player true love in the NFL, and when a team doesn’t take care of its good people, they notice. Every time. (Ask Chris Harris.) While I’ve advocated for the Broncos to add another ballcarrier to take some load off Lindsay’s shoulders, it could’ve been done in draft with far greater cost efficiency. This deal? Smells cheesy to me.
Bro, stop! Gordon is way better than Lindsay. Love the underdog/overachiever story, but Lindsay is best suited for change-of-pace back. He’s never going to put up the workhorse numbers like Gordon.
Brandon, Wasatch Mountains man
Kiz: I’ll gladly acknowledge Gordon is well-suited to gaining the plow-horse yards to move the chains, and he poses a more dangerous passing target than Lindsay. But the staff here at Kickin’ It Headquarters calls balderdash on your claim Gordon is way better overall. As well as running for more yards per game, Lindsay has superior yards per carry (4.9) output than Gordon (4.0), whose salary will dwarf what Lindsay earns. Sixteen backs (including Lindsay) gained more than 1,000 yards last season. Only two of those 16 (Carlos Hyde and Mark Ingram) were older than Gordon. Running back is a young man’s game.
Unless a vaccine for the coronavirus comes out soon, we are just doing the slow-infection approach to conquering this pandemic, and you can’t do that with 70,000 people in a football stadium. There is not going to be an NFL season this year. So it’s really kind of moot to argue about Gordon’s impact on the Broncos.
Sly, smarty cat
Kiz: No NFL season is certainly possible. But it’s also a distinct possibility (slim, I pray) that some of us won’t be alive in November. Why let a pandemic stop us from engaging and having lively sports conversation now? Gordon getting rich while working stiffs get laid off is tough to swallow. But the normalcy of the NFL’s silly free-agency season does provide entertainment while we’re hunkering down.
And today’s parting shot answers this compelling question: Were you more fond of the Case Keenum or Joe Flacco era of Broncos football?
I will never forgive John Elway for making me watch a quarterback who is at least 50 percent responsible for my most heartbreaking moment as a Broncos fan (the loss to Baltimore in the 2012 NFL playoffs). So I preferred Case Keesum (as Elway called him at the introductory press conference).
Zach, Cheyenne


thedenverpost--2020-03-21--Colorado reports fifth death tied to coronavirus

Eagle County health officials on Saturday confirmed a man in his 60s has died of the novel coronavirus , the fifth in Colorado since the global outbreak arrived in the state this month .
The man , who had underlying health conditions , died in a Denver hospital , Eagle County health officials said in a news release .
“ It is with a heavy heart that we are confirming the loss of one of our community members from COVID-19 .
We are extremely saddened by the news and extend our deepest condolences to the family , ” Heath Harmon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Environment said in the news release .
“ The news of this loss in our community serves as a solemn reminder that COVID-19 can pose greater risks to some members of our community , in particular older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions .
We must all take steps to protect our families , ourselves , our friends , and our community.
” Vail Daily identified the man as Rod Powell , who delighted apres-ski crowds for decades in Vail with his musical talents .
“ Rod Powell was a legend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many over his tenure as Vail ’ s # 1 Entertainer , ” Shannon Tanner , his longtime friend and fellow musician said in a mass email reviewed by the paper .
Powell , a staple at watering holes around Vail , was the first to welcome Tanner as a “ kid entertainer ” from South Carolina , Vail Daily reported .
“ I learned much from Rod Powell … his friendship I treasured .
There is a Hole in the World today , ” Tanner said .
His death follows four others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the virus , including two people on Thursday .
Colorado health officials confirmed 86 more cases of the novel coronavirus Friday , bringing to 363 the total number of positive cases in the state — a number that officials have acknowledged is still far below the actual number of infected patients .
Eagle County is the epicenter of Colorado ’ s COVID-19 crisis , with more confirmed cases ( 61 ) than any county outside Denver .
It also has the highest rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county .
Read more from our partners at Vail Daily .

Eagle County health officials on Saturday confirmed a man in his 60s has died of the novel coronavirus, the fifth in Colorado since the global outbreak arrived in the state this month.
The man, who had underlying health conditions, died in a Denver hospital, Eagle County health officials said in a news release.
“It is with a heavy heart that we are confirming the loss of one of our community members from COVID-19. We are extremely saddened by the news and extend our deepest condolences to the family,” Heath Harmon, Director of Eagle County Public Health and Environment said in the news release. “The news of this loss in our community serves as a solemn reminder that COVID-19 can pose greater risks to some members of our community, in particular older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions. We must all take steps to protect our families, ourselves, our friends, and our community.”
Vail Daily identified the man as Rod Powell, who delighted apres-ski crowds for decades in Vail with his musical talents.
“Rod Powell was a legend in Vail and brought joy to so many over his tenure as Vail’s #1 Entertainer,” Shannon Tanner, his longtime friend and fellow musician said in a mass email reviewed by the paper.
Powell, a staple at watering holes around Vail, was the first to welcome Tanner as a “kid entertainer” from South Carolina, Vail Daily reported.
“I learned much from Rod Powell … his friendship I treasured. There is a Hole in the World today,” Tanner said.
His death follows four others in the state who have died of COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the virus, including two people on Thursday.
Colorado health officials confirmed 86 more cases of the novel coronavirus Friday, bringing to 363 the total number of positive cases in the state — a number that officials have acknowledged is still far below the actual number of infected patients.
Forty-four people remain hospitalized.
Eagle County is the epicenter of Colorado’s COVID-19 crisis, with more confirmed cases (61) than any county outside Denver. It also has the highest rate of infection per 100,000 people of any Colorado county.
Read more from our partners at Vail Daily.


thedenverpost--2020-03-21--Broncos agree to two-year contract with tight end Nick Vannett, source says

The Broncos added tight end depth Saturday by agreeing to terms with Nick Vannett on a two-year contract , according to a source .
Vannett , who turned 27 on March 6 , joins a position group that has Noah Fant , Jeff Heuerman , Troy Fumagali , Jake Butt , Bug Howard and Austin Fort on the roster .
Vannett ( 6-foot-6 , 261 pounds ) played at Ohio State , where he was a teammate of Heuerman ’ s for three years and was a third-round pick in 2016 by Seattle .
In 55 regular-season games ( 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 591 yards and four touchdowns .
His best pass-catching season was 2018 ( 29 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns ) in 528 snaps .
Vannett was traded to Pittsburgh last September for a fifth-round pick .
In 13 games for the Steelers , he had 13 catches for 128 yards .
Vannett is the sixth player to be added via trade or free agency , joining cornerback A.J .
Bouye , defensive tackle Jurrell Casey , right guard Graham Glasgow , quarterback Jeff Driskel and running back Melvin Gordon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms with the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday , according to multiple reports .
The Philadelphia native , who spent the past four seasons with the Broncos , reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Eagles for $ 1.6 million , with $ 1 million guaranteed .

The Broncos added tight end depth Saturday by agreeing to terms with Nick Vannett on a two-year contract, according to a source.
Vannett, who turned 27 on March 6, joins a position group that has Noah Fant, Jeff Heuerman, Troy Fumagali, Jake Butt, Bug Howard and Austin Fort on the roster.
Vannett (6-foot-6, 261 pounds) played at Ohio State, where he was a teammate of Heuerman’s for three years and was a third-round pick in 2016 by Seattle.
In 55 regular-season games (22 starts), Vannett has 61 catches for 591 yards and four touchdowns. His best pass-catching season was 2018 (29 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns) in 528 snaps.
Vannett was traded to Pittsburgh last September for a fifth-round pick. In 13 games for the Steelers, he had 13 catches for 128 yards.
Vannett is the sixth player to be added via trade or free agency, joining cornerback A.J. Bouye, defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, right guard Graham Glasgow, quarterback Jeff Driskel and running back Melvin Gordon.
Footnotes. Safety Will Parks came to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The Philadelphia native, who spent the past four seasons with the Broncos, reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Eagles for $1.6 million, with $1 million guaranteed.


thedenverpost--2020-03-21--Factories pivot to fight coronavirus, but challenges abound

DETROIT — Factories that crank out cars and trucks looking into making much-needed ventilators .
Distilleries intended for whiskey and rum to instead turn out hand sanitizers and disinfectants .
And an electronics maker that builds display screens repurposed for surgical masks .
All are answering the call of duty amid a pandemic that has so far claimed more than 11,000 lives and sickened 260,000 people globally .
But redirecting plants to make completely different products will take a long time and a huge effort — possibly too long for some companies to help with medical gear shortages that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you are repurposing a factory , it really depends on how similar the new product is to the existing products in your product line , ” said Kaitlin Wowak , a professor at the University of Notre Dame who focuses on industrial supply chains .
“ It ’ s going to be a substantial pivot to start producing an entirely different item.
” On Friday , President Donald Trump said he invoked the Korean War-era Defense Production Act , which allows the government to marshal the private sector to fight the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examples as to how he was using it .
At a news conference , Trump singled out GM — which in 1952 designed and built what the company says was the first mechanical pump used in heart surgery — as one of many businesses that have asked to start making medical gear .
“ We are literally being besieged in a beautiful way by companies that wanted to do the work , ” he said .
“ They want to help our country.
” GM announced on Friday that it is working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up production .
The automaker said it would help with logistics , purchasing and manufacturing , but stopped short of saying it would make ventilators in its own factories , which have been idled for two weeks after workers who ’ d been fearful of contagion put pressure on the company .
Crosstown rival Ford , which also suspended factory production along with other automakers with operations in North America , confirmed that it too was in discussions with the Trump administration about helping .
“ We ’ re looking at feasibility , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It may be possible , but it ’ s not you go from Rangers ( small pickups ) one day to ventilators the next .
We ’ re figuring out what is possible now.
” Ford and Rolls-Royce PLC also are working with the British government to see if they can switch over their factories .
“ We are keen to do whatever we can to help the government and the country at this time and will look to provide any practical help we can , ” Rolls-Royce said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factories to overcome shortages , makers of heavy goods such as cars and trucks can ’ t just flip a switch and produce something else .
It would be difficult to get ventilator or even surgical mask designs , line up parts supplies and train workers to make them in a short period , said Jorge Alvarado , a professor in the Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Department at Texas A & M University .
And auto plants generally aren ’ t clean enough to make medical equipment .
Companies also would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share knowledge , expertise and even factory workers to transfer production elsewhere , Alvarado said .
During World War II , automakers were more easily able to shift to making tanks and planes because they are close relatives to cars and trucks , Alvarado said .
Auto factory equipment such as robots and assembly lines aren ’ t really compatible with smaller items such as ventilators , he said .
Other industries may be better equipped to help with the virus .
Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons are converting operations to produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also shifting to making ethanol needed to produce hand sanitizer .
Germany-based Beiersdorf , known for skin care products such as the Nivea and Coppertone brands , and Luxury giant LVMH are preparing to make medical disinfectants in Europe for hospitals , police and firefighters .
French cosmetics giant L ’ Oreal says it is making sanitizer gel .
Electronics maker Sharp Corp. said it will start making surgical masks using a plant in central Japan that usually makes displays .
And Michigan-based office furniture company Steelcase is exploring ways to use its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studying whether it can make masks and protective equipment or partitions for hospitals .
“ This is an extraordinary crisis that necessitates extraordinary measures and actions from both the public and private sectors , ” the company said in a statement .
Even though it may take time and a monumental effort to switch factories to medical products , that may have to be done if the virus outbreak lasts for several months or longer , said Notre Dame ’ s Wowak .
“ I think given the circumstance and how critical it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gloves , I think there is going to be a lot of organizations , government , private , trying to increase ( factory ) capacity , ” she said .
“ Maybe the government recognizes how critical of an issue this is .
”

DETROIT — Factories that crank out cars and trucks looking into making much-needed ventilators. Distilleries intended for whiskey and rum to instead turn out hand sanitizers and disinfectants. And an electronics maker that builds display screens repurposed for surgical masks.
All are answering the call of duty amid a pandemic that has so far claimed more than 11,000 lives and sickened 260,000 people globally.
But redirecting plants to make completely different products will take a long time and a huge effort — possibly too long for some companies to help with medical gear shortages that are becoming more acute every day.
“When you are repurposing a factory, it really depends on how similar the new product is to the existing products in your product line,” said Kaitlin Wowak, a professor at the University of Notre Dame who focuses on industrial supply chains. “It’s going to be a substantial pivot to start producing an entirely different item.”
On Friday, President Donald Trump said he invoked the Korean War-era Defense Production Act, which allows the government to marshal the private sector to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. But he did not give examples as to how he was using it.
At a news conference, Trump singled out GM — which in 1952 designed and built what the company says was the first mechanical pump used in heart surgery — as one of many businesses that have asked to start making medical gear.
“We are literally being besieged in a beautiful way by companies that wanted to do the work,” he said. “They want to help our country.”
GM announced on Friday that it is working with ventilator maker Ventec Life Systems to ramp up production. The automaker said it would help with logistics, purchasing and manufacturing, but stopped short of saying it would make ventilators in its own factories, which have been idled for two weeks after workers who’d been fearful of contagion put pressure on the company.
Crosstown rival Ford, which also suspended factory production along with other automakers with operations in North America, confirmed that it too was in discussions with the Trump administration about helping.
“We’re looking at feasibility,” Ford spokesman T.R. Reid said. “It may be possible, but it’s not you go from Rangers (small pickups) one day to ventilators the next. We’re figuring out what is possible now.”
Ford and Rolls-Royce PLC also are working with the British government to see if they can switch over their factories.
“We are keen to do whatever we can to help the government and the country at this time and will look to provide any practical help we can,” Rolls-Royce said in a statement.
Although the government can steer factories to overcome shortages, makers of heavy goods such as cars and trucks can’t just flip a switch and produce something else.
It would be difficult to get ventilator or even surgical mask designs, line up parts supplies and train workers to make them in a short period, said Jorge Alvarado, a professor in the Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Department at Texas A&M University. And auto plants generally aren’t clean enough to make medical equipment.
Companies also would have to find mask or ventilator manufacturers willing to share knowledge, expertise and even factory workers to transfer production elsewhere, Alvarado said.
During World War II, automakers were more easily able to shift to making tanks and planes because they are close relatives to cars and trucks, Alvarado said. Auto factory equipment such as robots and assembly lines aren’t really compatible with smaller items such as ventilators, he said.
Other industries may be better equipped to help with the virus.
Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons are converting operations to produce hand sanitizer. Rum producer Bacardi is also shifting to making ethanol needed to produce hand sanitizer.
Germany-based Beiersdorf, known for skin care products such as the Nivea and Coppertone brands, and Luxury giant LVMH are preparing to make medical disinfectants in Europe for hospitals, police and firefighters. French cosmetics giant L’Oreal says it is making sanitizer gel.
Electronics maker Sharp Corp. said it will start making surgical masks using a plant in central Japan that usually makes displays. And Michigan-based office furniture company Steelcase is exploring ways to use its factories to make health care items, studying whether it can make masks and protective equipment or partitions for hospitals.
“This is an extraordinary crisis that necessitates extraordinary measures and actions from both the public and private sectors,” the company said in a statement.
Even though it may take time and a monumental effort to switch factories to medical products, that may have to be done if the virus outbreak lasts for several months or longer, said Notre Dame’s Wowak.
“I think given the circumstance and how critical it is for these surgical masks, ventilators and gloves, I think there is going to be a lot of organizations, government, private, trying to increase (factory) capacity,” she said. “Maybe the government recognizes how critical of an issue this is.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-21--Coronavirus in Colorado, March 21: A look at the latest updates on COVID-19

Colorado saw its novel coronavirus cases on Saturday make the largest single-day jump for the third straight day , with 112 new cases reported bringing the total to 475 .
Two additional deaths were reported , bringing the total to six .
More tests are on the way , with 100,000 expected at DIA in the coming days , but it ’ s still not clear how many of those will stay in Colorado .
Meanwhile , as more Coloradans continue to self-isolate ( which is especially challenging for older , more vulnerable citizens ) , many are finding parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
It was also announced late Friday that the public ’ s park options are reduced by one major closure — Rocky Mountain National Park is shut down for the foreseeable future .
If you are planning to head out to a park , don ’ t forget why social distancing is so important .
We are also looking to hear from you .
Tell us what the coronavirus outbreak looks like for you and submit your story here .
Also , bear in mind The Denver Post relies on support from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus outbreak , so please consider buying a subscription if you haven ’ t already .
Throughout the day , we will share the latest coverage from Denver Post journalists on the coronavirus outbreak on this page .
Here are the previous days ’ updates : March 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 • Colorado coronavirus map : Where are cases being reported ?
• Do I have the coronavirus ?
Here ’ s what to do if you ’ re not sure .
• How social distancing works and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver restaurants will offer delivery , takeout during coronavirus shutdown Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .
• Colorado sees two additional deaths , 112 new coronavirus cases , as virus continues to spread • U.S. Attorney for Colorado to lead federal coronavirus fraud investigations • Businesses find insurance may not cover closures related to coronavirus • People in the Denver area are buying freezers faster than appliance dealers can restock them in coronavirus-related rush • Colorado parks and trails fill up as coronavirus leads to cabin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado courts leads to confusion , differing outcomes for defendants • Saunders : Baseball , the age of the coronavirus and my silly job • How postponement of baseball season is affecting minor leaguers , many of whom find themselves in financial limbo • Rocky Mountain National Park closes amid coronavirus outbreak at the request of mayor , local health department • 22 inmates at Denver ’ s two jails under observation after showing coronavirus symptoms , none have been tested Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your @ @

Colorado saw its novel coronavirus cases on Saturday make the largest single-day jump for the third straight day, with 112 new cases reported bringing the total to 475. Two additional deaths were reported, bringing the total to six.
More tests are on the way, with 100,000 expected at DIA in the coming days, but it’s still not clear how many of those will stay in Colorado.
Meanwhile, as more Coloradans continue to self-isolate (which is especially challenging for older, more vulnerable citizens), many are finding parks and trails to be an increasingly busy place.
It was also announced late Friday that the public’s park options are reduced by one major closure — Rocky Mountain National Park is shut down for the foreseeable future.
If you are planning to head out to a park, don’t forget why social distancing is so important.
We are also looking to hear from you. Tell us what the coronavirus outbreak looks like for you and submit your story here.
Also, bear in mind The Denver Post relies on support from its readers to provide this in-depth coverage of the coronavirus outbreak, so please consider buying a subscription if you haven’t already.
Throughout the day, we will share the latest coverage from Denver Post journalists on the coronavirus outbreak on this page.
Here are the previous days’ updates: March 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
Resources
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.
The numbers
What’s new today
Live blog
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-03-21--U.S. attorney for Colorado to lead federal coronavirus fraud investigations

The U.S. attorney for Colorado is leading the charge against a growing threat of coronavirus-related fraud .
At the direction of U.S. Attorney General William Barr , Jason Dunn will prioritize the investigation and prosecution of any fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis , the U.S. attorney ’ s office said in a news release .
Dunn also appointed Executive U.S. Attorney J. Chris Larson to serve as the office ’ s coronavirus fraud coordinator , the release said .
The U.S. attorney ’ s office outlined several schemes that could take advantage of people during this uneasy period : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
• None Malicious websites and apps that appear to share coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received .
• None Pleas for donations for illegitimate or nonexistent charitable organizations .
• Medical providers fraudulently billing or overcharging for tests and procedures .
“ While this virus may be new to Colorado , fraud is not , ” Dunn said in a statement .
“ My office and I will be steadfast in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when they may be particularly vulnerable to financial scams.
” People can report suspicious or fraudulent coronavirus-related activity at 1-866-720-5721 or disaster @ leo.gov .

The U.S. attorney for Colorado is leading the charge against a growing threat of coronavirus-related fraud.
At the direction of U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Jason Dunn will prioritize the investigation and prosecution of any fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. attorney’s office said in a news release.
Dunn also appointed Executive U.S. Attorney J. Chris Larson to serve as the office’s coronavirus fraud coordinator, the release said.
The U.S. attorney’s office outlined several schemes that could take advantage of people during this uneasy period:
Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online.
Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Malicious websites and apps that appear to share coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
Pleas for donations for illegitimate or nonexistent charitable organizations.
Medical providers fraudulently billing or overcharging for tests and procedures.
“While this virus may be new to Colorado, fraud is not,” Dunn said in a statement. “My office and I will be steadfast in protecting the citizens of Colorado at a time when they may be particularly vulnerable to financial scams.”
People can report suspicious or fraudulent coronavirus-related activity at 1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov.


thedenverpost--2020-03-21--Kenny Rogers, crossover country music superstar, dies at 81

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — Kenny Rogers , the smooth , Grammy-winning balladeer who spanned jazz , folk , country and pop with such hits as “ Lucille , ” “ Lady ” and “ Islands in the Stream ” and embraced his persona as “ The Gambler ” on records and on TV , died Friday night .
He was 81 .
He died at home in Sandy Springs , Georgia , representative Keith Hagan told The Associated Press .
He was under hospice care and died of natural causes , Hagan said .
The Houston-born performer with the husky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of records , won three Grammys and was the star of TV movies based on “ The Gambler ” and other songs , making him a superstar in the ‘ 70s and ’ 80s .
Rogers thrived for some 60 years before retired from touring in 2017 at age 79 .
Despite his crossover success , he always preferred to be thought of as a country singer .
“ You either do what everyone else is doing and you do it better , or you do what no one else is doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Rogers told The Associated Press in 2015 .
“ And I chose that way because I could never be better than Johnny Cash or Willie or Waylon at what they did .
So I found something that I could do that didn ’ t invite comparison to them .
And I think people thought it was my desire to change country music .
But that was never my issue.
” His “ Islands in the Stream ” duet partner Dolly Parton posted a video on Twitter on Saturday morning , choking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two of them together .
“ I loved Kenny with all my heart and my heart is broken and a big ole chunk of it is gone with him today , ” Parton said in the video .
“ Kenny was one of those artists who transcended beyond one format and geographic borders , ” says Sarah Trahern , chief executive officer of the Country Music Association .
“ He was a global superstar who helped introduce country music to audiences all around the world.
” Rogers was a five-time CMA Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the CMA ’ s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 , the same year he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame .
He received 10 awards from the Academy of Country Music .
He sold more than 47 million records in the United States alone , according to the Recording Industry Association of America .
A true rags-to-riches story , Rogers was raised in public housing in Houston Heights with seven siblings .
As a 20-year-old , he had a gold single called “ That Crazy Feeling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but when that early success stalled , he joined a jazz group , the Bobby Doyle Trio , as a standup bass player .
But his breakthrough came when he was asked to join the New Christy Minstrels , a folk group , in 1966 .
The band reformed as First Edition and scored a pop hit with the psychedelic song , “ Just Dropped In ( To See What Condition My Condition Was In ) .
” Rogers and First Edition mixed country-rock and folk on songs like “ Ruby , Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a story of a Vietnam veteran begging his girlfriend to stay .
After the group broke up in 1974 , Rogers started his solo career and found a big hit with the sad country ballad “ Lucille , ” in 1977 , which crossed over to the pop charts and earned Rogers his first Grammy .
Suddenly the star , Rogers added hit after hit for more than a decade .
“ The Gambler , ” the Grammy-winning story song penned by Don Schlitz , came out in 1978 and became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ You got ta know when to hold ‘ em , know when to fold ’ em.
” The song spawned a hit TV movie of the same name and several more sequels featuring Rogers as professional gambler Brady Hawkes , and led to a lengthy side career for Rogers as a TV actor and host of several TV specials .
“ I think the best that any songwriter could hope for is to have Kenny Rogers sing one of your songs , ” said Schlitz , who also co-wrote the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make Old Friends.
” “ He gave so many career songs to so many of us.
” Schlitz noted that some of Rogers ’ biggest hits were songs that had been recorded previously , but his versions became the most popular .
“ The Gambler ” had been recorded six other times before Rogers and “ Ruby Don ’ t Take Your Love to Town , ” by Mel Tillis , was also recorded by other artists before Rogers .
Other hits included “ You Decorated My Life , ” “ Every Time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Don ’ t Fall In Love with a Dreamer ” with Kim Carnes , and “ Coward of the County.
” One of his biggest successes was “ Lady , ” written by Lionel Richie , a chart topper for six weeks straight in 1980 .
Richie said in a 2017 interview with the AP that he often didn ’ t finish songs until he had already pitched them , which was the case for “ Lady.
” “ In the beginning , the song was called , ‘ Baby , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because when I first sat with him , for the first 30 minutes , all he talked about was he just got married to a real lady .
A country guy like him is married to a lady .
So , he said , ‘ By the way , what ’ s the name of the song ?
’ ” Richie replies : “ Lady.
” Over the years , Rogers worked often with female duet partners , most memorably , Dolly Parton .
The two were paired at the suggestion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote “ Islands in the Stream.
” “ Barry was producing an album on me and he gave me this song , ” Rogers told the AP in 2017 .
“ And I went and learned it and went into the studio and sang it for four days .
And I finally looked at him and said , ‘ Barry , I don ’ t even like this song anymore.
’ And he said , ‘ You know what we need ?
We need Dolly Parton.
’ I thought , ‘ Man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coincidentally , Parton was actually in the same recording studio in Los Angeles when the idea came up .
“ From the moment she marched into that room , that song never sounded the same , ” Rogers said .
“ It took on a whole new spirit.
” The two singers toured together , including in Australia and New Zealand in 1984 and 1987 , and were featured in a HBO concert special .
Over the years the two would continue to record together , including their last duet , “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which was released in 2013 .
Parton reprised “ Islands in the Stream ” with Rogers during his all-star retirement concert held in Nashville in October 2017 .
Rogers invested his time and money in a lot of other endeavors over his career , including a passion for photography that led to several books , as well as an autobiography , “ Making It With Music.
” He had a chain of restaurants called Kenny Rogers Roasters and was a partner behind a riverboat in Branson , Missouri .
He was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them the Red Cross and MusiCares , and was part of the all-star “ We are the World ” recording for famine relief .
By the ’ 90s , his ability to chart hits had waned , although he still remained a popular live entertainer with regular touring .
Still he was an inventive businessman and never stopped trying to find his way back onto the charts .
At the age of 61 , Rogers had a brief comeback on the country charts in 2000 with a hit song “ Buy Me A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorite medium , television .
Producers of the series “ Touched By An Angel ” wanted him to appear in an episode , and one of his managers suggested the episode be based on his latest single .
That cross-promotional event earned him his first No .
1 country song in 13 years .
Rogers is survived by his wife , Wanda , and his sons Justin , Jordan , Chris and Kenny Jr. , as well as two brothers , a sister and grandchildren , nieces and nephews , his representative said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service “ out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency , ” a statement posted early Saturday read .
A public memorial will be held at a later date .

By KRISTIN M. HALL
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kenny Rogers, the smooth, Grammy-winning balladeer who spanned jazz, folk, country and pop with such hits as “Lucille,” “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream” and embraced his persona as “The Gambler” on records and on TV, died Friday night. He was 81.
He died at home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, representative Keith Hagan told The Associated Press. He was under hospice care and died of natural causes, Hagan said.
The Houston-born performer with the husky voice and silver beard sold tens of millions of records, won three Grammys and was the star of TV movies based on “The Gambler” and other songs, making him a superstar in the ‘70s and ’80s. Rogers thrived for some 60 years before retired from touring in 2017 at age 79. Despite his crossover success, he always preferred to be thought of as a country singer.
“You either do what everyone else is doing and you do it better, or you do what no one else is doing and you don’t invite comparison,” Rogers told The Associated Press in 2015. “And I chose that way because I could never be better than Johnny Cash or Willie or Waylon at what they did. So I found something that I could do that didn’t invite comparison to them. And I think people thought it was my desire to change country music. But that was never my issue.”
His “Islands in the Stream” duet partner Dolly Parton posted a video on Twitter on Saturday morning, choking up as she held a picture of the two of them together. “I loved Kenny with all my heart and my heart is broken and a big ole chunk of it is gone with him today,” Parton said in the video.
“Kenny was one of those artists who transcended beyond one format and geographic borders,” says Sarah Trahern, chief executive officer of the Country Music Association. “He was a global superstar who helped introduce country music to audiences all around the world.”
Rogers was a five-time CMA Award winner, as well as the recipient of the CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, the same year he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He received 10 awards from the Academy of Country Music. He sold more than 47 million records in the United States alone, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
A true rags-to-riches story, Rogers was raised in public housing in Houston Heights with seven siblings. As a 20-year-old, he had a gold single called “That Crazy Feeling,” under the name Kenneth Rogers, but when that early success stalled, he joined a jazz group, the Bobby Doyle Trio, as a standup bass player.
But his breakthrough came when he was asked to join the New Christy Minstrels, a folk group, in 1966. The band reformed as First Edition and scored a pop hit with the psychedelic song, “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).” Rogers and First Edition mixed country-rock and folk on songs like “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” a story of a Vietnam veteran begging his girlfriend to stay.
After the group broke up in 1974, Rogers started his solo career and found a big hit with the sad country ballad “Lucille,” in 1977, which crossed over to the pop charts and earned Rogers his first Grammy. Suddenly the star, Rogers added hit after hit for more than a decade.
“The Gambler,” the Grammy-winning story song penned by Don Schlitz, came out in 1978 and became his signature song with a signature refrain: “You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ’em.” The song spawned a hit TV movie of the same name and several more sequels featuring Rogers as professional gambler Brady Hawkes, and led to a lengthy side career for Rogers as a TV actor and host of several TV specials.
“I think the best that any songwriter could hope for is to have Kenny Rogers sing one of your songs,” said Schlitz, who also co-wrote the other Parton-Rogers duet “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” “He gave so many career songs to so many of us.”
Schlitz noted that some of Rogers’ biggest hits were songs that had been recorded previously, but his versions became the most popular. “The Gambler” had been recorded six other times before Rogers and “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” by Mel Tillis, was also recorded by other artists before Rogers.
Other hits included “You Decorated My Life,” “Every Time Two Fools Collide” with Dottie West, “Don’t Fall In Love with a Dreamer” with Kim Carnes, and “Coward of the County.” One of his biggest successes was “Lady,” written by Lionel Richie, a chart topper for six weeks straight in 1980. Richie said in a 2017 interview with the AP that he often didn’t finish songs until he had already pitched them, which was the case for “Lady.”
“In the beginning, the song was called, ‘Baby,’” Richie said. “And because when I first sat with him, for the first 30 minutes, all he talked about was he just got married to a real lady. A country guy like him is married to a lady. So, he said, ‘By the way, what’s the name of the song?’” Richie replies: “Lady.”
Over the years, Rogers worked often with female duet partners, most memorably, Dolly Parton. The two were paired at the suggestion of the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, who wrote “Islands in the Stream.”
“Barry was producing an album on me and he gave me this song,” Rogers told the AP in 2017. “And I went and learned it and went into the studio and sang it for four days. And I finally looked at him and said, ‘Barry, I don’t even like this song anymore.’ And he said, ‘You know what we need? We need Dolly Parton.’ I thought, ‘Man, that guy is a visionary.’”
Coincidentally, Parton was actually in the same recording studio in Los Angeles when the idea came up.
“From the moment she marched into that room, that song never sounded the same,” Rogers said. “It took on a whole new spirit.”
The two singers toured together, including in Australia and New Zealand in 1984 and 1987, and were featured in a HBO concert special. Over the years the two would continue to record together, including their last duet, “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” which was released in 2013. Parton reprised “Islands in the Stream” with Rogers during his all-star retirement concert held in Nashville in October 2017.
Rogers invested his time and money in a lot of other endeavors over his career, including a passion for photography that led to several books, as well as an autobiography, “Making It With Music.” He had a chain of restaurants called Kenny Rogers Roasters and was a partner behind a riverboat in Branson, Missouri. He was also involved in numerous charitable causes, among them the Red Cross and MusiCares, and was part of the all-star “We are the World” recording for famine relief.
By the ’90s, his ability to chart hits had waned, although he still remained a popular live entertainer with regular touring. Still he was an inventive businessman and never stopped trying to find his way back onto the charts.
At the age of 61, Rogers had a brief comeback on the country charts in 2000 with a hit song “Buy Me A Rose,” thanks to his other favorite medium, television. Producers of the series “Touched By An Angel” wanted him to appear in an episode, and one of his managers suggested the episode be based on his latest single. That cross-promotional event earned him his first No. 1 country song in 13 years.
Rogers is survived by his wife, Wanda, and his sons Justin, Jordan, Chris and Kenny Jr., as well as two brothers, a sister and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, his representative said. The family is planning a private service “out of concern for the national COVID-19 emergency,” a statement posted early Saturday read. A public memorial will be held at a later date.
___
Associated Press journalist Mallika Sen contributed from Los Angeles.


thedenverpost--2020-03-21--Denver weather: Sunshine returns with slight chance of snow later on

After two days of snow and cold kept many inside , Denverites on Saturday can expect sunshine and warmth .
@ @ @ @ @ reach 47 degrees , according to the National Weather Service in Boulder .
Areas of @ @ @ @ @ plains will give way to sun , and then a chance of scattered afternoon rain @ @ @ @ @ high country may see up to 3 inches of snow , while the plains should @ @ @ @ @ , forecasters said .

After two days of snow and cold kept many inside, Denverites on Saturday can expect sunshine and warmth.
High temperatures in Denver should reach 47 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder. Areas of dense morning fog on the plains will give way to sun, and then a chance of scattered afternoon rain and snow showers.
The high country may see up to 3 inches of snow, while the plains should see little to no accumulation, forecasters said.


thedenverpost--2020-03-22--Ask Amy: Some people put Amy in a corner

Dear Readers : In my ( almost ) 17 years of writing the Ask Amy column , I have been seriously , thoroughly , and publicly pranked two times .
I assume I might have been fooled with other “ faux ” problems , but the following two questions created viral gotcha moments that , while embarrassing for me , were highly entertaining for the scores of readers who immediately recognized the spoofing .
I reacted to both columns by owning my gullibility and doing my very best to laugh along with my readers .
I rerun these two questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the reminder that — even in this very serious world we inhabit — it ’ s important not to take yourself too seriously .
At the end of this column , I ’ ll reveal the original sources of these problematic plotlines .
I ’ ll be back with original Ask Amy Q and A next week .
Dear Amy : I have a serious problem with my future wife .
She has not been faithful to me .
I recently overheard her talking to her friend about how she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her , all that she said was that she couldn ’ t talk right now .
I feel like I have to record everything in my own house just to learn the truth .
To make things even more stressful is the fact that she recently told a couple of people that I hit her , but it ’ s not true .
I did not hit her .
I ’ m not sure why she has been acting like this lately .
She did just find out that her mother has breast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a role in her behavior .
We still always find time to make love , so I don ’ t know why she would go out seeking it from someone else .
I just can ’ t believe she would do this to me .
I love her so much , she is my everything , and I don ’ t know that I could go on without her .
She is tearing me apart .
What should I do ?
Dear Devasted : The first thing you should do is to NOT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior and your response are the very essence of dysfunction .
If you are correct and she is stepping out on you , this is a huge problem .
Your declaration that you feel like you “ have to record everything … just to learn the truth ” is chilling .
Her counter-accusation that you hit her is potentially very dangerous for you .
Because of an escalation in behavior I sense in both of you — and the seemingly toxic connection between you two — it would be wisest for you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , family , and a professional counselor to help you deal with this loss and change .
Dear Amy : I recently ran into a famous local sports figure at my gym .
I didn ’ t want to bother him , but much to my surprise he approached me .
Turns out he knew me from my profession .
He asked if I wanted to go out for coffee , and we exchanged numbers .
A few days later we had coffee , and I thought it was pretty cool that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed .
He told me he was interested in taking out a woman we ran into .
She is my ex-girlfriend and we ’ ve remained good friends .
He asked me a couple of times if I wouldn ’ t mind if he asked her out .
I reluctantly said no .
I made plans with him , and then after talking to my ex I found out that he ditched our plans to go out with her .
The next day he called me and asked if I could help him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guy , next thing he will be asking me to drive him to the airport .
Two friends of mine warned me not to trust this guy .
What ’ s the deal — am I being too rash , or should I dump the guy as a friend ?
Dear Foolish : The good news here is that you won ’ t have to dump the guy as a friend because he is not a friend .
He ’ s an opportunist who just keeps asking you for stuff .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generous offer to let you move furniture for him , you ’ ll likely never hear from him again .
Dear Readers : The first question ( from “ Devastated ” ) , is from the cult movie “ The Room , ” which is widely beloved and possibly the worst movie ever made .
The question from “ Feeling Foolish ” is based on a famous “ Seinfeld ” plotline co-starring Metes star Keith Hernandez .

Dear Readers: In my (almost) 17 years of writing the Ask Amy column, I have been seriously, thoroughly, and publicly pranked two times.
I assume I might have been fooled with other “faux” problems, but the following two questions created viral gotcha moments that, while embarrassing for me, were highly entertaining for the scores of readers who immediately recognized the spoofing. I reacted to both columns by owning my gullibility and doing my very best to laugh along with my readers.
I rerun these two questions (and my original answers) today, with the reminder that — even in this very serious world we inhabit — it’s important not to take yourself too seriously.
At the end of this column, I’ll reveal the original sources of these problematic plotlines.
I’ll be back with original Ask Amy Q and A next week.
Dear Amy: I have a serious problem with my future wife. She has not been faithful to me. I recently overheard her talking to her friend about how she was unfaithful to me. When I confronted her, all that she said was that she couldn’t talk right now. I feel like I have to record everything in my own house just to learn the truth.
To make things even more stressful is the fact that she recently told a couple of people that I hit her, but it’s not true. I did not hit her. I’m not sure why she has been acting like this lately. She did just find out that her mother has breast cancer, and that might be playing a role in her behavior.
We still always find time to make love, so I don’t know why she would go out seeking it from someone else. I just can’t believe she would do this to me. I love her so much, she is my everything, and I don’t know that I could go on without her. She is tearing me apart.
What should I do?
— Devastated
Dear Devasted: The first thing you should do is to NOT get married. Your fiancee’s behavior and your response are the very essence of dysfunction. If you are correct and she is stepping out on you, this is a huge problem. Your declaration that you feel like you “have to record everything … just to learn the truth” is chilling. Her counter-accusation that you hit her is potentially very dangerous for you.
Because of an escalation in behavior I sense in both of you — and the seemingly toxic connection between you two — it would be wisest for you to separate. Seek the support of close friends, family, and a professional counselor to help you deal with this loss and change.
July 2015
Dear Amy: I recently ran into a famous local sports figure at my gym.
I didn’t want to bother him, but much to my surprise he approached me. Turns out he knew me from my profession. He asked if I wanted to go out for coffee, and we exchanged numbers. A few days later we had coffee, and I thought it was pretty cool that he considered us friends.
Then everything changed. He told me he was interested in taking out a woman we ran into. She is my ex-girlfriend and we’ve remained good friends. He asked me a couple of times if I wouldn’t mind if he asked her out. I reluctantly said no. I made plans with him, and then after talking to my ex I found out that he ditched our plans to go out with her.
The next day he called me and asked if I could help him move some furniture. I barely know the guy, next thing he will be asking me to drive him to the airport. Two friends of mine warned me not to trust this guy. What’s the deal — am I being too rash, or should I dump the guy as a friend?
— Feeling Foolish
Dear Foolish: The good news here is that you won’t have to dump the guy as a friend because he is not a friend. He’s an opportunist who just keeps asking you for stuff.
I suspect that when you turn down his generous offer to let you move furniture for him, you’ll likely never hear from him again.
January 2016
Dear Readers: The first question (from “Devastated”), is from the cult movie “The Room,” which is widely beloved and possibly the worst movie ever made.
The question from “Feeling Foolish” is based on a famous “Seinfeld” plotline co-starring Metes star Keith Hernandez.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-03-22--Mitch McConnell says all sides “very close” on rescue package topping $1T

WASHINGTON — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House pushed toward resolution late Saturday on a ballooning $ 1 trillion-plus economic rescue package , as President Donald Trump urged a deal to steady a nation shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic .
With a population on edge and financial markets teetering , all sides indicated a deal is within reach .
At issue is how best to keep paychecks flowing for millions of workers abruptly sidelined by the crisis .
Talks also narrowed on a so-called Marshall Plan for hospitals as well as industry loans to airlines and others all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national shutdown .
The post-World War II Marshall Plan helped to rebuild Western Europe .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced late Saturday all sides were “ very close ” to a bipartisan resolution .
McConnell instructed committee chairmen to assemble draft legislation .
Officials put the price tag at nearly $ 1.4 trillion and said that with other measures from the Federal Reserve it could pump $ 2 trillion into the U.S. economy .
“ We are poised to deliver the significant relief that Americans need with the speed that this crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will resume Sunday morning when the top four congressional leaders of both parties are set to confer privately at the Capitol with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in hopes of striking a final accord .
A spokesman for Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said there is “ not yet an agreement.
” Spokesman Justin Goodman said Democrats look forward to reading the draft and further negotiations .
“ Everybody ’ s working hard and they want to get to a solution that ’ s the right solution , I think we ’ re very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s briefing , striking a confident tone about the nation ’ s ability to defeat the pandemic soon .
On Capitol Hill , the Senate convened the rare weekend session as negotiators raced to complete the package .
The Senate ’ s goal is to hold an initial vote Sunday and win Senate passage on Monday .
The urgency to act is mounting , as jobless claims skyrocket , businesses shutter and the financial markets are set to re-open Monday eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looming recession .
Trump has largely stayed out of the details , but said Saturday that he would be lobbying the lead negotiators .
On one topic , Trump appears to be agreeing with Democrats as Washington tries to steer clear of the politically toxic bailouts from the last economic crises .
Trump expressed a clear distaste for any industry , including the airlines , that would use federal assistance to buy back its own stock in an effort to increase profits .
Banning stock buy-backs is one of Democrats ’ top business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other top White House officials were on Capitol Hill for a second day of nonstop negotiations .
But no announcement was expected .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who has been in talks with Mnuchin , returned to Washington on Saturday and was scheduled to join Sunday ’ s meeting .
Negotiations are focused on providing direct relief to Americans , with one-time checks of $ 1,200 , as well as ongoing payroll support and enhanced unemployment benefits for the newly out of work .
Talks are also focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blindsided by the crisis , as well as possible aid to the states and billions for hospitals and healthcare providers on the front lines of the outbreak .
The emerging package builds on a GOP proposal but Democrats push for add-ons , including food security aid , small business loans and other measures for workers .
“ We ’ re making very good progress , ” Schumer said late Saturday .
“ We ’ re going to continue working though the night.
” On Saturday , Trump opened the daily virus briefing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s accomplishments , a week-in-review meant to rebut criticism that the White House was moving too slowly to combat the crisis .
The president pushed back against accusations that he was sluggish to act for fear of upsetting China , though he told aides last month that he had not wanted to alienate Beijing by criticizing its secretive handling of the initial outbreak .
Trump did not lose his temper , as he did the day before .
But mixed , vague messaging still ruled the briefing .
For example , as hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of supplies to care for an expected surge of patients , Vice President Mike Pence said the government was completing a half-billion-dollar order for masks .
But none of the government officials at the briefing could suggest when the masks would reach medical facilities , a moment of confusion that caused Trump to grow visibly frustrated .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the government ’ s top infectious disease expert , tried not to over-promise the effectiveness or speed of medication that could possibly be used to treat the virus .
After Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question about Trump ’ s tweet about the drugs by saying , “ I ’ m not totally sure what the president was referring to.
” Trump also sowed confusion about his use of the Defense Production Act to force American businesses to manufacture needed medical supplies , saying that while he invoked the act this week , he has not yet needed to utilize it to compel businesses to mobilize , despite the pronounced supply shortage .
Pence announced that , out of an abundance of caution , he and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus after a member of the vice president ’ s staff had tested positive .
The result for both was negative , Pence press secretary Katie Miller tweeted Saturday night .
Pence had said the staffer , who did not have close contact with either the president or vice president , was doing well .
The emerging rescue plan from Congress would be a striking intervention at enormous cost being crafted with a speed unseen since the 2008-09 financial crisis and recession .
It builds on Trump ’ s request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central element is now $ 350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll .
Companies with 500 or fewer employees could tap up to $ 10 million in forgivable small business loans to keep paychecks flowing .
That ’ s on top of a proposal for one-time checks to all Americans , $ 1,200 per individual , $ 2,400 for couples , cut off at higher incomes .
Democrats are pushing for increased eligibility for unemployment insurance for those who jobs are simply disappearing .
For industry , the initial GOP plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to airlines and other industries , which would have to be repaid .
Negotiators are still hammering out whether there will be money to the states , whose governors have requested billions , as well as how much will be going to hospitals and healthcare providers .
Trump acknowledged the outbreak was hurting his family ’ s business of hotels and country clubs but said he did not know whether his business would be one of the many to seek government assistance .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks , while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .
Bev Banks contributed .
Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick , Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar , Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

Jonathan Lemire, Lisa Mascaro, Andrew Taylor

WASHINGTON — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House pushed toward resolution late Saturday on a ballooning $1 trillion-plus economic rescue package, as President Donald Trump urged a deal to steady a nation shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic.
With a population on edge and financial markets teetering, all sides indicated a deal is within reach. At issue is how best to keep paychecks flowing for millions of workers abruptly sidelined by the crisis.
Talks also narrowed on a so-called Marshall Plan for hospitals as well as industry loans to airlines and others all but grounded by the virus outbreak and national shutdown. The post-World War II Marshall Plan helped to rebuild Western Europe.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced late Saturday all sides were “very close” to a bipartisan resolution.
McConnell instructed committee chairmen to assemble draft legislation. Officials put the price tag at nearly $1.4 trillion and said that with other measures from the Federal Reserve it could pump $2 trillion into the U.S. economy.
“We are poised to deliver the significant relief that Americans need with the speed that this crisis demands,” McConnell said.
Talks will resume Sunday morning when the top four congressional leaders of both parties are set to confer privately at the Capitol with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in hopes of striking a final accord.
A spokesman for Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said there is “not yet an agreement.” Spokesman Justin Goodman said Democrats look forward to reading the draft and further negotiations.
“Everybody’s working hard and they want to get to a solution that’s the right solution, I think we’re very close,” Trump said at Saturday’s briefing, striking a confident tone about the nation’s ability to defeat the pandemic soon.
On Capitol Hill, the Senate convened the rare weekend session as negotiators raced to complete the package. The Senate’s goal is to hold an initial vote Sunday and win Senate passage on Monday.
The urgency to act is mounting, as jobless claims skyrocket, businesses shutter and the financial markets are set to re-open Monday eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what experts say is a looming recession.
Trump has largely stayed out of the details, but said Saturday that he would be lobbying the lead negotiators.
On one topic, Trump appears to be agreeing with Democrats as Washington tries to steer clear of the politically toxic bailouts from the last economic crises.
Trump expressed a clear distaste for any industry, including the airlines, that would use federal assistance to buy back its own stock in an effort to increase profits. Banning stock buy-backs is one of Democrats’ top business priorities in the emerging package.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other top White House officials were on Capitol Hill for a second day of nonstop negotiations. But no announcement was expected.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has been in talks with Mnuchin, returned to Washington on Saturday and was scheduled to join Sunday’s meeting.
Negotiations are focused on providing direct relief to Americans, with one-time checks of $1,200, as well as ongoing payroll support and enhanced unemployment benefits for the newly out of work.
Talks are also focused on loans to airlines and other industries blindsided by the crisis, as well as possible aid to the states and billions for hospitals and healthcare providers on the front lines of the outbreak.
The emerging package builds on a GOP proposal but Democrats push for add-ons, including food security aid, small business loans and other measures for workers.
“We’re making very good progress,” Schumer said late Saturday. “We’re going to continue working though the night.”
On Saturday, Trump opened the daily virus briefing with a roll call of his administration’s accomplishments, a week-in-review meant to rebut criticism that the White House was moving too slowly to combat the crisis.
The president pushed back against accusations that he was sluggish to act for fear of upsetting China, though he told aides last month that he had not wanted to alienate Beijing by criticizing its secretive handling of the initial outbreak.
Trump did not lose his temper, as he did the day before. But mixed, vague messaging still ruled the briefing.
For example, as hospitals across the nation report a dire shortage of supplies to care for an expected surge of patients, Vice President Mike Pence said the government was completing a half-billion-dollar order for masks. But none of the government officials at the briefing could suggest when the masks would reach medical facilities, a moment of confusion that caused Trump to grow visibly frustrated.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, tried not to over-promise the effectiveness or speed of medication that could possibly be used to treat the virus. After Trump had exited the briefing room, Fauci answered a question about Trump’s tweet about the drugs by saying, “I’m not totally sure what the president was referring to.”
Trump also sowed confusion about his use of the Defense Production Act to force American businesses to manufacture needed medical supplies, saying that while he invoked the act this week, he has not yet needed to utilize it to compel businesses to mobilize, despite the pronounced supply shortage.
Pence announced that, out of an abundance of caution, he and his wife, Karen, would be tested for the virus after a member of the vice president’s staff had tested positive. The result for both was negative, Pence press secretary Katie Miller tweeted Saturday night.
Pence had said the staffer, who did not have close contact with either the president or vice president, was doing well.
The emerging rescue plan from Congress would be a striking intervention at enormous cost being crafted with a speed unseen since the 2008-09 financial crisis and recession.
It builds on Trump’s request for Congress to “go big.”
A central element is now $350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll. Companies with 500 or fewer employees could tap up to $10 million in forgivable small business loans to keep paychecks flowing.
That’s on top of a proposal for one-time checks to all Americans, $1,200 per individual, $2,400 for couples, cut off at higher incomes.
Democrats are pushing for increased eligibility for unemployment insurance for those who jobs are simply disappearing.
For industry, the initial GOP plan called for $208 billion in loans to airlines and other industries, which would have to be repaid.
Negotiators are still hammering out whether there will be money to the states, whose governors have requested billions, as well as how much will be going to hospitals and healthcare providers.
Trump acknowledged the outbreak was hurting his family’s business of hotels and country clubs but said he did not know whether his business would be one of the many to seek government assistance.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
___
Bev Banks contributed. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
___
The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


thedenverpost--2020-03-22--Kiszla: Postpone the Summer Olympics until 2021 and make Games a celebration of world’s victory agai

Kiszla: Postpone the Summer Olympics until 2021 and make Games a celebration of world’s victory against coronavirus

Here ’ s something the whole sports world can stand up and cheer : The Summer Olympics , featuring American swimmer Katie Ledecky and Serbian center Nikola Jokic , among more than 11,000 athletes proudly representing 205 countries .
Yes , the Summer Olympics can happen .
I truly believe we will see the flame lit in Tokyo .
But not this year .
Please , in the name of a sane response to the coronavirus , don ’ t let the Games be held in 2020 .
The Olympics need to stand down and let medical experts tackle a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11,500 people around a frightened globe .
Postpone the Summer Olympics .
Do it now .
Any notion athletes should jump in the pool or run around the track four months hence , all for the benefit of the International Olympic Committee ’ s greed , seems to be pure folly , not to mention socially irresponsible .
In the name of fair competition , but far more crucial , for the sake of the world ’ s health , I humbly suggest the Summer Games in Tokyo be postponed exactly one year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While I ’ d like to take credit for this idea , let me instead offer a fist bump ( from the appropriate social distance , of course ) to USA Swimming president Tim Hinchey .
He took the bold step Friday of sending a strongly worded letter to our country ’ s Olympic leadership , imploring the postponement of the competition in Japan .
“ Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruptions , mere months before the Olympic Games , which calls into the question the authenticity of a level playing field for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served six years as president of the Colorado Rapids before taking his current gig in 2017 .
“ There are no perfect answers , and this will not be easy ; however , it is a solution that provides a concrete path forward and allows all athletes to prepare for a safe and successful Olympic Games in 2021.
” The coronavirus is scary .
But to deal with it , what most of us want is straight talk .
Hinchey not only told us the bad news the Games need to hear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursue while dreaming of better days ahead .
Meanwhile , U.S. Olympic Committee honchos mouth poppycock , hoping against hope the Games can somehow go on , while commissioners of the NBA , NHL and Major League Baseball have wisely decided on an indefinite suspension of play .
“ The decision about the Games does not lie with us , ” said USOC chairperson Susanne Lyons , passing the buck to everyone from the World Health Organization to the Japanese government .
“ But we would not send our athletes into harm ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s safe.
” Well , a magic wand isn ’ t going to make the coronavirus disappear , no matter how much we wish to see gymnast Simone Biles defy gravity in Tokyo .
So why delay the decision ?
Here ’ s a clue : Lyons ’ background is in marketing , not medical research , where experts in infectious disease have warned of a second major bump in cases of the coronavirus , even if we can tap down its spread during the coming weeks .
Hey , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home of the almighty dollar .
Money makes the five rings of the Olympic circus go round .
NBC paid $ 1.45 billion to secure broadcast rights fees for the 2020 Summer Games .
It ’ s tough for anyone to walk away from that kind of moola .
But whether you ’ re a fat cat from NBC or the IOC , try crying poor to the bartender and hotel maid fired as this pandemic rages on .
While we ’ re all hunkered down from Denver to Milan in isolation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Off ” with a fresh appreciation for the title , while praying the coronavirus won ’ t kill somebody we love , there ’ s a sense of purpose powerful enough to unite the world against this pandemic .
At the same time , please forgive me for confessing to moments of weakness .
I ’ ve got a hankering to walk into a restaurant , order a Manhattan and tell the kitchen I like my lamb chops cooked medium rare .
How many times can a proud man lose Connect Four to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we know the right thing to do is to stay inside .
But this steady drip , drip , drip of boredom and ambiguity can be maddening for us all .
When will we be able to go out and play , attend a concert or take the family out to the ballgame again ?
Weightlifters and wrestlers who sweated and sacrificed to compete in the Tokyo Games for much of their lives must deal with the same uncertainty .
Denver native Adeline Gray is a 29-year-old wrestler who has won five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Olympic gold that has eluded her .
“ The ambiguity is a real cause for significant anxiety , ” said Sarah Hirshland , chief executive officer of the USOC .
“ These are athletes who do this ( train ) for their only chance … or last chance.
” Against coronavirus , all we want is a fighting chance to win .
Postpone the Summer Olympics until 2021 and make the Games a celebration of the world ’ s victory against this pandemic.That will athletes and fans alike a goal , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Here’s something the whole sports world can stand up and cheer: The Summer Olympics, featuring American swimmer Katie Ledecky and Serbian center Nikola Jokic, among more than 11,000 athletes proudly representing 205 countries.
Yes, the Summer Olympics can happen. I truly believe we will see the flame lit in Tokyo.
But not this year. Please, in the name of a sane response to the coronavirus, don’t let the Games be held in 2020. The Olympics need to stand down and let medical experts tackle a pandemic that has already killed more than 11,500 people around a frightened globe.
Postpone the Summer Olympics. Do it now.
Any notion athletes should jump in the pool or run around the track four months hence, all for the benefit of the International Olympic Committee’s greed, seems to be pure folly, not to mention socially irresponsible.
In the name of fair competition, but far more crucial, for the sake of the world’s health, I humbly suggest the Summer Games in Tokyo be postponed exactly one year, to start July 24, 2021.
While I’d like to take credit for this idea, let me instead offer a fist bump (from the appropriate social distance, of course) to USA Swimming president Tim Hinchey. He took the bold step Friday of sending a strongly worded letter to our country’s Olympic leadership, imploring the postponement of the competition in Japan.
“Everyone has experienced unimaginable disruptions, mere months before the Olympic Games, which calls into the question the authenticity of a level playing field for all,” wrote Hinchey, who served six years as president of the Colorado Rapids before taking his current gig in 2017.
“There are no perfect answers, and this will not be easy; however, it is a solution that provides a concrete path forward and allows all athletes to prepare for a safe and successful Olympic Games in 2021.”
The coronavirus is scary. But to deal with it, what most of us want is straight talk. Hinchey not only told us the bad news the Games need to hear, he gave us a concrete goal to pursue while dreaming of better days ahead.
Meanwhile, U.S. Olympic Committee honchos mouth poppycock, hoping against hope the Games can somehow go on, while commissioners of the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball have wisely decided on an indefinite suspension of play.
“The decision about the Games does not lie with us,” said USOC chairperson Susanne Lyons, passing the buck to everyone from the World Health Organization to the Japanese government. “But we would not send our athletes into harm’s way if we do not believe it’s safe.”
Well, a magic wand isn’t going to make the coronavirus disappear, no matter how much we wish to see gymnast Simone Biles defy gravity in Tokyo. So why delay the decision? Here’s a clue: Lyons’ background is in marketing, not medical research, where experts in infectious disease have warned of a second major bump in cases of the coronavirus, even if we can tap down its spread during the coming weeks.
Hey, I get it. This is America, home of the almighty dollar. Money makes the five rings of the Olympic circus go round. NBC paid $1.45 billion to secure broadcast rights fees for the 2020 Summer Games. It’s tough for anyone to walk away from that kind of moola.
But whether you’re a fat cat from NBC or the IOC, try crying poor to the bartender and hotel maid fired as this pandemic rages on.
While we’re all hunkered down from Denver to Milan in isolation, watching “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” with a fresh appreciation for the title, while praying the coronavirus won’t kill somebody we love, there’s a sense of purpose powerful enough to unite the world against this pandemic.
At the same time, please forgive me for confessing to moments of weakness. I’ve got a hankering to walk into a restaurant, order a Manhattan and tell the kitchen I like my lamb chops cooked medium rare. How many times can a proud man lose Connect Four to his spouse without going stir-crazy?
Yes, we know the right thing to do is to stay inside. But this steady drip, drip, drip of boredom and ambiguity can be maddening for us all.
When will we be able to go out and play, attend a concert or take the family out to the ballgame again?
Weightlifters and wrestlers who sweated and sacrificed to compete in the Tokyo Games for much of their lives must deal with the same uncertainty. Denver native Adeline Gray is a 29-year-old wrestler who has won five world championships but wants one more shot at Olympic gold that has eluded her.
“The ambiguity is a real cause for significant anxiety,” said Sarah Hirshland, chief executive officer of the USOC. “These are athletes who do this (train) for their only chance … or last chance.”
Against coronavirus, all we want is a fighting chance to win.
Postpone the Summer Olympics until 2021 and make the Games a celebration of the world’s victory against this pandemic.That will athletes and fans alike a goal, while we all fight bigger battles now.


thedenverpost--2020-03-22--Vice President Mike Pence and wife test negative for the coronavirus

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence and his wife , Karen , have tested negative for the coronavirus .
The @ @ @ @ @ secretary , Katie Miller , tweeted the results of the tests Saturday night .
Pence @ @ @ @ @ , out of an abundance of caution , he and his wife would be tested @ @ @ @ @ member of the vice president ’ s staff had tested positive for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ the staffer , who did not have close contact with either the president or vice @ @ @ @ @ .
Still , Pence stood just a few feet from President Donald Trump at the @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, have tested negative for the coronavirus.
The vice president’s press secretary, Katie Miller, tweeted the results of the tests Saturday night.
Pence had announced earlier Saturday that, out of an abundance of caution, he and his wife would be tested for the virus. A member of the vice president’s staff had tested positive for the virus.
The vice president had said the staffer, who did not have close contact with either the president or vice president, was doing well. Still, Pence stood just a few feet from President Donald Trump at the podium during their press conference.


thedenverpost--2020-03-22--From NCAA Tournament to CSU Rams, Ali Farokhmanesh proves not all heroes wear capes

Like a lot of sequels , this one didn ’ t hold a candle to the original , but it was cuter .
It also did a triple salchow from script to screen .
“ I was not told , ” Mallory Farokhmanesh said firmly , “ that I was going to have a speaking line.
” She has four , and they ’ re adorable .
Almost as adorable as Mallory and Ali Farokhmanesh attempting to re-create one of the most bonkers moments in NCAA Tournament history with their three young children — Tai , 5 ; Mila , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside an empty Moby Arena .
The Dagger turned 10 on Friday .
To commemorate the trey Ali Farokhmanesh drilled for Northern Iowa against Kansas , the No .
1 overall seed in the 2010 tourney , the CSU athletic department dropped a short video in which Ali , now 31 and a Rams assistant men ’ s hoops coach , tries to “ help ” his family replicate the defining shot of his basketball life .
As of early Saturday morning , the video had garnered almost 416,000 views on Twitter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Thursday , it ’ s 75 seconds of pure gold , the perfect counterpoint to the mood of the moment , a little light at the end of a dark week .
Even the trolling punch line of the piece — stick around for Liam ’ s show-stealing moment at the end — comes with a bonus twist of the knife .
“ Ted Owens gave us a ( Jayhawks ) jersey four years ago for Tai , ” Ali said of the former Kansas basketball coach .
“ And it still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re going to face some adversity ” The Dagger ’ s aged well .
It ’ s still Looney Tunes .
It ’ s still an ill-advised shot , still a bicycle kick straight to conventional wisdom ’ s crown jewels .
As Ali ’ s Panthers led heavily favored Kansas by one with 36 seconds left , Farokhmanesh found himself all alone on the right wing , a step past the 3-point arc .
Before anyone could press or foul , Ali let fly .
Swish .
Ninth-seeded UNI held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bracketville .
The Dagger gets a little bit larger , a little bit sharper , with each passing year .
Especially this year .
Especially this weekend , when the Alis of the current college basketball landscape are supposed to be slaying dragons .
When some other kid from some other small school — Tray Boyd III at East Tennessee State , Trevelin Queen at New Mexico State , Caleb Homesley at Liberty — should be busting Self ’ s chops .
“ That ’ s what makes the tournament fun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what we ’ re missing right now .
There would ’ ve been another situation like mine .
You find out new names and different stories .
And everyone can relate to them , to a certain extent .
“ If the New York Giants are a 6 seed and they beat the Patriots , it ’ s like , well , they ’ re the Giants — they ’ re still professionals .
East Tennessee State , if they beat Auburn , those moments are the ones your heart aches for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midmajor level , how hard it is to get there.
” The Dagger changed his life .
Got him on the cover of Sports Illustrated .
The shot of Farokhmanesh cocking his head back and screaming to the Oklahoma City sky is forever stitched , along with Bryce Drew , Tyus Edney and Christian Laettner , into the pantheon of tourney legend .
“ I don ’ t know if I ’ d be in this spot I ’ m in right now if we didn ’ t have that ( NCAA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I changed , in a sense , too , in that it gave some validation to the fact that , the harder you work , that good things happen .
“ I had a lot of lows before I hit that shot .
I remember almost wanting to quit basketball .
And I stayed with it .
What March taught me was : ‘ You ’ re going to face some adversity .
No matter what , if you keep working and trusting yourself , something good is going to happen.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels like something that flew off the shelves ages ago .
That March trust is getting tested in Ali ’ s world , too .
Dad ’ s working from home — any postseason destinations for the 20-12 Rams , along with recruiting travel , got kiboshed by coronavirus concerns .
Mallory is a pro re nata , or “ as needed , ” nurse in Fort Collins .
She used to work with the critical care team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center , headquarters of the biocontainment unit where some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus were treated last month .
She has friends embedded on the front line of the fight .
And she could be called in soon herself to help the afflicted in Larimer County .
“ We ’ re a little worried , ” Ali said , “ just because it obviously sounds like a lot of these nurses have contracted it.
” Another concern : The lesions in Mila ’ s esophagus , which are sometimes a red flag that a child might have a more vulnerable immune system .
“ So we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her now , too , ” Ali said .
Although you wouldn ’ t know it from Friday morning , when Mila was precocious as ever , needling Ali to apply some fake makeup on her face while he was trying to break down some of the Rams ’ game clips .
“ All jokes aside , if anybody deserves a sports moment like ( 2010 ) , it ’ s him , ” Mallory said .
“ He worked so hard as a kid .
He spent Christmas night every year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents , they would go to the gym and shoot .
“ Our kids , I hope they get my athletic ability .
And I hope they get his work ethic and determination.
” Still , with three young ’ uns and three limited attention spans , Mallory worried at the start of their CSU video shoot that waiting for Ali to simulate his trey for the cameras would quickly test the little ones ’ patience .
And , more importantly , hers .
“ I told our son , ‘ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” she recalled with a laugh .
“ We did two takes .
He made it in both of them.
” Once a Dagger , always a Dagger .
And not all heroes wear capes .

Like a lot of sequels, this one didn’t hold a candle to the original, but it was cuter. It also did a triple salchow from script to screen.
“I was not told,” Mallory Farokhmanesh said firmly, “that I was going to have a speaking line.”
She has four, and they’re adorable. Almost as adorable as Mallory and Ali Farokhmanesh attempting to re-create one of the most bonkers moments in NCAA Tournament history with their three young children — Tai, 5; Mila, 2; and Liam, 1 — inside an empty Moby Arena.
The Dagger turned 10 on Friday. To commemorate the trey Ali Farokhmanesh drilled for Northern Iowa against Kansas, the No. 1 overall seed in the 2010 tourney, the CSU athletic department dropped a short video in which Ali, now 31 and a Rams assistant men’s hoops coach, tries to “help” his family replicate the defining shot of his basketball life.
We all miss sports.
Some of us miss them…a little bit more. 😂 March 20, 2010 🗓 March 20, 2020 pic.twitter.com/UdDFi9qwYS — Colorado State Rams (@CSURams) March 20, 2020
As of early Saturday morning, the video had garnered almost 416,000 views on Twitter and more than 51,000 on Facebook. Shot last Thursday, it’s 75 seconds of pure gold, the perfect counterpoint to the mood of the moment, a little light at the end of a dark week.
Even the trolling punch line of the piece — stick around for Liam’s show-stealing moment at the end — comes with a bonus twist of the knife.
“Ted Owens gave us a (Jayhawks) jersey four years ago for Tai,” Ali said of the former Kansas basketball coach. “And it still fit (Liam).”
“You’re going to face some adversity”
The Dagger’s aged well. It’s still Looney Tunes. It’s still an ill-advised shot, still a bicycle kick straight to conventional wisdom’s crown jewels.
As Ali’s Panthers led heavily favored Kansas by one with 36 seconds left, Farokhmanesh found himself all alone on the right wing, a step past the 3-point arc. Before anyone could press or foul, Ali let fly. Swish. Ninth-seeded UNI held on for a 69-67 victory. Bedlam in Bracketville.
The Dagger gets a little bit larger, a little bit sharper, with each passing year. Especially this year. Especially this weekend, when the Alis of the current college basketball landscape are supposed to be slaying dragons. When some other kid from some other small school — Tray Boyd III at East Tennessee State, Trevelin Queen at New Mexico State, Caleb Homesley at Liberty — should be busting Bill Self’s chops.
“That’s what makes the tournament fun,” Ali said. “That’s what we’re missing right now. There would’ve been another situation like mine. You find out new names and different stories. And everyone can relate to them, to a certain extent.
“If the New York Giants are a 6 seed and they beat the Patriots, it’s like, well, they’re the Giants — they’re still professionals. East Tennessee State, if they beat Auburn, those moments are the ones your heart aches for. Because you know, at the midmajor level, how hard it is to get there.”
The Dagger changed his life. Got him on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The shot of Farokhmanesh cocking his head back and screaming to the Oklahoma City sky is forever stitched, along with Bryce Drew, Tyus Edney and Christian Laettner, into the pantheon of tourney legend.
“I don’t know if I’d be in this spot I’m in right now if we didn’t have that (NCAA) run,” Ali reflected. “But I changed, in a sense, too, in that it gave some validation to the fact that, the harder you work, that good things happen.
“I had a lot of lows before I hit that shot. I remember almost wanting to quit basketball. And I stayed with it. What March taught me was: ‘You’re going to face some adversity. No matter what, if you keep working and trusting yourself, something good is going to happen.’”
“Not all heroes wear capes”
Like hand sanitizer, rampant optimism feels like something that flew off the shelves ages ago. That March trust is getting tested in Ali’s world, too. Dad’s working from home — any postseason destinations for the 20-12 Rams, along with recruiting travel, got kiboshed by coronavirus concerns.
Mallory is a pro re nata, or “as needed,” nurse in Fort Collins. She used to work with the critical care team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, headquarters of the biocontainment unit where some of the first Americans exposed to the virus were treated last month.
“Not all heroes,” Mallory said, “wear capes.”
She has friends embedded on the front line of the fight. And she could be called in soon herself to help the afflicted in Larimer County.
“We’re a little worried,” Ali said, “just because it obviously sounds like a lot of these nurses have contracted it.”
Another concern: The lesions in Mila’s esophagus, which are sometimes a red flag that a child might have a more vulnerable immune system.
“So we’re being a little bit cautious with her now, too,” Ali said.
Although you wouldn’t know it from Friday morning, when Mila was precocious as ever, needling Ali to apply some fake makeup on her face while he was trying to break down some of the Rams’ game clips.
“All jokes aside, if anybody deserves a sports moment like (2010), it’s him,” Mallory said. “He worked so hard as a kid. He spent Christmas night every year in the gym. Him and his parents, they would go to the gym and shoot.
“Our kids, I hope they get my athletic ability. And I hope they get his work ethic and determination.”
Still, with three young’uns and three limited attention spans, Mallory worried at the start of their CSU video shoot that waiting for Ali to simulate his trey for the cameras would quickly test the little ones’ patience.
And, more importantly, hers.
“I told our son, ‘We are going to be here all day,’” she recalled with a laugh.
“We did two takes. He made it in both of them.”
Once a Dagger, always a Dagger. And not all heroes wear capes.