thedenverpost--2020-08-06--1.2 million seek unemployment aid just after $600 federal check ends

WASHINGTON — Nearly 1.2 million laid-off Americans applied for state unemployment benefits last week , evidence that the coronavirus keeps forcing companies to slash jobs just as a critical $ 600 weekly federal jobless payment has expired .
The Labor Department ’ s report Thursday marked the 20th straight week that at least 1 million people have sought jobless aid .
Before the pandemic hit hard in March , the number of Americans seeking unemployment checks had never surpassed 700,000 in a week , not even during the Great Recession of 2007-2009 .
The new jobless claims were down by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two straight weeks .
The pandemic , the lockdowns meant to contain it and the wariness of many Americans to venture back out to eat , shop or travel have delivered a devastating blow to the economy despite the government ’ s emergency rescue efforts .
The nation ’ s gross domestic product , the broadest measure of economic output , shrank at an annual rate of nearly 33 % from April through June .
It was by far the worst quarterly fall on record , though the economy has rebounded somewhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is expected to report a sizable job gain for July — 1.6 million .
Yet so deeply did employers slash payrolls after the pandemic paralyzed the economy in March that even July ’ s expected gain would mean that barely 40 % of the jobs lost to the coronavirus have been recovered .
And the pace of hiring is clearly slowing .
A resurgence of cases in the South and the West has spread elsewhere and upended hopes for a speedy economic recovery as bars , restaurants and other businesses have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rehire staff .
All told , 16.1 million people are collecting traditional unemployment benefits from their state .
For months , the unemployed had also been receiving the $ 600 a week in federal jobless aid on top of their state benefit .
But the federal payment expired last week .
Congress is engaged in prolonged negotiations over renewing the federal benefit , which would likely be extended at a reduced level .
In the meantime , millions of the unemployed suddenly have less money to pay for essentials .
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide who are at risk of being evicted from their homes , according to The Aspen Institute , as moratoriums enacted because of the coronavirus expire .
With the nation still gripped by an alarming resurgence of coronavirus cases , the U.S. government will provide its latest snapshot Thursday of the layoffs that have remained elevated at a weekly pace above 1 million since the pandemic erupted in March .
The rate of applications for unemployment benefits has stalled at roughly twice the record high that had existed before the virus sent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many states and localities having re-imposed lockdowns in response to the spreading virus , businesses face renewed struggles that have forced some to impose further job cuts or to shut down .
The latest string of layoffs follows the expiration of a $ 600 weekly federal jobless payment that provided critical support for many of the unemployed .
Members of Congress are locked in prolonged negotiations over a new rescue aid package that might extend that unemployment benefit , though likely at a lower level of payment .

WASHINGTON — Nearly 1.2 million laid-off Americans applied for state unemployment benefits last week, evidence that the coronavirus keeps forcing companies to slash jobs just as a critical $600 weekly federal jobless payment has expired.
In Colorado, another 14,723 people applied for state and federal support last week, including 7,585 for federally funded pandemic unemployment assistance reserved for workers not covered by the state’s benefits program, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
The total of new claims for the week ending Aug. 1 is down after two weeks of more than 17,000 people filing new claims for support but more turbulence appears to be on the horizon for the state. This week, Frontier Airlines informed 398 workers at Denver International Airport they will be furloughed as early as Oct. 1. The comes on the heels of United Airlines notifying 2,820 Colorado workers they will be furloughed indefinitely starting in October as part of that airline’s plan to slash its U.S. workforce by nearly 36,000 people.
More than 310,000 Coloradans sought continuing support for the week ended July 25, the last week the state labor department processed $600 payments on top of regular benefits.
The U.S. Labor Department’s report Thursday marked the 20th straight week that at least 1 million people have sought jobless aid. Before the pandemic hit hard in March, the number of Americans seeking unemployment checks had never surpassed 700,000 in a week, not even during the Great Recession of 2007-2009.
The new jobless claims were down by 249,000 from the previous week after rising for two straight weeks.
The pandemic, the lockdowns meant to contain it and the wariness of many Americans to venture back out to eat, shop or travel have delivered a devastating blow to the economy despite the government’s emergency rescue efforts. The nation’s gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic output, shrank at an annual rate of nearly 33% from April through June. It was by far the worst quarterly fall on record, though the economy has rebounded somewhat since then.
On Friday, the government is expected to report a sizable job gain for July — 1.6 million. Yet so deeply did employers slash payrolls after the pandemic paralyzed the economy in March that even July’s expected gain would mean that barely 40% of the jobs lost to the coronavirus have been recovered.
And the pace of hiring is clearly slowing. A resurgence of cases in the South and the West has spread elsewhere and upended hopes for a speedy economic recovery as bars, restaurants and other businesses have had to delay or reverse plans to reopen and rehire staff.
All told, 16.1 million people are collecting traditional unemployment benefits from their state. For months, the unemployed had also been receiving the $600 a week in federal jobless aid on top of their state benefit. But the federal payment expired last week. Congress is engaged in prolonged negotiations over renewing the federal benefit, which would likely be extended at a reduced level.
In the meantime, millions of the unemployed suddenly have less money to pay for essentials. Many of them are among the 23 million people nationwide who are at risk of being evicted from their homes, according to The Aspen Institute, as moratoriums enacted because of the coronavirus expire.
With the nation still gripped by an alarming resurgence of coronavirus cases, the U.S. government will provide its latest snapshot Thursday of the layoffs that have remained elevated at a weekly pace above 1 million since the pandemic erupted in March.
The rate of applications for unemployment benefits has stalled at roughly twice the record high that had existed before the virus sent the economy spiraling into a recession. With many states and localities having re-imposed lockdowns in response to the spreading virus, businesses face renewed struggles that have forced some to impose further job cuts or to shut down.
The latest string of layoffs follows the expiration of a $600 weekly federal jobless payment that provided critical support for many of the unemployed. Members of Congress are locked in prolonged negotiations over a new rescue aid package that might extend that unemployment benefit, though likely at a lower level of payment.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Some of Colorado’s largest COVID-19 outbreaks appear to be slowing down

Several of Colorado ’ s largest COVID-19 outbreaks could be winding down , with no new cases reported in the last week , though state officials cautioned it takes longer to be certain the virus isn ’ t spreading anymore .
No new cases were found at the Sterling Correctional Facility since last Wednesday , according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ’ s weekly outbreak report .
A total of 605 coronavirus cases and three deaths have linked to the prison , making it the largest outbreak site since the state began tracking in April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as over when 28 days have passed with no new cases tied to a location or event .
The Sterling prison added two cases between July 22 and 29 , meaning it will take several weeks with no new cases before its outbreak is resolved .
The largest current outbreaks in Colorado , behind the Sterling prison , are : • Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center , Denver : 487 cases , no deaths ( 20 new cases since last week ) • JBS meatpacking plant , Greeley : 291 cases , six deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts Original Desserts , Aurora : 133 cases , one death ( no new cases ) • People experiencing homelessness , Denver : 132 cases , no deaths ( four new cases ) • Jefferson County Detention Facility , Golden : 96 cases , one death ( no new cases ) Laurel Manor is the closest to ending its outbreak , having gone three weeks without reporting new cases .
The state reported 25 new outbreaks since last Wednesday , which is in line with recent weeks .
The new locations included five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two prisons , two churches and Community Alternatives of El Paso County , a jail and reentry facility .
The new outbreaks with the largest numbers of cases were : • The Heights Church , Denver : five cases , no deaths The totals include both confirmed and probable cases .
To view the full list of outbreaks , visit covid19.colorado.gov/data/outbreak-data .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Several of Colorado’s largest COVID-19 outbreaks could be winding down, with no new cases reported in the last week, though state officials cautioned it takes longer to be certain the virus isn’t spreading anymore.
No new cases were found at the Sterling Correctional Facility since last Wednesday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s weekly outbreak report. A total of 605 coronavirus cases and three deaths have linked to the prison, making it the largest outbreak site since the state began tracking in April.
The state health department considers an outbreak as over when 28 days have passed with no new cases tied to a location or event. The Sterling prison added two cases between July 22 and 29, meaning it will take several weeks with no new cases before its outbreak is resolved.
The largest current outbreaks in Colorado, behind the Sterling prison, are:
Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center, Denver: 487 cases, no deaths (20 new cases since last week)
487 cases, no deaths (20 new cases since last week) JBS meatpacking plant, Greeley: 291 cases, six deaths (four new cases)
291 cases, six deaths (four new cases) Buena Vista Correctional Complex: 202 cases, no deaths (10 new cases)
202 cases, no deaths (10 new cases) Cherry Creek Nursing Center, Aurora: 161 cases, 34 deaths (one new case)
161 cases, 34 deaths (one new case) Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs: 146 cases, 26 deaths (no new cases)
146 cases, 26 deaths (no new cases) Steven Roberts Original Desserts, Aurora: 133 cases, one death (no new cases)
133 cases, one death (no new cases) People experiencing homelessness, Denver: 132 cases, no deaths (four new cases)
132 cases, no deaths (four new cases) Jefferson County Detention Facility, Golden: 96 cases, one death (no new cases)
96 cases, one death (no new cases) Laurel Manor Care Center, Colorado Springs: 86 cases, 14 deaths (no new cases)
Laurel Manor is the closest to ending its outbreak, having gone three weeks without reporting new cases.
The state reported 25 new outbreaks since last Wednesday, which is in line with recent weeks. The new locations included five restaurants, four residential health facilities, two prisons, two churches and Community Alternatives of El Paso County, a jail and reentry facility.
The new outbreaks with the largest numbers of cases were:
The Haven assisted living, Hayden: 11 cases, one death
Hayden: 11 cases, one death Centennial Correctional Facility, Cañon City: six cases, no deaths
six cases, no deaths Mountain Organic Landscaping, Avon: five cases, no deaths
five cases, no deaths The Heights Church, Denver: five cases, no deaths
five cases, no deaths Unspecified McDonald’s location, Denver: five cases, no deaths
The totals include both confirmed and probable cases.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Former Broncos quarterback becomes part-owner of a winery

Move over , John Elway .
Another former Broncos quarterback is joining the world of wine .
Case Keenum is a member of a three-man group that purchased Haak Vineyards and Winery in Santa Fe , Texas , from owners Raymond and Gladys Haak , according to the Houston Chronicle .
“ As seniors , Gladys and I are ready to retire and we ’ re looking forward to traveling as much as we can in the years we have left , ” Raymond Haak , 81 , told the Chronicle .
Keenum , 32 , was the Broncos ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Denver .
He threw for 3,890 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions , leading the team to a 6-10 record .
Other former quarterbacks who own wineries include Elway ( 7cellars ) , Drew Bledsoe ( Doubleback Cellars in Walla Walla , Wash. ) , and Dan Marino and Damon Huard , who jointly own Passing Time Winery in Woodinville , Wash .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
Sports are back .
Never miss a story .
Subscribe to The Denver Post .
Get started for 99¢ .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders @ @

Move over, John Elway. Another former Broncos quarterback is joining the world of wine.
Case Keenum is a member of a three-man group that purchased Haak Vineyards and Winery in Santa Fe, Texas, from owners Raymond and Gladys Haak, according to the Houston Chronicle.
“As seniors, Gladys and I are ready to retire and we’re looking forward to traveling as much as we can in the years we have left,” Raymond Haak, 81, told the Chronicle.
Keenum, 32, was the Broncos’ starter in 2018, his lone season in Denver. He threw for 3,890 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, leading the team to a 6-10 record.
Other former quarterbacks who own wineries include Elway (7cellars), Drew Bledsoe (Doubleback Cellars in Walla Walla, Wash.), and Dan Marino and Damon Huard, who jointly own Passing Time Winery in Woodinville, Wash.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
Sports are back. Never miss a story.
Subscribe to The Denver Post.
Get started for 99¢.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--All lanes of southbound I-25 reopened at 104th Avenue following fatal crash

NORTHGLENN , Colo. — A fatal crash early Thursday closed all southbound lanes of Interstate 25 at W. 104th Avenue @ @ @ @ @ 6:30 a.m. but continued to cause delays .
According to Renae Lehr , public information @ @ @ @ @ Department , a man in his 20s had been walking across the interstate from east @ @ @ @ @ when he was struck by a Jeep Cherokee , and possibly two other vehicles .
@ @ @ @ @ involved drivers stayed at the scene .
Crime scene investigators are working at the site @ @ @ @ @ said it ’ s not yet clear why the man was crossing the interstate .
@ @ @ @ @ our partner at thedenverchannel.com .

NORTHGLENN, Colo. — A fatal crash early Thursday closed all southbound lanes of Interstate 25 at W. 104th Avenue. Lanes were reopened around 6:30 a.m. but continued to cause delays.
According to Renae Lehr, public information officer for the Northglenn Police Department, a man in his 20s had been walking across the interstate from east to west around 1:30 a.m. when he was struck by a Jeep Cherokee, and possibly two other vehicles.
I-25 SB: Full closure at Exit 221 – 104th Avenue. Update: SB I-25 remains closed at 104th Ave due to crash. Current ETA for reopening 6:30 am. Expect lengthy delays in area. Use alternate routes. https://t.co/yF9tpSwehP — CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) August 6, 2020
Lehr said all of the involved drivers stayed at the scene.
Crime scene investigators are working at the site of the crash. Lehr said it’s not yet clear why the man was crossing the interstate.
Read the full story from our partner at thedenverchannel.com.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Denver weather: Chance of afternoon storms on Thursday before sunny and dry weekend

Scattered late-day showers and thunderstorms are in the Thursday weather forecast for northeastern Colorado , including Denver , but the weekend is expected to be sunny and dry .
In Denver , there ’ s a 20 % chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. and the high temperature should hit 94 degrees under mostly sunny skies , according to the National Weather Service .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality alert for the metro area including : Douglas , Jefferson , Denver , western Arapahoe , western Adams , Broomfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Ozone Action Day Alert is posted through 4 p.m. Thursday and ozone concentrations are expected to reach the “ moderate ” to “ unhealthy for sensitive groups ” range , especially along the foothills from Douglas County north to Fort Collins .
A few Thursday thunderstorms over the Eastern Plains could be severe , the weather service said .
Denver ’ s weather on Friday , Saturday and Sunday will be sunny , hot and dry , with high temperatures topping out at about 94 degrees .
Isolated showers and thunderstorms return @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Scattered late-day showers and thunderstorms are in the Thursday weather forecast for northeastern Colorado, including Denver, but the weekend is expected to be sunny and dry.
In Denver, there’s a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. and the high temperature should hit 94 degrees under mostly sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality alert for the metro area including: Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties.
An Ozone Action Day Alert is posted through 4 p.m. Thursday and ozone concentrations are expected to reach the “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range, especially along the foothills from Douglas County north to Fort Collins.
A few Thursday thunderstorms over the Eastern Plains could be severe, the weather service said.
Denver’s weather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be sunny, hot and dry, with high temperatures topping out at about 94 degrees.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms return to the weather forecast next week.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Letters: CHSAA’S inopportune decision (8/6/20)

The Colorado High School Activities Association ’ s recent decision to ruin Colorado sports is nonsensical and “ nonscience.
” After waiting months to announce any semblance of a plan , the schedule does its best to ruin all four of the newly invented seasons .
The CHSSA director claims to be following the best science — but there is zero science where half the athletes can compete now and half will have to wait until later , despite zero evidence that conditions will change .
CHSSA had months to come up with a testing protocol or policy .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons with ensuing chaos with each rumor of a positive test .
Football and volleyball athletes will have their scholarship opportunities vanish ; multi-sport athletes will be squeezed .
And no one will be safer !
The delay , fuzzy thinking and complete lack of courage are the most pitiful example of leadership I have witnessed and are the exact opposite of what we should want our young athletes to model .
“ The money that ’ s left is just a quarter of the $ 720 million that DIA and its new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining phases under the project ’ s wildly over-budget original design.
” It looks like this project has been so mismanaged that the end result will be even higher fees or direct taxes on travelers .
Someone needs to explain where the money went , who will be held responsible for the mismanagement , and who will conduct the audit .
It ’ s amazing how Republicans can rush through a 40 % corporate tax cut bill , but now they spend weeks to make sure that someone who lost their job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t temporarily make slightly more than they used to make because that would be outrageous .
After watching the tributes and “ last marches ” of Georgia Rep. John R. Lewis , I am moved to some sort of action .
So , with our national election coming in less than 100 days , I ’ d like to remind everyone to check their voter registrations and if not yet registered to vote to do so .
You can make sure you are registered , change your address or party affiliation — all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , remind all you know to vote on November 3 !
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

CHSAA’S inopportune decision
Re: “State fall sports moved to spring,” Aug. 5 sports story
The Colorado High School Activities Association’s recent decision to ruin Colorado sports is nonsensical and “nonscience.” After waiting months to announce any semblance of a plan, the schedule does its best to ruin all four of the newly invented seasons. The CHSSA director claims to be following the best science — but there is zero science where half the athletes can compete now and half will have to wait until later, despite zero evidence that conditions will change.
CHSSA had months to come up with a testing protocol or policy. They failed and there will be four truncated seasons with ensuing chaos with each rumor of a positive test. Football and volleyball athletes will have their scholarship opportunities vanish; multi-sport athletes will be squeezed. And no one will be safer!
The delay, fuzzy thinking and complete lack of courage are the most pitiful example of leadership I have witnessed and are the exact opposite of what we should want our young athletes to model.
Tom Eigner, Centennial
Forget lost luggage; DIA losing our money
Re: “Emails: Money running out fast,” Aug. 5 news story
Where’s the Denver International Airport money?
“The money that’s left is just a quarter of the $720 million that DIA and its new contractors estimate it would take to complete the remaining phases under the project’s wildly over-budget original design.”
It looks like this project has been so mismanaged that the end result will be even higher fees or direct taxes on travelers. Someone needs to explain where the money went, who will be held responsible for the mismanagement, and who will conduct the audit.
David A. Sprecace, Denver
Let’s get priorities straight in Washington, D.C.
It’s amazing how Republicans can rush through a 40% corporate tax cut bill, but now they spend weeks to make sure that someone who lost their job and managed to get unemployment doesn’t temporarily make slightly more than they used to make because that would be outrageous.
David Stewart, Aurora
Honor Rep. John R. Lewis by checking your voter registration
After watching the tributes and “last marches” of Georgia Rep. John R. Lewis, I am moved to some sort of action.
So, with our national election coming in less than 100 days, I’d like to remind everyone to check their voter registrations and if not yet registered to vote to do so.
Please check out: govotecolorado.gov
You can make sure you are registered, change your address or party affiliation — all at that website. And, of course, remind all you know to vote on November 3!
Jill Smith, Highlands Ranch
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Ask Amy: New parents must set firm boundaries

Dear Amy : Late last year my husband and I had our first child , a son .
We let people know that only immediate family members ( the new grandparents and our siblings ) would be allowed to visit us in the hospital the first day the baby was born .
For the remainder of that week , we wanted privacy .
My husband ’ s family reacted with hostility , especially from my brother-in-law and his girlfriend .
They decided to call us three days prior to me going in for my C-section and berate us for limiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
Additionally , they were quite offended that we were only “ giving them ” a few hours with the baby .
The conversation became so inappropriate we had to tell them to either stop , or not bother coming to the hospital at all .
Instead , they decided to tell us that we were wrong for setting boundaries , and that they were “ walking out of our lives.
” For the past nine months , that is exactly what they have done .
We have attempted several times to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they refused — claiming we were negative , toxic , and miserable people , and that we owe them major apologies .
Meanwhile , I went through a traumatic labor and delivery that caused me to suffer from postpartum depression , and PTSD .
It has been very difficult trying to understand this irrational behavior and deal with my mental health struggles .
No one in my husband ’ s family will stick up for us .
If everyone just prefers to “ keep the peace ” instead of speaking out about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little family possibly have a relationship with my in-laws ?
Dear Hurt : My advice for you is to stop .
Stop playing this game .
Stop trying to engage with two people who obviously want to punish you .
Stop expecting other family members to defend you ( your husband ’ s parents will not correct their adult child , even if he is at fault ) .
If your brother-in-law and his partner don ’ t want to be a part of your child ’ s life , then you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even be grateful for it , because these people sound very demanding and unsupportive .
Do not expect them to behave differently , and do not gossip about them or invite others to engage on your behalf .
You and your husband should continue to bond as a family unit .
The best way to continue to support your own recovery ( it can take over a year ) is to build up your confidence as parents , maintain a peaceful and positive home life , and keep the outside drama to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband ’ s sisters are big smokers .
My husband and I have never been smokers .
We are often invited to their home for chats and s ’ mores around their outdoor fire pit .
They use their fire pit as an ashtray for butts and partially smoked cigarettes .
They believe that since we don ’ t smell any cigarette smoke as the fire burns , second-hand smoke isn ’ t an issue .
I feel this is second-hand smoke and a very real health concern .
Cigarette filters burned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else , including my husband , thinks there is minimal cause for alarm .
Am I overreacting ?
Should I excuse myself from these otherwise enjoyable gatherings ?
Dear AF : Cigarettes aside , the backyard fire pit itself presents risks to lung health .
According to the Environmental Protection Agency ( epa.gov ) , “ In addition to particle pollution , wood smoke contains several toxic harmful air pollutants , including : benzene , formaldehyde , acrolein , and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs ) .
” Cigarette filters are made of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spun plastic ( not cotton , as I had always assumed ) .
Burning plastic sends off toxic fumes .
The leftover tobacco on the spent cigarettes will also release “ second-hand ” smoke .
So yes – this bonfire is basically a flaming pit of toxins .
Despite that , I might not necessarily let that stop me from hanging ( upwind ) at the fire pit , but these are the only lungs you ’ ll ever have , and you are smart to educate yourself on the risks to your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taken Advantage Of ” described housing and feeding an international student who was trapped in this country during the pandemic .
I could not believe how you judged and blamed these generous people for doing such a nice thing !
Dear Upset : I praised their generosity , but blamed them for their refusal to communicate their own expectations and needs .
Their silence was not fair to their guest .

Dear Amy: Late last year my husband and I had our first child, a son. We let people know that only immediate family members (the new grandparents and our siblings) would be allowed to visit us in the hospital the first day the baby was born. For the remainder of that week, we wanted privacy.
My husband’s family reacted with hostility, especially from my brother-in-law and his girlfriend. They decided to call us three days prior to me going in for my C-section and berate us for limiting the visits while we were in the hospital.
Additionally, they were quite offended that we were only “giving them” a few hours with the baby. The conversation became so inappropriate we had to tell them to either stop, or not bother coming to the hospital at all.
Instead, they decided to tell us that we were wrong for setting boundaries, and that they were “walking out of our lives.”
For the past nine months, that is exactly what they have done. We have attempted several times to invite them to meet their nephew, but they refused — claiming we were negative, toxic, and miserable people, and that we owe them major apologies.
Meanwhile, I went through a traumatic labor and delivery that caused me to suffer from postpartum depression, and PTSD.
It has been very difficult trying to understand this irrational behavior and deal with my mental health struggles.
No one in my husband’s family will stick up for us.
If everyone just prefers to “keep the peace” instead of speaking out about this immature behavior, how can our little family possibly have a relationship with my in-laws?
— Very Hurt and Shocked
Dear Hurt: My advice for you is to stop. Stop playing this game. Stop trying to engage with two people who obviously want to punish you. Stop expecting other family members to defend you (your husband’s parents will not correct their adult child, even if he is at fault).
If your brother-in-law and his partner don’t want to be a part of your child’s life, then you have to respect their choice. You might even be grateful for it, because these people sound very demanding and unsupportive. Do not expect them to behave differently, and do not gossip about them or invite others to engage on your behalf.
You and your husband should continue to bond as a family unit. The best way to continue to support your own recovery (it can take over a year) is to build up your confidence as parents, maintain a peaceful and positive home life, and keep the outside drama to an absolute minimum.
Dear Amy: My husband’s sisters are big smokers. My husband and I have never been smokers. We are often invited to their home for chats and s’mores around their outdoor fire pit.
They use their fire pit as an ashtray for butts and partially smoked cigarettes.
They believe that since we don’t smell any cigarette smoke as the fire burns, second-hand smoke isn’t an issue.
I feel this is second-hand smoke and a very real health concern. Cigarette filters burned in a fire pit are toxic.
Everyone else, including my husband, thinks there is minimal cause for alarm.
Am I overreacting? Should I excuse myself from these otherwise enjoyable gatherings?
— AF, Upstate NY
Dear AF: Cigarettes aside, the backyard fire pit itself presents risks to lung health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov), “In addition to particle pollution, wood smoke contains several toxic harmful air pollutants, including: benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).”
Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, which is a finely spun plastic (not cotton, as I had always assumed). Burning plastic sends off toxic fumes. The leftover tobacco on the spent cigarettes will also release “second-hand” smoke.
So yes – this bonfire is basically a flaming pit of toxins. Despite that, I might not necessarily let that stop me from hanging (upwind) at the fire pit, but these are the only lungs you’ll ever have, and you are smart to educate yourself on the risks to your lung health.
Dear Amy: “Taken Advantage Of” described housing and feeding an international student who was trapped in this country during the pandemic. I could not believe how you judged and blamed these generous people for doing such a nice thing!
— Upset
Dear Upset: I praised their generosity, but blamed them for their refusal to communicate their own expectations and needs. Their silence was not fair to their guest.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--MLB tightening virus protocols, including masks in dugouts

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is cracking down on coronavirus safety protocols , mandating that players and staff wear face coverings at all times , including in the dugouts and bullpens , except for players on the field of play .
The league sent a memo to teams Wednesday outlining changes to its 2020 operations manual after outbreaks on the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals led to 21 postponements in the first two weeks of a shortened 60-game season .
The memo , obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday night , says that repeated or flagrant violators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating in the 2020 season and postseason .
That includes those who don ’ t wear face coverings while watching from the dugout .
Although such measures were suggested in MLB ’ s operations manual before Wednesday , some players have continued to not wear face masks , offer high fives , spit and violate the protocols in other ways during games .
Umpires are also being instructed to wear face masks at all times , except when it would make it unfeasible for them to do their jobs .
Compliance officers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been charged with enforcing protocols outlined in the operations manual in an effort to keep baseball ’ s season running .
Players and staff must wear face coverings at all times at team hotels and in public places while on the road .
On team buses and airplanes , personnel must wear surgical masks or N95/KN95 respirators .
At hotels , teams have been instructed to provide a large private room — a ballroom , for instance — where staff and players can get food and other amenities with enough space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discouraged from talking to each other or facing each other if their mask is pulled down while eating .
If players want to leave the hotel , they must get approval first from the team ’ s compliance officer .
While in their home cities , players and staff are banned from visiting bars , lounges , malls or other places where groups of people are gathered .
Clubs are being instructed to provided spaces for visiting players that are covered and outdoors , and that home and visiting teams must have access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during weather delays .
Players are being told to use those outdoor areas as much as possible , rather than linger in the clubhouse .
Among other changes : teams must limit the size of traveling parties to essential personnel , maintain unoccupied rows between passengers on team buses , and distance seating on airplanes while ensuring players do not change locations .
MLB said in the memo it made many of the changes after evaluating results of its investigation into the Marlins outbreak .
The league also said it is working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , specifically the requirements for identified close contacts .
Close contacts do not currently include passing interactions or physical contact unlikely to pass secretions , such as elbow bumps .

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is cracking down on coronavirus safety protocols, mandating that players and staff wear face coverings at all times, including in the dugouts and bullpens, except for players on the field of play.
The league sent a memo to teams Wednesday outlining changes to its 2020 operations manual after outbreaks on the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals led to 21 postponements in the first two weeks of a shortened 60-game season.
The memo, obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday night, says that repeated or flagrant violators of the protocols could be banned from participating in the 2020 season and postseason.
That includes those who don’t wear face coverings while watching from the dugout. Although such measures were suggested in MLB’s operations manual before Wednesday, some players have continued to not wear face masks, offer high fives, spit and violate the protocols in other ways during games.
Umpires are also being instructed to wear face masks at all times, except when it would make it unfeasible for them to do their jobs.
Compliance officers have been appointed for each team, and they have been charged with enforcing protocols outlined in the operations manual in an effort to keep baseball’s season running.
Players and staff must wear face coverings at all times at team hotels and in public places while on the road. On team buses and airplanes, personnel must wear surgical masks or N95/KN95 respirators.
At hotels, teams have been instructed to provide a large private room — a ballroom, for instance — where staff and players can get food and other amenities with enough space to keep their distance. Players are discouraged from talking to each other or facing each other if their mask is pulled down while eating.
If players want to leave the hotel, they must get approval first from the team’s compliance officer.
While in their home cities, players and staff are banned from visiting bars, lounges, malls or other places where groups of people are gathered.
Clubs are being instructed to provided spaces for visiting players that are covered and outdoors, and that home and visiting teams must have access to areas where personnel can socially distance during weather delays. Players are being told to use those outdoor areas as much as possible, rather than linger in the clubhouse.
Among other changes: teams must limit the size of traveling parties to essential personnel, maintain unoccupied rows between passengers on team buses, and distance seating on airplanes while ensuring players do not change locations.
MLB said in the memo it made many of the changes after evaluating results of its investigation into the Marlins outbreak. The league also said it is working with the union to review contact tracing protocols, specifically the requirements for identified close contacts. Close contacts do not currently include passing interactions or physical contact unlikely to pass secretions, such as elbow bumps.


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--Trump signs executive orders banning deals with Chinese owners of TikTok, WeChat

President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered an unspecified ban on “ transactions ” with the Chinese owners of the consumer apps TikTok and WeChat .
The twin executive orders — one for each app — take effect in 45 days .
They call on the Secretary of Commerce to define the banned transactions by that time .
The orders ’ wording is vague , but leaves open the possibility that hosting the apps in the Apple and Google app stores could be covered by the ban .
Trump had threatened a deadline of Sept. 15 to “ close down ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” bought it .
TikTok , Microsoft and WeChat owner Tencent had no immediate replies to queries .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that he was expanding the U.S. crackdown on Chinese technology to personal apps , citing alleged security threats and calling out TikTok and WeChat by name .
Analysts on Wednesday questioned the legal basis for a ban on apps .
Trump ’ s order Thursday night cited legal authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act .
TikTok is a video-sharing app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the U.S. and elsewhere .
It is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance , which operates a separate version for the Chinese market .
TikTok insists it does not store U.S. user information in China and would not share it with the Chinese government .
WeChat and its sister app Weixin in China are hugely popular messaging apps ; many Chinese expatriates use WeChat to stay in touch with friends and family back home .
The apps are owned by Tencent , a major Chinese digital conglomerate .
WeChat also says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese government and never has , and does not store international user data in China .
U.S. user data is stored in Canada .

President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered an unspecified ban on “transactions” with the Chinese owners of the consumer apps TikTok and WeChat.
The twin executive orders — one for each app — take effect in 45 days. They call on the Secretary of Commerce to define the banned transactions by that time. The orders’ wording is vague, but leaves open the possibility that hosting the apps in the Apple and Google app stores could be covered by the ban.
Trump had threatened a deadline of Sept. 15 to “close down” TikTok unless Microsoft or “somebody else” bought it. TikTok, Microsoft and WeChat owner Tencent had no immediate replies to queries.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that he was expanding the U.S. crackdown on Chinese technology to personal apps, citing alleged security threats and calling out TikTok and WeChat by name. Analysts on Wednesday questioned the legal basis for a ban on apps.
Trump’s order Thursday night cited legal authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act.
TikTok is a video-sharing app that’s widely popular among young people in the U.S. and elsewhere. It is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, which operates a separate version for the Chinese market. TikTok insists it does not store U.S. user information in China and would not share it with the Chinese government.
WeChat and its sister app Weixin in China are hugely popular messaging apps; many Chinese expatriates use WeChat to stay in touch with friends and family back home. The apps are owned by Tencent, a major Chinese digital conglomerate.
WeChat also says it doesn’t share data with the Chinese government and never has, and does not store international user data in China. U.S. user data is stored in Canada.


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--Kiszla: Only one question remains for red-hot Rockies. Will World Series victory parade be held virt

Kiszla: Only one question remains for red-hot Rockies. Will World Series victory parade be held virtually or at safe social distance?

Who are these guys ?
In a year when we pray for something good to believe in , the Rockies are fashioning baseball ’ s happiest story , a tale so amazing it seems difficult to trust as true .
But they don ’ t call me Mr. Sunshine for nothing .
And I say : Go ahead .
Fall in love .
Dare to believe in this team .
Hey gang , line up 6 feet apart .
The bandwagon loads here , at 20th and Blake .
While Colorado has played only a dozen games in this crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s year of the pandemic , only one question remains about these Rockies : When they beat the New York Yankees in the World Series , will the victory parade through downtown Denver streets be held virtually or at a safe social distance ?
“ It ’ s a crazy year , ” shortstop Trevor Story said Thursday , after your ballsy little Rox rallied to beat San Francisco 6-4. Who are these masked men wearing purple pinstripes ?
“ Couple months ago , it looked weird , everybody wearing a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Now , it has become if you don ’ t have a mask on , that looks weird.
” With every home run raked by Story , every yelp of glee in the dugout by Daniel Murphy , and every celebratory grunt by pitcher Kyle Freeland after teammates turn a double play , it becomes more apparent : This team is for real .
The sad-sack ballclub formerly known as the hapless Rockies has been transformed into a serious contender in a weird summer shaped by COVID-19 , where the high-fives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smiles behind those purple masks are real .
With health restrictions preventing fans from joining the party at Coors Field , players have to make their own noise .
With a 9-3 record , they ’ re already raising a ruckus in the standings .
From my seat in the press box , I can hear them yelping , grunting and acting like big kids falling in love with the game again .
Listen closely to the television broadcast , and maybe these rambunctious Rockies can make you feel like a kid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hears me , too .
Which probably should give me some pause , ” said Murphy , hoping the TV microphones don ’ t catch any PG-13 language unsuitable for younger children or parents with sensitive ears .
Who are these masked men ?
They are Rocky Mountain bandits , ready to pilfer a invitation to the National League playoffs and steal hearts in this Broncos town .
“ It ’ s as good as any team I ’ ve been on here , ” Story said .
His fifth homer in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the argument there ’ s no more legit MVP candidate right now than Story .
In any other year , baseball is a grind demanding our patience to watch how a team grows or folds , one homestand at a time .
But 2020 has tossed the rulebook ( for life , as well as this game ) in the shredder .
So I felt compelled to ask Story : Although 12 games make for a dangerously small sample size , what have his Colorado teammates established ?
“ We ’ ve established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think we believe in ourselves.
” As Black will be the first to tell you , nothing can build confidence and momentum for a team in this sport like good starting pitching .
German Marquez is the closest thing this franchise has had to a bona fide ace since the fleeting prime of Ubaldo Jimenez .
Jon Gray has matured into a solid No .
2 starter .
After a disastrous 2019 season that sent him packing to the minors , Freeland again coaxes hitters into ground balls that often produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I think we ’ ve established our starting pitchers are doing their thing , ” Story said .
Here ’ s the thing they do : Through a dozen games , starting pitchers for your gritty little Rox have fashioned a collective earned run average of 2.78 , allowing opposing batters a meager .211 average .
Marquez , Gray and Freeland have not only overcome the dangers of pitching at altitude , they ’ ve turned back the clock to 1995 with a credible imitation of Greg Maddux , Tom Glavine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not get carried away .
The bullpen is a big question mark .
The recurrence of blood clots in his arm almost certainly has shelved Scott Oberg until 2021 , and Wade Davis has been put in time out to nurse emotional wounds .
General manager Jeff Bridich might consider looking for a veteran closer between now and the Aug. 31 trade deadline .
But Charlie Blackmon , Nolan Arenado and Matt Kemp are going to hit .
Eight teams in the NL qualify for the playoffs this year .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Hey , they don ’ t call me Mr. Sunshine for nothing .
“ We feel very confident in our chances to win every night , ” Story said .
Purple masks .
Purple reigns .
These Rocky Mountain bandits are going to steal your heart .

Who are these guys? In a year when we pray for something good to believe in, the Rockies are fashioning baseball’s happiest story, a tale so amazing it seems difficult to trust as true.
But they don’t call me Mr. Sunshine for nothing. And I say: Go ahead. Fall in love. Dare to believe in this team. Hey gang, line up 6 feet apart. The bandwagon loads here, at 20th and Blake.
While Colorado has played only a dozen games in this crazy, abbreviated major league season in America’s year of the pandemic, only one question remains about these Rockies:
When they beat the New York Yankees in the World Series, will the victory parade through downtown Denver streets be held virtually or at a safe social distance?
“It’s a crazy year,” shortstop Trevor Story said Thursday, after your ballsy little Rox rallied to beat San Francisco 6-4.
Who are these masked men wearing purple pinstripes?
“Couple months ago, it looked weird, everybody wearing a mask,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “Now, it has become if you don’t have a mask on, that looks weird.”
With every home run raked by Story, every yelp of glee in the dugout by Daniel Murphy, and every celebratory grunt by pitcher Kyle Freeland after teammates turn a double play, it becomes more apparent: This team is for real.
The sad-sack ballclub formerly known as the hapless Rockies has been transformed into a serious contender in a weird summer shaped by COVID-19, where the high-fives between teammates are virtual, but the smiles behind those purple masks are real.
With health restrictions preventing fans from joining the party at Coors Field, players have to make their own noise. With a 9-3 record, they’re already raising a ruckus in the standings. From my seat in the press box, I can hear them yelping, grunting and acting like big kids falling in love with the game again. Listen closely to the television broadcast, and maybe these rambunctious Rockies can make you feel like a kid, too.
“My father says he hears me, too. Which probably should give me some pause,” said Murphy, hoping the TV microphones don’t catch any PG-13 language unsuitable for younger children or parents with sensitive ears.
Who are these masked men? They are Rocky Mountain bandits, ready to pilfer a invitation to the National League playoffs and steal hearts in this Broncos town.
“It’s as good as any team I’ve been on here,” Story said. His fifth homer in this young season put another exclamation point on the argument there’s no more legit MVP candidate right now than Story.
In any other year, baseball is a grind demanding our patience to watch how a team grows or folds, one homestand at a time. But 2020 has tossed the rulebook (for life, as well as this game) in the shredder. So I felt compelled to ask Story: Although 12 games make for a dangerously small sample size, what have his Colorado teammates established?
“We’ve established a confidence,” Story replied. “I think we believe in ourselves.”
As Black will be the first to tell you, nothing can build confidence and momentum for a team in this sport like good starting pitching. German Marquez is the closest thing this franchise has had to a bona fide ace since the fleeting prime of Ubaldo Jimenez. Jon Gray has matured into a solid No. 2 starter. After a disastrous 2019 season that sent him packing to the minors, Freeland again coaxes hitters into ground balls that often produce one easy out, and sometimes two.
“I think we’ve established our starting pitchers are doing their thing,” Story said.
Here’s the thing they do: Through a dozen games, starting pitchers for your gritty little Rox have fashioned a collective earned run average of 2.78, allowing opposing batters a meager .211 average. Marquez, Gray and Freeland have not only overcome the dangers of pitching at altitude, they’ve turned back the clock to 1995 with a credible imitation of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.
OK, let’s not get carried away. The bullpen is a big question mark. The recurrence of blood clots in his arm almost certainly has shelved Scott Oberg until 2021, and Wade Davis has been put in time out to nurse emotional wounds. General manager Jeff Bridich might consider looking for a veteran closer between now and the Aug. 31 trade deadline.
But Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado and Matt Kemp are going to hit. Eight teams in the NL qualify for the playoffs this year. The Rockies are going to be one of them. Hey, they don’t call me Mr. Sunshine for nothing.
“We feel very confident in our chances to win every night,” Story said.
Purple masks. Purple reigns. These Rocky Mountain bandits are going to steal your heart.


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--Trial over late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s trust pushed back to 2021

Next month ’ s scheduled trial pitting the three individuals who run the Patrick D. Bowlen Trust against the late Broncos owner ’ s two oldest children has been continued to 2021 , a source told The Post on Thursday night .
Arapahoe County Court Judge John Scipione made the decision that because of COVID-19 concerns , an in-person trial starting Sept. 1 was not possible .
Instead of doing it remotely , he continued the case into next year at an unspecified date .
Depositions began earlier this summer and those were all conducted via video conference .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wallace , Bowlen ’ s two children with his first wife , Sally Parker , filed a suit challenging the validity of the trust documents signed by their father in March 2009 .
The defendants are Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis , team counsel Rich Slivka and Denver attorney Mary Kelly .
Klemmer and Wallace argue that Pat Bowlen ’ s Alzheimer ’ s had progressed to the point that he did not have the capacity and was unduly influenced by the trustees to sign his estate-planning documents .
In the lawsuit , Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brothers , said Pat began to “ display signs ” of Alzheimer ’ s “ in or around 2006 , ” and was diagnosed later that year at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona .
Last month , Ellis cited Scipione ’ s “ protective order ” in declining to comment about his confidence level in winning the trial , but said the ongoing legal disputes were not impacting his day-to-day duties with the Broncos .
“ It ’ s not a distraction , ” Ellis said .
“ I get everybody to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , call me all the time about what ’ s going on and things we need to be concerned about , things that need to be addressed .
We ’ ve been able to focus on football .
”

Next month’s scheduled trial pitting the three individuals who run the Patrick D. Bowlen Trust against the late Broncos owner’s two oldest children has been continued to 2021, a source told The Post on Thursday night.
Arapahoe County Court Judge John Scipione made the decision that because of COVID-19 concerns, an in-person trial starting Sept. 1 was not possible. Instead of doing it remotely, he continued the case into next year at an unspecified date.
Depositions began earlier this summer and those were all conducted via video conference.
Last September, Amie Klemmer and Beth Bowlen Wallace, Bowlen’s two children with his first wife, Sally Parker, filed a suit challenging the validity of the trust documents signed by their father in March 2009. The defendants are Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis, team counsel Rich Slivka and Denver attorney Mary Kelly.
Klemmer and Wallace argue that Pat Bowlen’s Alzheimer’s had progressed to the point that he did not have the capacity and was unduly influenced by the trustees to sign his estate-planning documents. In the lawsuit, Bill Bowlen, one of Pat’s brothers, said Pat began to “display signs” of Alzheimer’s “in or around 2006,” and was diagnosed later that year at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Pat Bowlen died in June 2019 at age 75.
Last month, Ellis cited Scipione’s “protective order” in declining to comment about his confidence level in winning the trial, but said the ongoing legal disputes were not impacting his day-to-day duties with the Broncos.
“It’s not a distraction,” Ellis said. “I get everybody to report into me, talk to me all day, call me all the time about what’s going on and things we need to be concerned about, things that need to be addressed. We’ve been able to focus on football.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--Rockies’ sizzling start based on pitching and a growing confidence

The Rockies have been down this road before , only to veer into a ditch .
The 2011 team started off hot ( 12-3 ) but quickly collapsed and finished 73-89 and 19 games out of first place in the National League West .
The slugging 1997 Blake Street Bombers were 9-3 through their first dozen games but sputtered to a middling 83-79 record .
But the 2020 Rockies are different .
Why ?
Because their 9-3 record is founded , first and foremost on pitching .
And in this strange 60-game season , that pitching just might hold out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Through one-fifth of the season , Colorado starters have a 2.78 ERA , have limited opponents to a .211 batting average and have given up only six home runs .
Yes , the Rockies needed heroic two-run homers from veterans Daniel Murphy and Charlie Blackmon in the seventh inning to beat San Francisco 6-4 on Thursday afternoon .
And , yes , the venerable Blackmon is batting .396 and in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak in which he ’ s hit .475 with eight runs scored , two doubles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But as the Rockies head to Seattle to begin a three-game series Friday night , Nolan Arenado is hitting just .222 ( despite three home runs ) and David Dahl is sitting at .240 .
“ Our offense hasn ’ t hit its stride yet , but I ’ m confident it ’ s going to , ” manager Bud Black has said more than once .
Which brings us back to pitching .
For six-plus innings , Thursday ’ s game was a classic pitcher ’ s duel featuring left-hander Kyle Freeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One misplaced pitch shook up Freeland ’ s afternoon .
He had blanked San Francisco for six innings , inducing 14 groundball outs , including three double plays , until Mauricio Dubón hit a 414-foot , three-run homer to right , putting the Giants ahead 3-1 .
But this wasn ’ t a throwback to the disastrous 2019 season when Freeland gave up 25 home runs in 104 1/3 innings .
This was just a one-pitch mistake , not a trend .
“ I had a really good pitch mix today and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bunch of groundballs , ” said Freeland , who ’ s boasting a 2.41 ERA .
“ There in the seventh , ( Dubón ) guessed right and I guessed wrong .
I thought for sure he would be looking for a changeup because we had been going soft to him all day , so we decided to go up and into him with an inside fastball and he was ready for it.
” Black — speaking about German Marquez , Jon Gray , Antonio Senzatela and Freeland — has said more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quartet evolve from “ throwers into pitchers.
” And the manager has made it clear that he likes the makeup of his team , especially for a 60-game sprint .
“ The bullpen has been very good ( 3.69 ERA ) and our starters have been outstanding , ” Black said .
“ To be a complete team , especially playing half our games ( at Coors Field ) , we ’ ve got to pitch , defend and hit .
Overall , we have done that .
“ But the trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to be critical.
” All-star shortstop Trevor Story , who hit a solo home run as a designated hitter Thursday , was asked to assess the team through the first 12 games .
“ We ’ ve got a lot going on , ” said Story , who ’ s already launched five home runs .
The most important quality he sees from the 2020 Rockies is confidence .
“ We had it coming into spring training 2.0 , and we had it in the first spring ( training ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We believe in ourselves so much .
We ’ re a very tight-knit group with a lot of really good friends on this team .
I think that that plays a lot , especially in a season like this .
”

The Rockies have been down this road before, only to veer into a ditch.
The 2011 team started off hot (12-3) but quickly collapsed and finished 73-89 and 19 games out of first place in the National League West. The slugging 1997 Blake Street Bombers were 9-3 through their first dozen games but sputtered to a middling 83-79 record.
But the 2020 Rockies are different.
Why? Because their 9-3 record is founded, first and foremost on pitching. And in this strange 60-game season, that pitching just might hold out until Rocktober. Check out this statistic: Through one-fifth of the season, Colorado starters have a 2.78 ERA, have limited opponents to a .211 batting average and have given up only six home runs.
Yes, the Rockies needed heroic two-run homers from veterans Daniel Murphy and Charlie Blackmon in the seventh inning to beat San Francisco 6-4 on Thursday afternoon. And, yes, the venerable Blackmon is batting .396 and in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak in which he’s hit .475 with eight runs scored, two doubles, two home runs and 14 RBIs.
But as the Rockies head to Seattle to begin a three-game series Friday night, Nolan Arenado is hitting just .222 (despite three home runs) and David Dahl is sitting at .240.
“Our offense hasn’t hit its stride yet, but I’m confident it’s going to,” manager Bud Black has said more than once.
Which brings us back to pitching. For six-plus innings, Thursday’s game was a classic pitcher’s duel featuring left-hander Kyle Freeland vs. former Rockies lefty Tyler Anderson.
One misplaced pitch shook up Freeland’s afternoon. He had blanked San Francisco for six innings, inducing 14 groundball outs, including three double plays, until Mauricio Dubón hit a 414-foot, three-run homer to right, putting the Giants ahead 3-1.
But this wasn’t a throwback to the disastrous 2019 season when Freeland gave up 25 home runs in 104 1/3 innings. This was just a one-pitch mistake, not a trend.
“I had a really good pitch mix today and I got a lot of weak contact and a bunch of groundballs,” said Freeland, who’s boasting a 2.41 ERA. “There in the seventh, (Dubón) guessed right and I guessed wrong. I thought for sure he would be looking for a changeup because we had been going soft to him all day, so we decided to go up and into him with an inside fastball and he was ready for it.”
Black — speaking about German Marquez, Jon Gray, Antonio Senzatela and Freeland — has said more than once that he’s seen the quartet evolve from “throwers into pitchers.” And the manager has made it clear that he likes the makeup of his team, especially for a 60-game sprint.
“The bullpen has been very good (3.69 ERA) and our starters have been outstanding,” Black said. “To be a complete team, especially playing half our games (at Coors Field), we’ve got to pitch, defend and hit. Overall, we have done that.
“But the trick is continuing the consistent pitching. That’s going to be critical.”
All-star shortstop Trevor Story, who hit a solo home run as a designated hitter Thursday, was asked to assess the team through the first 12 games.
“We’ve got a lot going on,” said Story, who’s already launched five home runs.
The most important quality he sees from the 2020 Rockies is confidence.
“We had it coming into spring training 2.0, and we had it in the first spring (training) as well,” he said. “We believe in ourselves so much. We’re a very tight-knit group with a lot of really good friends on this team. I think that that plays a lot, especially in a season like this.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--Two Longmont officers cleared in non-fatal shooting of man armed with BB gun

Two Longmont police officers who shot a man who aimed a BB gun at them were justified in their use of force and will not face criminal charges , according to the Boulder County District Attorney ’ s Office .
The BB gun was a 9 mm handgun replica — all black and without a colored plastic tip , modeled after a Beretta semi-automatic handgun , according to a DA ’ s news release .
On July 10 officers Nathan Miller and Brian Macchione shot Antoinio Armstrong , 26 , when they responded to a harassment call .
A 911 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 9mm in his back pocket ” and wouldn ’ t leave the victim ’ s residence , the release said .
The victim told police that Armstrong regularly carried a handgun in his pocket and a silver revolver in a duffel bag .
When police arrived Armstrong refused to comply with orders and instead “ pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the police officers , ” the release said .
“ The gun appeared to be a 9mm handgun , consistent with the earlier information relayed to police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” decision and fired his weapon at Armstrong who then crouched between two cars .
Macchione observed Armstrong “ still holding what appeared to be the semi-automatic firearm with the gun pointed toward several officers , ” the report said .
Macchione fired two rounds from his rifle .
Armstrong was hit multiple times and taken to a local hospital in critical condition .
He survived and faces multiple criminal charges including four counts of menacing , first-degree criminal trespass and harassment .
Armstrong ’ s next court appearance is scheduled Aug. 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the head with the BB gun , the release said .
Five self-inflicted BBs were recovered .
“ Mr .
Armstrong ’ s actions that night impacted everyone involved , including those community members who live in the apartment complex , ” District Attorney Michael Dougherty , said in the news release .
“ The investigation into this incident was important to the civilians and police officers , as well as to our community as a whole .
For that reason , I appreciate the thorough work and expertise of the multi-agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed us to reach the right result .
”

Two Longmont police officers who shot a man who aimed a BB gun at them were justified in their use of force and will not face criminal charges, according to the Boulder County district attorney’s office.
The BB gun was a 9 mm handgun replica — all black and without a colored plastic tip, modeled after a Beretta semi-automatic handgun, according to a district attorney’s news release.
On July 10, officers Nathan Miller and Brian Macchione shot Antoinio Armstrong, 26, when they responded to a harassment call. A 911 caller told dispatchers that Armstrong had “a 9mm in his back pocket” and wouldn’t leave the victim’s residence, the release said. The victim told police that Armstrong regularly carried a handgun in his pocket and a silver revolver in a duffel.
When police arrived, Armstrong refused to comply with orders and instead “pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the police officers,” the release said. “The gun appeared to be a 9mm handgun, consistent with the earlier information relayed to police dispatchers.”
Miller “made a split-second” decision and fired his weapon at Armstrong, who then crouched between two cars. Macchione observed Armstrong “still holding what appeared to be the semi-automatic firearm with the gun pointed toward several officers,” the report said.
Macchione fired two rounds from his rifle. Armstrong was hit multiple times and taken to a hospital in critical condition. He faces multiple criminal charges, including four counts of menacing, first-degree criminal trespass and harassment. Armstrong’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 17.
During the incident Armstrong shot himself in the head with the BB gun, the release said. Five self-inflicted BBs were recovered.
“Mr. Armstrong’s actions that night impacted everyone involved, including those community members who live in the apartment complex,” District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in the news release. “The investigation into this incident was important to the civilians and police officers, as well as to our community as a whole. For that reason, I appreciate the thorough work and expertise of the multi-agency Critical Incident Team.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--CSU Rams hire Kansas City firm to head up investigation of athletic department

Colorado State has hired an outside search firm to head up an investigation into possible improprieties regarding the athletic department ’ s handling of COVID-19 testing , a Rams athletics department official confirmed to The Post on Thursday .
The Kansas City-based firm of Husch Blackwell will conduct the investigation , university president Joyce McConnell told department employees and CSU student-athletes Thursday in an email first reported by the Fort Collins Coloradoan .
The firm is the same one recently hired by the University of Iowa this summer to independently investigate claims of racial inequality and mistreatment of players by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirk Ferentz .
That report cost Iowa athletics as much as $ 675 per hour in attorney rates , according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette .
Iowa State University paid the firm $ 120,325 for its services on three athletic department cases , the Iowa State Daily reported in 2018 .
McConnell said in a statement earlier this week that the investigation would begin immediately .
The department official said CSU athletics had no further specifics on a timetable .
The Rams suspended football activities July 29 because of a spike in coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday announced that the program had 16 total COVID-19 positives , 11 of those coming from within the football program .
CSU declared six active positive coronavirus cases as of Monday , with all those infected coming from the football team .
Football coach Steve Addazio said in a statement that he “ fully ” supports the investigation , and that he wants “ every student-athlete to have confidence that we are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety , and we will continue working with the training staff , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and implement any additional steps necessary to live up to our high standards .
”

Colorado State has hired an outside search firm to head up an investigation into possible improprieties regarding the athletic department’s handling of COVID-19 testing, a Rams athletics department official confirmed to The Post on Thursday.
The Kansas City-based firm of Husch Blackwell will conduct the investigation, university president Joyce McConnell told department employees and CSU student-athletes Thursday in an email first reported by the Fort Collins Coloradoan.
The firm is the same one recently hired by the University of Iowa this summer to independently investigate claims of racial inequality and mistreatment of players by the Hawkeyes football staff and head coach Kirk Ferentz.
That report cost Iowa athletics as much as $675 per hour in attorney rates, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Iowa State University paid the firm $120,325 for its services on three athletic department cases, the Iowa State Daily reported in 2018.
McConnell said in a statement earlier this week that the investigation would begin immediately. The department official said CSU athletics had no further specifics on a timetable.
The Rams suspended football activities July 29 because of a spike in coronavirus positives within the program. CSU officials on Monday announced that the program had 16 total COVID-19 positives, 11 of those coming from within the football program. CSU declared six active positive coronavirus cases as of Monday, with all those infected coming from the football team.
Football coach Steve Addazio said in a statement that he “fully” supports the investigation, and that he wants “every student-athlete to have confidence that we are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety, and we will continue working with the training staff, the athletic department and the University to evaluate and implement any additional steps necessary to live up to our high standards.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--RMAC moves football, soccer and volleyball to spring semester

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference announced Thursday it was moving football , soccer and volleyball to the spring semester .
@ @ @ @ @ throughout the fall , as currently scheduled , while men ’ s and women ’ @ @ @ @ @ in non-championship competition this fall .
The RMAC Presidents ’ Council made the decision based @ @ @ @ @ Association ( NCAA ) Board of Governors ’ recent mandate of the NCAA Resocialization principles @ @ @ @ @ Council decision to cancel fall championships .
Additionally , the RMAC ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ golf were made based off the NCAA risk ranking of collegiate athletics , with both @ @ @ @ @ Details on the spring schedules will be released in the near future , according to @ @ @

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference announced Thursday it was moving football, soccer and volleyball to the spring semester.
Cross country will keep running throughout the fall, as currently scheduled, while men’s and women’s golf will continue competing in non-championship competition this fall.
The RMAC Presidents’ Council made the decision based on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Board of Governors’ recent mandate of the NCAA Resocialization principles and the Division II Presidents Council decision to cancel fall championships.
Additionally, the RMAC’s decision to continue with cross country and golf were made based off the NCAA risk ranking of collegiate athletics, with both sports considered lower risk.
Details on the spring schedules will be released in the near future, according to the conference.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Big Sky Conference to cancel fall football season, putting Ed McCaffrey era at Northern Colorado on

Big Sky Conference to cancel fall football season, putting Ed McCaffrey era at Northern Colorado on hold, according to reports

The Ed McCaffrey era at Northern Colorado may be on hold — possibly until next year .
The Big Sky Conference decided Thursday afternoon to cancel its fall football season , according to multiple reports .
The move would likely push back the first-year Bears head coach ’ s debut until 2021 — possibly into the spring .
The conference has yet to announce the news .
But if the reports are correct , it would likely extinguish whatever hope remained of UNC playing Colorado State in Fort Collins this fall .
The schools were originally scheduled to meet Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountain West ’ s decision earlier this week to postpone fall sports until the week of Sept. 26 meant it would have to be moved .
The Bears ’ first opponent of the 2020 schedule , Fort Lewis on Sept. 5 , will now be playing football in the spring after the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference announced Thursday it was moving its season .
The second , McNeese State on Sept. 12 , plays in a conference that previously vowed to play its full season .
Northern Colorado hired McCaffrey last December , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let go after going 28-72 in nine seasons with the Bears .
The hiring of the former Broncos great and Valor Christian coach stoked excitement in Greeley , with the announcement coming just days after CSU hired Steve Addazio to run its football program .

The Ed McCaffrey era at Northern Colorado may be on hold — possibly until next year.
The Big Sky Conference decided Thursday afternoon to cancel its fall football season, according to multiple reports. The move would likely push back the first-year Bears head coach’s debut until 2021, with a report from The State Hornet that quotes Sacramento State President Robert Nelson indicating it would be moved to the spring.
The conference has yet to announce the news. But if the reports are correct, it would likely extinguish whatever hope remained of UNC playing Colorado State in Fort Collins this fall. The schools were originally scheduled to meet Sept. 19 at Canvas Stadium, but the Mountain West’s decision earlier this week to postpone fall sports until the week of Sept. 26 meant it would have to be moved.
The Bears’ first opponent of the 2020 schedule, Fort Lewis on Sept. 5, will now be playing football in the spring after the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference announced Thursday it was moving its season. The second, McNeese State on Sept. 12, plays in a conference that previously vowed to play its full season.
Northern Colorado hired McCaffrey last December, replacing Earnest Collins Jr., who was let go after going 28-72 in nine seasons with the Bears. The hiring of the former Broncos great and Valor Christian coach stoked excitement in Greeley, with the announcement coming just days after CSU hired Steve Addazio to run its football program.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Rockies get rowdy with five-run seventh, rally past Giants to move to 9-3

The soundtrack told the story of the Rockies ’ 6-4 win over San Francisco Thursday afternoon at Coors Field .
Without fans , the ballpark is eerily quiet this season and was even more so when the Giants took a 3-1 lead in the seventh inning .
The Rockies ’ bench , usually as rowdy as a high school team , was subdued .
But in the bottom of the frame came a run-scoring , pinch-hit double by second baseman Chris Owings , a pinch-hit , two-run homer by Daniel Murphy and another two-run homer by Charlie Blackmon .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprintable four-letter words emanating from the bench brought Coors back to life .
The five-run rally lifted the Rockies to their third victory of the four-game series .
They improved to 9-3 and have won all four of their series this season .
Closer Jairo Diaz allowed a single in the ninth inning but induced a double-play grounder to end the game and collect his third save .
The game was a vintage pitchers ’ duel until one misplaced pitch shook up starter Kyle Freeland ’ s afternoon .
The Rockies ’ left-hander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innings , inducing 14 groundball outs , until Mauricio Dubón hit a 414-foot , three-run homer to right , putting the Giants ahead 3-1 .
Moments before , manager Bud Black visited the mound , spoke to Freeland and decided to leave him in the game .
Freeland gave up three runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings , striking out two and walking two .
Blanked by Giants left-hander Tyler Anderson for five innings , the Rockies got on the board in the sixth with a one-out home run by Trevor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 1-1 fastball 442 feet into the left-field seats .
It was Story ’ s fifth home run of the season .
Anderson , the former Rockies starter , perplexed his ex-teammates , limiting them to singles by Story and Charlie Blackmon .
He looked nothing like the pitcher who struggled with the Rockies last season and was picked up on waivers by the Giants in October .

The soundtrack told the story of the Rockies’ 6-4 win over San Francisco Thursday afternoon at Coors Field.
Without fans, the ballpark is eerily quiet this season and was even more so when the Giants took a 3-1 lead in the seventh inning. The Rockies’ bench, usually as rowdy as a high school team, was subdued.
But in the bottom of the frame came a run-scoring, pinch-hit double by second baseman Chris Owings, a pinch-hit, two-run homer by Daniel Murphy and another two-run homer by Charlie Blackmon. The shouts, cheers, primal screams and unprintable four-letter words emanating from the bench brought Coors back to life.
The five-run rally lifted the Rockies to their third victory of the four-game series. They improved to 9-3 and have won all four of their series this season.
Closer Jairo Diaz allowed a single in the ninth inning but induced a double-play grounder to end the game and collect his third save.
The game was a vintage pitchers’ duel until one misplaced pitch shook up starter Kyle Freeland’s afternoon.
The Rockies’ left-hander had shut down San Francisco for six innings, inducing 14 groundball outs, until Mauricio Dubón hit a 414-foot, three-run homer to right, putting the Giants ahead 3-1. Moments before, manager Bud Black visited the mound, spoke to Freeland and decided to leave him in the game.
Freeland gave up three runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking two.
Blanked by Giants left-hander Tyler Anderson for five innings, the Rockies got on the board in the sixth with a one-out home run by Trevor Story. He ripped Wandy Peralta’s 1-1 fastball 442 feet into the left-field seats. It was Story’s fifth home run of the season.
Anderson, the former Rockies starter, perplexed his ex-teammates, limiting them to singles by Story and Charlie Blackmon. He looked nothing like the pitcher who struggled with the Rockies last season and was picked up on waivers by the Giants in October.


thedenverpost--2020-08-06--Deputy director of Denver crime lab says evidence supports suicide, not murder in real estate broker

Deputy director of Denver crime lab says evidence supports suicide, not murder in real estate broker’s death

A Denver real estate broker who was shot to death after an argument with her fiance last year appeared to suffer a self-inflicted gunshot wound , the deputy director of the Denver Crime Laboratory testified on the second day of a murder trial for the woman ’ s fiancé .
Micah Kimball , 44 , is charged with killing Michelle Jacobson , 43 , inside the couple ’ s Speer neighborhood home on Sept. 26 , but blood patterns at the crime scene and on Kimball ’ s clothing suggest Jacobson shot herself in the head , and it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot her , deputy director Angela Deadmond testified Thursday .
“ Based on the evidence I reviewed , it appears it is highly likely it is self-inflicted , ” Deadmond testified for the defense .
Deadmond ’ s testimony directly contradicted the prosecution ’ s theory in the case , which is that Kimball shot Jacobson after a long night of arguing because he was angry with her and wanted to exert control over her .
On cross examination , Chief Deputy District Attorney Daniel Cohen characterized Deadmond ’ s conclusions as overreach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crime scene could have been altered by Kimball before it was documented by investigators and because the evidence does not disprove that Kimball shot Jacobson .
Cohen emphasized that Deadmond did not visit the crime scene but rather worked from photographs , videos and scans taken by crime scene investigators , and suggested she was working from incomplete information .
“ Blood spatter analysis has its limits , right ?
” Cohen asked .
“ There are things it can not tell you.
” Deadmond testified that she based her opinion on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed where Jacobson was shot in the top of her head , as well as on her analysis of Kimball ’ s clothing , which , while blood stained , were not covered in the type blood spatter that is typically seen when a person shoots and wounds someone at close range .
“ I do not believe he was near the gunshot , ” she said of Kimball .
A second , independent crime scene expert who reviewed the case at the request of the district attorney ’ s office also concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to testimony .
Also discussed Thursday was also a soot mark on Jacobson ’ s left hand that indicates her hand was near or on the gun when it was fired .
Defense attorney Iris Eytan said the mark indicated a self-inflicted wound , while Cohen argued Jacobson realized Kimball was about to shoot her and put her hand up to try to stop him .

A Denver real estate broker who was shot to death after an argument with her fiance last year appeared to suffer a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the deputy director of the Denver Crime Laboratory testified on the second day of a murder trial for the woman’s fiancé.
Micah Kimball, 44, is charged with killing Michelle Jacobson, 43, inside the couple’s Speer neighborhood home on Sept. 26, but blood patterns at the crime scene and on Kimball’s clothing suggest Jacobson shot herself in the head, and it would be “highly unlikely” that Kimball shot her, deputy director Angela Deadmond testified Thursday.
“Based on the evidence I reviewed, it appears it is highly likely it is self-inflicted,” Deadmond testified for the defense.
Deadmond’s testimony directly contradicted the prosecution’s theory in the case, which is that Kimball shot Jacobson after a long night of arguing because he was angry with her and wanted to exert control over her.
On cross examination, Chief Deputy District Attorney Daniel Cohen characterized Deadmond’s conclusions as overreach and suggested her findings were flawed because the crime scene could have been altered by Kimball before it was documented by investigators and because the evidence does not disprove that Kimball shot Jacobson.
Cohen emphasized that Deadmond did not visit the crime scene but rather worked from photographs, videos and scans taken by crime scene investigators, and suggested she was working from incomplete information.
“Blood spatter analysis has its limits, right?” Cohen asked. “There are things it cannot tell you.”
Deadmond testified that she based her opinion on the pattern of blood spatter around the bed where Jacobson was shot in the top of her head, as well as on her analysis of Kimball’s clothing, which, while blood stained, were not covered in the type blood spatter that is typically seen when a person shoots and wounds someone at close range.
“I do not believe he was near the gunshot,” she said of Kimball.
A second, independent crime scene expert who reviewed the case at the request of the district attorney’s office also concluded the wound was most-likely to be self-inflicted, according to testimony.
Also discussed Thursday was also a soot mark on Jacobson’s left hand that indicates her hand was near or on the gun when it was fired. Defense attorney Iris Eytan said the mark indicated a self-inflicted wound, while Cohen argued Jacobson realized Kimball was about to shoot her and put her hand up to try to stop him.


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--Denver weather: Highs temps will climb into the mid-90s this weekend

Hot and dry weather through the weekend will increase fire concerns in northeastern Colorado , according to the National Weather @ @ @ @ @ , skies will be sunny on Friday and Sunday , with just a slight chance @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , the weather service said .
Showers on Saturday will fall between noon and @ @ @ @ @ to thunderstorms ; the chance for precipitation is 20 % .
The high temperature all @ @ @ @ @ be about 95 degrees .
Late in the day on Saturday an isolated thunderstorm is @ @ @ @ @ northeast corner of Colorado , the weather service said .
On Monday a slight chance @ @ @ @ @ is back in the Denver forecast and the high temperature will cool off to about @ @ @ @ @ will strike mid-week , mainly over the mountains and along the Kansas border .

Hot and dry weather through the weekend will increase fire concerns in northeastern Colorado, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
In Denver, skies will be sunny on Friday and Sunday, with just a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, the weather service said. Showers on Saturday will fall between noon and 3 p.m. before giving way to thunderstorms; the chance for precipitation is 20%. The high temperature all three days in Denver will be about 95 degrees.
Late in the day on Saturday an isolated thunderstorm is expected to rumble over the northeast corner of Colorado, the weather service said.
On Monday a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is back in the Denver forecast and the high temperature will cool off to about 89 degrees. Isolated thunderstorms will strike mid-week, mainly over the mountains and along the Kansas border.


thedenverpost--2020-08-07--CU Boulder pumping more outside air into classrooms in bid to thwart COVID-19’s spread

The University of Colorado Boulder is working to bring more outside air into classrooms and other buildings with ventilation adjustments that campus leaders say represent the most comprehensive , science-based response to COVID-19 of any Pac-12 university .
On Thursday , the university gave a virtual platform to those credited with the new ventilation strategies that campus officials believe will more safely position CU Boulder for re-opening later this month : faculty scientists and facilities management employees .
Improving a building ’ s ventilation during a pandemic is important , said CU chemistry professor Jose-Luis Jimenez , because mounting evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ When we breathe out , there are little pieces of our saliva in our respiratory fluid that comes out , ” Jimenez said .
“ This happens all the time , but when you ’ re sick and there are viruses , these contain viruses and when someone breathes them in , that ’ s how they get sick .
The evidence is accumulating that this is the majority of what ’ s driving the pandemic.
” Shelly Miller , a mechanical engineering professor with indoor air-quality expertise , said the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Engineers recommended ventilating buildings with 100 % outside air due to COVID-19 , which is a strategy CU Boulder aimed for when possible .
Jimenez said in commercial buildings with ventilation systems , air can be taken from the outside , heated or cooled as needed and then introduced into the inside environment — or inside air can be recirculated , heated or cooled , filtered and put back in a room .
Most systems , Jimenez said , used a mix of both in pre-pandemic times because heating and cooling entirely outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hot or cold outside .
“ So what we ’ re saying now at CU is , ‘ Spend a little more money to use as much outside air as possible , ’ ” Jimenez said .
CU officials did not elaborate on how much money they ’ re spending to update older ventilation systems and add new equipment on the Boulder campus , and also did not respond to a request from The Denver Post for additional information on those plans .
When 100 % outside air isn ’ t possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air will now be run through an efficient filter called a MERV 13 .
For larger spaces that may require more filtering , Miller said the university put in place appropriately sized air cleaners as well .
Every space on campus — from classrooms to buildings to dormitories — was assessed by the facilities team , Miller said .
Miller said the intensified spotlight on an issue she ’ s been studying for decades felt surreal , but she was heartened to know CU Boulder was listening to its scientists to help guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shannon Horn , a mechanical engineer on the facilities management team who helps implement the ventilation strategies , said having aerosol experts on hand to consult as they forged onward toward the fall was a blessing .
“ I feel like we won the lottery , ” Horn said .
During Thursday ’ s webinar , Miller and Jimenez also stressed the importance of wearing masks and engaging in social distancing to reduce spreading of the contagious respiratory illness .
As part of CU Boulder ’ s fall reopening plans , everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask and in-person classes will be spaced out with fewer students — on average 20 % to 30 % capacity of a normal class , officials said — or held in larger venues to accommodate the physical distancing of seats .

The University of Colorado Boulder is working to bring more outside air into classrooms and other buildings with ventilation adjustments that campus leaders say represent the most comprehensive, science-based response to COVID-19 of any Pac-12 university.
On Thursday, the university gave a virtual platform to those credited with the new ventilation strategies that campus officials believe will more safely position CU Boulder for re-opening later this month: faculty scientists and facilities management employees.
Improving a building’s ventilation during a pandemic is important, said CU chemistry professor Jose-Luis Jimenez, because mounting evidence suggests COVID-19 spreads through aerosol particles.
“When we breathe out, there are little pieces of our saliva in our respiratory fluid that comes out,” Jimenez said. “This happens all the time, but when you’re sick and there are viruses, these contain viruses and when someone breathes them in, that’s how they get sick. The evidence is accumulating that this is the majority of what’s driving the pandemic.”
Shelly Miller, a mechanical engineering professor with indoor air-quality expertise, said the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommended ventilating buildings with 100% outside air due to COVID-19, which is a strategy CU Boulder aimed for when possible.
Jimenez said in commercial buildings with ventilation systems, air can be taken from the outside, heated or cooled as needed and then introduced into the inside environment — or inside air can be recirculated, heated or cooled, filtered and put back in a room.
Most systems, Jimenez said, used a mix of both in pre-pandemic times because heating and cooling entirely outside air can become expensive when it’s hot or cold outside.
“So what we’re saying now at CU is, ‘Spend a little more money to use as much outside air as possible,’ ” Jimenez said.
CU officials did not elaborate on how much money they’re spending to update older ventilation systems and add new equipment on the Boulder campus, and also did not respond to a request from The Denver Post for additional information on those plans.
When 100% outside air isn’t possible within CU buildings, Miller said the air will now be run through an efficient filter called a MERV 13.
For larger spaces that may require more filtering, Miller said the university put in place appropriately sized air cleaners as well.
Every space on campus — from classrooms to buildings to dormitories — was assessed by the facilities team, Miller said.
Miller said the intensified spotlight on an issue she’s been studying for decades felt surreal, but she was heartened to know CU Boulder was listening to its scientists to help guide public health policies during this historic time.
Shannon Horn, a mechanical engineer on the facilities management team who helps implement the ventilation strategies, said having aerosol experts on hand to consult as they forged onward toward the fall was a blessing.
“I feel like we won the lottery,” Horn said.
During Thursday’s webinar, Miller and Jimenez also stressed the importance of wearing masks and engaging in social distancing to reduce spreading of the contagious respiratory illness.
As part of CU Boulder’s fall reopening plans, everyone on campus will be required to wear a mask and in-person classes will be spaced out with fewer students — on average 20% to 30% capacity of a normal class, officials said — or held in larger venues to accommodate the physical distancing of seats.
CU Boulder’s fall semester begins Aug. 24.