thedenverpost--2020-05-04--In televised town hall, Trump pushes for economic reopening

WASHINGTON — Anxious for an economic recovery , President Donald Trump fielded Americans ’ questions about decisions by some states to allow nonessential businesses to reopen while other states are on virtual lockdown due to the coronavirus .
After more than a month of being cooped up at the White House , Trump returned from a weekend at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland and participated in a “ virtual ” town hall , hosted Sunday night by Fox News Channel , from inside the Lincoln Memorial .
He pushed for an economic reopening , one his advisers believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this November .
“ We have to get it back open safely but as quickly as possible , ” Trump said .
The president acknowledged fear on both sides of the issue , some Americans worried about getting sick while others are concerned about losing jobs .
Though the administration ’ s handling of the pandemic , particularly its ability to conduct widespread testing , has come under fierce scrutiny , the president defended the response and said the nation was ready to begin reopening .
“ I ’ ll tell you one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I really believe we saved a million and a half lives , ” the president said .
But he also broke with the assessment of his senior adviser and son-in-law , Jared Kushner , saying it was “ too soon to say ” if the federal government was overseeing a “ success story.
” Trump ’ s impatience also flashed .
While noting that states would go at their own pace in returning to normal , with ones harder hit by the coronavirus going slower , he said that “ some states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast enough ” and singled out Virginia , which has a Democratic governor and legislature .
And he urged the nation ’ s schools and universities to return to classes this fall .
But many public health experts believe that can not be done safely until a vaccine is developed .
Trump declared Sunday that he believed one could be available by year ’ s end although his own pandemic task force has predicated it could be another 18 months .
Federal guidelines that encouraged people to stay at home and practice social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued over moves by governors to start reopening state economies that tanked after shopping malls , salons and other nonessential businesses were ordered closed in attempt to slow a virus that has killed more than 66,000 Americans , according to a tally of reported deaths by Johns Hopkins University .
The U.S. economy has suffered , shrinking at a 4.8 % annual rate from January through March , the government estimated last week .
It was the sharpest quarterly drop since the 2008 financial crisis .
Roughly 30.3 million people have filed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak forced employers to shut down and slash their workforces .
It was the worst string of layoffs on record .
Larry Kudlow , Trump ’ s top economic adviser , on Sunday predicted a “ spectacular 2021 ” — with “ the right set of policies ” — on top of a rebound from July through December of this year .
He said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” that the administration would “ pause ” to review the effectiveness of trillions in economic relief spending before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is needed .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said Thursday that state and local governments are seeking up to $ 1 trillion for coronavirus costs , The Senate planned to reopen Monday , despite the Washington area ’ s continued status as a virus hot spot and with the region still under stay-at-home orders .
The House remains shuttered .
The pandemic is forcing big changes at the tradition-bound Supreme Court : The justices will hear arguments , beginning Monday , by telephone for the first time since Alexander Graham Bell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans are resisting calls by Democrats for emergency spending for states and local governments whose revenue streams all but dried up in recent weeks .
The GOP is counting on the country ’ s reopening and the rebound promised by Trump as their best hope to forestall another big round of virus aid .
The leaders of California and Michigan are among governors under public pressure over lockdowns still in effect while states such as Florida , Georgia and Ohio are reopening .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside her state ’ s Capitol “ depicted some of the worst racism ” and “ awful parts ” of U.S. history by showing up with Confederate flags , nooses and swastikas .
Trump had tweeted “ LIBERATE ” and named Michigan and other states in mid-April .
In a new tweet Friday , he urged Whitmer to “ make a deal ” with the protesters .
“ These are very good people , but they are angry .
They want their lives back again , safely !
” Trump said .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legislature , Whitmer has extended a state of emergency declaration and directed most businesses statewide to remain closed .
Some people participating in other public protests across the U.S. have not kept their distance from one another and have rallied without masks , not heeding public health recommendations .
Dr. Deborah Birx , coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force , called that behavior “ devastatingly worrisome.
” She said people will feel guilty for the rest of their lives if they end up infected and unwittingly spread the virus to vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect each other at the same time we ’ re voice our discontent , ” she told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” An overwhelming majority of Americans support stay-at-home orders and other efforts to slow the virus ’ spread , according to a recent survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research .
Asked about states that are reopening before they meet benchmarks laid out in federal guidelines she helped write , Birx said the guidelines “ are a pretty firm policy of what we think is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added that she and others have made it clear that people must continue practicing social distancing , “ scrupulous ” hand washing and other measures to protect themselves and others .
Fox News Channel said it asked viewers to submit questions about reopening the country on the network ’ s Twitter , Facebook and Instagram accounts for a chance to appear on the rare broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial .
Trump spoke from the memorial ’ s steps last July Fourth .
It ’ s also where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech in 1963 .
Trump recently compared his Independence Day audience to King ’ s .

WASHINGTON — Anxious for an economic recovery, President Donald Trump fielded Americans’ questions about decisions by some states to allow nonessential businesses to reopen while other states are on virtual lockdown due to the coronavirus.
After more than a month of being cooped up at the White House, Trump returned from a weekend at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland and participated in a “virtual” town hall, hosted Sunday night by Fox News Channel, from inside the Lincoln Memorial. He pushed for an economic reopening, one his advisers believe will be essential for his reelection chances this November.
“We have to get it back open safely but as quickly as possible,” Trump said.
The president acknowledged fear on both sides of the issue, some Americans worried about getting sick while others are concerned about losing jobs. Though the administration’s handling of the pandemic, particularly its ability to conduct widespread testing, has come under fierce scrutiny, the president defended the response and said the nation was ready to begin reopening.
“I’ll tell you one thing. We did the right thing and I really believe we saved a million and a half lives,” the president said. But he also broke with the assessment of his senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, saying it was “too soon to say” if the federal government was overseeing a “success story.”
Trump’s impatience also flashed. While noting that states would go at their own pace in returning to normal, with ones harder hit by the coronavirus going slower, he said that “some states frankly I think aren’t going fast enough” and singled out Virginia, which has a Democratic governor and legislature. And he urged the nation’s schools and universities to return to classes this fall.
But many public health experts believe that cannot be done safely until a vaccine is developed. Trump declared Sunday that he believed one could be available by year’s end although his own pandemic task force has predicated it could be another 18 months.
Federal guidelines that encouraged people to stay at home and practice social distancing expired late last week.
Debate continued over moves by governors to start reopening state economies that tanked after shopping malls, salons and other nonessential businesses were ordered closed in attempt to slow a virus that has killed more than 66,000 Americans, according to a tally of reported deaths by Johns Hopkins University.
The U.S. economy has suffered, shrinking at a 4.8% annual rate from January through March, the government estimated last week. It was the sharpest quarterly drop since the 2008 financial crisis.
Roughly 30.3 million people have filed for unemployment aid in the six weeks since the outbreak forced employers to shut down and slash their workforces. It was the worst string of layoffs on record.
Larry Kudlow, Trump’s top economic adviser, on Sunday predicted a “spectacular 2021” — with “the right set of policies” — on top of a rebound from July through December of this year. He said on CNN’s “State of the Union” that the administration would “pause” to review the effectiveness of trillions in economic relief spending before making any decision on whether additional aid is needed. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday that state and local governments are seeking up to $1 trillion for coronavirus costs,
The Senate planned to reopen Monday, despite the Washington area’s continued status as a virus hot spot and with the region still under stay-at-home orders. The House remains shuttered. The pandemic is forcing big changes at the tradition-bound Supreme Court: The justices will hear arguments, beginning Monday, by telephone for the first time since Alexander Graham Bell patented his invention in 1876.
Congressional Republicans are resisting calls by Democrats for emergency spending for states and local governments whose revenue streams all but dried up in recent weeks. The GOP is counting on the country’s reopening and the rebound promised by Trump as their best hope to forestall another big round of virus aid.
The leaders of California and Michigan are among governors under public pressure over lockdowns still in effect while states such as Florida, Georgia and Ohio are reopening.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, said Sunday that the armed protesters who demonstrated inside her state’s Capitol “depicted some of the worst racism” and “awful parts” of U.S. history by showing up with Confederate flags, nooses and swastikas.
Trump had tweeted “LIBERATE” and named Michigan and other states in mid-April. In a new tweet Friday, he urged Whitmer to “make a deal” with the protesters. “These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely!” Trump said.
Despite the opposition of Michigan’s Republican-controlled Legislature, Whitmer has extended a state of emergency declaration and directed most businesses statewide to remain closed.
Some people participating in other public protests across the U.S. have not kept their distance from one another and have rallied without masks, not heeding public health recommendations.
Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force, called that behavior “devastatingly worrisome.” She said people will feel guilty for the rest of their lives if they end up infected and unwittingly spread the virus to vulnerable family members.
“We need to protect each other at the same time we’re voice our discontent,” she told CNN’s “State of the Union.”
An overwhelming majority of Americans support stay-at-home orders and other efforts to slow the virus’ spread, according to a recent survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Asked about states that are reopening before they meet benchmarks laid out in federal guidelines she helped write, Birx said the guidelines “are a pretty firm policy of what we think is important from a public health standpoint.” She added that she and others have made it clear that people must continue practicing social distancing, “scrupulous” hand washing and other measures to protect themselves and others.
Fox News Channel said it asked viewers to submit questions about reopening the country on the network’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for a chance to appear on the rare broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial. Trump spoke from the memorial’s steps last July Fourth. It’s also where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I have a dream” speech in 1963. Trump recently compared his Independence Day audience to King’s.


thedenverpost--2020-05-03--Americans without bank accounts must wait for federal checks

By Aaron Morrison , The Associated Press NEW YORK — As the coronavirus crisis took hold , Akeil Smith ’ s employer slashed her work as a home health aide to 25 hours per week .
Her $ 15-an-hour salary no longer provided enough to pay her $ 700 monthly rent , and she had to visit food pantries for groceries .
While millions of U.S. workers have already received a quick relief payment from the federal treasury through direct deposit , Smith is among millions of others without traditional bank accounts who must wait weeks for paper checks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionately black and Hispanic population often has little choice but to use expensive check-cashing services to access the money .
“ I live check to check , and right now I need more groceries , ” Smith , 35 , told The Associated Press as she stood inside Payomatic , a small check-cashing store in a predominantly black Brooklyn neighborhood .
In the six weeks since the pandemic shut down much of the U.S. economy , more than 30 million American workers have filed for unemployment insurance .
Congress passed a $ 2.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April began sending $ 1,200 for each individual , $ 2,400 for each married couple and another $ 500 for each dependent child to poor and middle-class families across the United States .
Wealthier families get either a reduced payout or nothing depending on their income .
To help smooth the delivery of the payments , the government launched an online portal for people to provide their banking information for direct deposit .
But that system offered nothing to people without savings or checking accounts .
A House Ways and Means Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million paper checks will be issued each week , meaning those most in need could wait many weeks for their payments .
In Houston , Ta ’ Mar Bethune , a 41-year-old mother of four grown children who is raising a grandchild , is likely to wait a while .
As a younger woman , she struggled for years with affording bank account fees until her account was closed .
In the 1990s , she also was a victim of identity theft and never fully recovered .
More than 20 years later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background check to open a checking account because the banking system views her as too risky , she said .
To get by , she transfers the money she makes as a professional hairdresser and babysitter onto a non-bank debit card .
“ They charge you an arm and a leg , ” she said , citing a monthly fee and a charge for every swipe or withdrawal .
“ You never get your full money .
It ’ s bad , but I have no other choice.
” Bethune receives financial coaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nonprofit organization helping low- to moderate-income families examine their behaviors around spending and saving .
The organization says many families are reluctant to open bank accounts , especially if they have been burned by the system .
“ Nobody wants to be exploited , ” said Carmela Walker , a financial coach for the group .
Approximately 8.4 million U.S. households were considered “ unbanked ” in 2017 , meaning that no one in the household had an account , according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Another 24.2 million households were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a bank account but members of the household also used an alternative financial service for money orders , check cashing , international remittances , payday loans and pawn shop loans , often at high costs .
Some of those services have been criticized for being predatory and marketing to black and Hispanic communities , which are disproportionately unbanked .
Roughly 17 % of black households and 14 % of Hispanic households were without a bank account in 2017 , compared with just 3 % of white households and 2.5 % of Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Banking is a social justice issue with the potential to widen America ’ s racial wealth gap , said Cy Richardson , vice president of the National Urban League .
“ Black America ’ s economic destiny exists on a razor ’ s edge right now , ” Richardson said .
Advocates say the federal government should use the pandemic payments as an opportunity to bring more people into the banking system via Bank On accounts , which are FDIC insured , cost $ 5 or less a month and do not allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounts can be used for direct deposit , purchases and paying bills .
Otherwise , long lines at check-cashing stores could stretch into the fall and pose dangers to public health .
“ There ’ s now a health component to being unbanked — people are going to have to take literal risks with their health , in order to receive and then spend these dollars , ” said Jonathan Mintz , CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund , which aims to get underserved Americans set up with affordable bank accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief payments is not lost on check cashing and payday loan businesses , an $ 11.2 billion network of storefront locations in cities big and small .
In Brooklyn , B & H Check Cashing , in the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood of Bushwick , posts its rates for cashing checks on a wall .
A $ 1,200 check , for example , would cost $ 26.76 to cash .
Essence Gandy , 26 , stood in a line of two dozen people that snaked outside a PLS Check Cashers in Brooklyn to cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her checking account was closed months ago because she had insufficient funds and was unable to get back in good standing .
“ I ’ ve got bills on top of bills , ” said Gandy , who also has credit card debts and is behind on payments to a mattress store .
She said she hopes to use the federal relief payment to catch up on bills and will likely cash the paper check at PLS .
A representative of PLS , which has 300 locations in 12 states , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stimulus checks can be cashed at their lowest rates .

By Aaron Morrison, The Associated Press
NEW YORK — As the coronavirus crisis took hold, Akeil Smith’s employer slashed her work as a home health aide to 25 hours per week. Her $15-an-hour salary no longer provided enough to pay her $700 monthly rent, and she had to visit food pantries for groceries.
While millions of U.S. workers have already received a quick relief payment from the federal treasury through direct deposit, Smith is among millions of others without traditional bank accounts who must wait weeks for paper checks. When the checks finally arrive, this disproportionately black and Hispanic population often has little choice but to use expensive check-cashing services to access the money.
“I live check to check, and right now I need more groceries,” Smith, 35, told The Associated Press as she stood inside Payomatic, a small check-cashing store in a predominantly black Brooklyn neighborhood.
In the six weeks since the pandemic shut down much of the U.S. economy, more than 30 million American workers have filed for unemployment insurance. Congress passed a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package.
The government in April began sending $1,200 for each individual, $2,400 for each married couple and another $500 for each dependent child to poor and middle-class families across the United States. Wealthier families get either a reduced payout or nothing depending on their income.
To help smooth the delivery of the payments, the government launched an online portal for people to provide their banking information for direct deposit. But that system offered nothing to people without savings or checking accounts.
A House Ways and Means Committee memo obtained by AP estimated about 5 million paper checks will be issued each week, meaning those most in need could wait many weeks for their payments.
In Houston, Ta’Mar Bethune, a 41-year-old mother of four grown children who is raising a grandchild, is likely to wait a while. As a younger woman, she struggled for years with affording bank account fees until her account was closed. In the 1990s, she also was a victim of identity theft and never fully recovered.
More than 20 years later, Bethune still cannot pass a standard background check to open a checking account because the banking system views her as too risky, she said. To get by, she transfers the money she makes as a professional hairdresser and babysitter onto a non-bank debit card.
“They charge you an arm and a leg,” she said, citing a monthly fee and a charge for every swipe or withdrawal. “You never get your full money. It’s bad, but I have no other choice.”
Bethune receives financial coaching from the Houston Area Urban League, a nonprofit organization helping low- to moderate-income families examine their behaviors around spending and saving. The organization says many families are reluctant to open bank accounts, especially if they have been burned by the system.
“Nobody wants to be exploited,” said Carmela Walker, a financial coach for the group.
Approximately 8.4 million U.S. households were considered “unbanked” in 2017, meaning that no one in the household had an account, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Another 24.2 million households were “underbanked,” meaning they might have a bank account but members of the household also used an alternative financial service for money orders, check cashing, international remittances, payday loans and pawn shop loans, often at high costs.
Some of those services have been criticized for being predatory and marketing to black and Hispanic communities, which are disproportionately unbanked. Roughly 17% of black households and 14% of Hispanic households were without a bank account in 2017, compared with just 3% of white households and 2.5% of Asian American households, the FDIC said.
Banking is a social justice issue with the potential to widen America’s racial wealth gap, said Cy Richardson, vice president of the National Urban League.
“Black America’s economic destiny exists on a razor’s edge right now,” Richardson said.
Advocates say the federal government should use the pandemic payments as an opportunity to bring more people into the banking system via Bank On accounts, which are FDIC insured, cost $5 or less a month and do not allow overdrafts or charge insufficient-fund fees. The accounts can be used for direct deposit, purchases and paying bills.
Otherwise, long lines at check-cashing stores could stretch into the fall and pose dangers to public health.
“There’s now a health component to being unbanked — people are going to have to take literal risks with their health, in order to receive and then spend these dollars,” said Jonathan Mintz, CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, which aims to get underserved Americans set up with affordable bank accounts.
The opportunity to attract customers with relief payments is not lost on check cashing and payday loan businesses, an $11.2 billion network of storefront locations in cities big and small.
In Brooklyn, B&H Check Cashing, in the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood of Bushwick, posts its rates for cashing checks on a wall. A $1,200 check, for example, would cost $26.76 to cash.
Essence Gandy, 26, stood in a line of two dozen people that snaked outside a PLS Check Cashers in Brooklyn to cash in loose change at a Coinstar kiosk. Her checking account was closed months ago because she had insufficient funds and was unable to get back in good standing.
“I’ve got bills on top of bills,” said Gandy, who also has credit card debts and is behind on payments to a mattress store. She said she hopes to use the federal relief payment to catch up on bills and will likely cash the paper check at PLS.
A representative of PLS, which has 300 locations in 12 states, said it has been informing regular customers that stimulus checks can be cashed at their lowest rates.


thedenverpost--2020-05-03--Canon City shooting investigated as homicide

Authorities in central Colorado say a woman has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old man in Canon @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s office said deputies responding on Saturday to a report of a shooting @ @ @ @ @ a gunshot wound .
He was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ on suspicion of first degree murder on Saturday evening .
No motive or other details @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s office said no other information would be immediately released because the investigation @ @ @ @ @ is home to the Royal Gorge , a massive chasm carved out by the Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ of the highest suspension bridges in the world .

Authorities in central Colorado say a woman has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old man in Canon City.
The Fremont County sheriff’s office said deputies responding on Saturday to a report of a shooting and found Coty Bass with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital.
A 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of first degree murder on Saturday evening. No motive or other details were offered, and the sheriff’s office said no other information would be immediately released because the investigation was ongoing.
Canon City is home to the Royal Gorge, a massive chasm carved out by the Arkansas River and spanned by one of the highest suspension bridges in the world.


thedenverpost--2020-05-03--“Game of Thrones” actor Hafthor Bjornsson sets deadlift world record

KOPAVOGUR , Iceland — The Mountain is at the top of the deadlift world .
“ Game of Thrones ” @ @ @ @ @ played Gregor “ The Mountain ” Clegane in the HBO series , set a deadlift @ @ @ @ @ kilograms ( 1,104 pounds ) on Saturday .
Bjornsson , the 2018 World ’ s @ @ @ @ @ successful attempt at Thor ’ s Power Gym in his native Iceland .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ ve done more , but what ’ s the point ?
” the 31-year-old Bjornsson @ @ @ @ @ ’ m happy with this.
” Eddie Hall set the previous record in 2016 at @ @ @ @ @ with the Englishman lifting 500 kilos ( 1,102 pounds ) .

KOPAVOGUR, Iceland — The Mountain is at the top of the deadlift world.
“Game of Thrones” actor Hafthor Bjornsson, who played Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane in the HBO series, set a deadlift world record by lifting 501 kilograms (1,104 pounds) on Saturday.
Bjornsson, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man, made the successful attempt at Thor’s Power Gym in his native Iceland.
“I believe today I could’ve done more, but what’s the point?” the 31-year-old Bjornsson told ESPN. “I’m happy with this.”
Eddie Hall set the previous record in 2016 at the World Deadlift Championships, with the Englishman lifting 500 kilos (1,102 pounds).


thedenverpost--2020-05-03--Colorado’s coronavirus-related death toll rises to 842 people

Lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in Colorado rose to 16,635 Sunday , and 842 people have died after contracting the virus .
More than 700 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 , the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus , and 54 people have been discharged from hospitals or transferred to a lower level of care in the last 24 hours , according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , which releases the data daily .
Although COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms in many patients , others become seriously ill and some die , particularly those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health conditions .
The novel coronavirus is more contagious and more deadly than the seasonal flu , data shows .
The number of COVID-19 infections in Colorado is estimated to be several times higher than the cases confirmed by testing , due both to asymptomatic carriers of the virus and limited testing .
The state is tracking 163 outbreaks at nursing homes , prisons , plants and other group settings .
But officials have said the early exponential spread of the virus in Colorado has slowed .
The state is beginning to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening Friday , along with other retailers , who could have customers in stores on Friday as long as strict social distancing was in place .
On Monday , offices can reopen with half-staff and childcare providers can reopen with some restrictions .
The loosening of restrictions does not apply in places that have local stay-at-home orders , like Denver , Adams , Arapahoe , Boulder , Broomfield , Gilpin , Jefferson and Pitkin counties .
Residents who are still under local stay-at-home orders must follow the more restrictive local rules , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least May 8 .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in Colorado rose to 16,635 Sunday, and 842 people have died after contracting the virus.
More than 700 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and 54 people have been discharged from hospitals or transferred to a lower level of care in the last 24 hours, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which releases the data daily.
Although COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms in many patients, others become seriously ill and some die, particularly those who are older or who have underlying health conditions. The novel coronavirus is more contagious and more deadly than the seasonal flu, data shows.
The number of COVID-19 infections in Colorado is estimated to be several times higher than the cases confirmed by testing, due both to asymptomatic carriers of the virus and limited testing. The state is tracking 163 outbreaks at nursing homes, prisons, plants and other group settings. But officials have said the early exponential spread of the virus in Colorado has slowed.
The state is beginning to reopen, with personal services like hair salons opening Friday, along with other retailers, who could have customers in stores on Friday as long as strict social distancing was in place.
On Monday, offices can reopen with half-staff and childcare providers can reopen with some restrictions. The loosening of restrictions does not apply in places that have local stay-at-home orders, like Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, Jefferson and Pitkin counties.
Residents who are still under local stay-at-home orders must follow the more restrictive local rules, most of which are in place until at least May 8.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-03--William Byron scores 3rd iRacing victory of NASCAR’s series

CHARLOTTE , N.C. — William Byron showed he ’ s the sharpest gamer in NASCAR ’ s iRacing Series with his third victory in four events .
Byron passed Timmy Hill with seven laps remaining at virtual Dover International Speedway , where NASCAR was scheduled to actually race Sunday , to win yet again on the iRacing platform .
The Hendrick Motorsports driver has consistently been the best of the NASCAR professionals in simulated racing .
Alex Bowman won last week at virtual Talladega Superspeedway , so Hendrick drivers have now won four consecutive iRacing events .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m definitely ready to get going in my real car , ” Byron said .
“ Racing anything , whether it ’ s a box car or anything with an engine , is going to give you confidence if you are winning.
” He said that in all his years using iRacing , he ’ s never been in such competitive events since NASCAR launched the invitational esports series after the stock car series was suspended March 13 .
Denny Hamlin earned the pole in qualifying , but NASCAR successfully applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented the top 10 from flipping before the race began — so Ross Chastain cycled into the top starting spot .
Hamlin had his race ruined last week when his daughter accidentally turned his simulator screen off with a remote control she was holding as he was competing .
He made sure to hide all remotes before Sunday ’ s race , but after an incident with John Hunter Nemechek , he seemed to be deliberately wrecked by Nemechek later in retaliation .
It brought out a late caution and a restart with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the green flag .
Byron didn ’ t need to use a bump-and-run — the move Hill used on Byron to win the virtual race at Texas Motor Speedway — and easily passed him on the inside with seven laps remaining .
Hill finished second and was shown at times racing with his cat on his steering wheel .
“ William has done a great job through this iRacing invitational , ” Hill said .
“ I just wish I could get another win .
I ’ ve had such tremendous support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ; this has been a blast and really brought us all together .
We ’ ve really had a lot of fun racing all these races , but I can ’ t wait to get back and see everyone ’ s faces.
” NASCAR will complete its iRacing Series next Saturday at North Carolina ’ s deserted North Wilkesboro Speedway , a track last raced by the national series in 1996 .
Overgrown with weeds and clearly neglected , Dale Earnhardt Jr. last year led a group of volunteers in cleaning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use in iRacing .
Although the simulated version of North Wilkesboro is not yet available to the public on the iRacing platform , it will be the virtual host for NASCAR ’ s finale .
Then it ’ s back to the real thing for the stock car series , which plans to resume competition without spectators starting May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — William Byron showed he’s the sharpest gamer in NASCAR’s iRacing Series with his third victory in four events.
Byron passed Timmy Hill with seven laps remaining at virtual Dover International Speedway, where NASCAR was scheduled to actually race Sunday, to win yet again on the iRacing platform. The Hendrick Motorsports driver has consistently been the best of the NASCAR professionals in simulated racing.
Alex Bowman won last week at virtual Talladega Superspeedway, so Hendrick drivers have now won four consecutive iRacing events.
“I’ve enjoyed this iRacing Series, but I’m definitely ready to get going in my real car,” Byron said. “Racing anything, whether it’s a box car or anything with an engine, is going to give you confidence if you are winning.”
He said that in all his years using iRacing, he’s never been in such competitive events since NASCAR launched the invitational esports series after the stock car series was suspended March 13.
Denny Hamlin earned the pole in qualifying, but NASCAR successfully applied an invert — a glitch last week prevented the top 10 from flipping before the race began — so Ross Chastain cycled into the top starting spot.
Hamlin had his race ruined last week when his daughter accidentally turned his simulator screen off with a remote control she was holding as he was competing. He made sure to hide all remotes before Sunday’s race, but after an incident with John Hunter Nemechek, he seemed to be deliberately wrecked by Nemechek later in retaliation.
It brought out a late caution and a restart with nine laps remaining and Hill leading Byron at the green flag.
Byron didn’t need to use a bump-and-run — the move Hill used on Byron to win the virtual race at Texas Motor Speedway — and easily passed him on the inside with seven laps remaining.
Hill finished second and was shown at times racing with his cat on his steering wheel.
“William has done a great job through this iRacing invitational,” Hill said. “I just wish I could get another win. I’ve had such tremendous support from everyone in the racing community through this; this has been a blast and really brought us all together. We’ve really had a lot of fun racing all these races, but I can’t wait to get back and see everyone’s faces.”
NASCAR will complete its iRacing Series next Saturday at North Carolina’s deserted North Wilkesboro Speedway, a track last raced by the national series in 1996. Overgrown with weeds and clearly neglected, Dale Earnhardt Jr. last year led a group of volunteers in cleaning the speedway so it could be mapped for use in iRacing.
Although the simulated version of North Wilkesboro is not yet available to the public on the iRacing platform, it will be the virtual host for NASCAR’s finale. Then it’s back to the real thing for the stock car series, which plans to resume competition without spectators starting May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.


thedenverpost--2020-05-03--WATCH: Rockies vs. Phillies in MLB The Show 20, May 3, 2020

With the start of the Major League Baseball season postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic , we here at The @ @ @ @ @ at how the Rockies would fare in MLB The Show 20 on PlayStation 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ for every game that had been scheduled until real-life baseball returns .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Rockies ’ preseason preview .
Entering Sunday ’ s game , the Rockies were 21-10 @ @ @ @ @ will take on the Phillies in the third of their three-game series on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ at 3 p.m. MT .
Mobile users , if you can ’ t see the @ @ @ @ @ .

With the start of the Major League Baseball season postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, we here at The Denver Post took a look at how the Rockies would fare in MLB The Show 20 on PlayStation 4. We will have a story for every game that had been scheduled until real-life baseball returns. Here’s a look at the virtual Rockies’ preseason preview. Entering Sunday’s game, the Rockies were 21-10.
PHILADELPHIA — David Dahl crushed two home runs and the Rockies had 15 hits in their 13-5 rout of the Phillies Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.
Dahl got Colorado on the board early, hitting a solo shot off of Philadelphia starter Zach Eflin on the first pitch of the game to give the Rockies a 1-0 lead. He hit his second the next inning, driving home outfielder Sam Hilliard to grow the lead to 3-0.
Rockies starter Jon Gray (5-1) had another strong outing, giving up four hits, three runs (one earned) while striking out six in six innings of work.
Mobile users, if you can’t see the live stream, tap here.
The Rockies improved to 22-10 and hold a 3 1/2 game lead over the surging Dodgers (19-14). Philadelphia dropped to 22-12.
Colorado heads to Detroit (14-20) on Monday. Antonio Senzatela (1-0) takes the mound for the Rockies against Tigers starter Ivan Nova (1-5). The live stream will begin at 2 p.m. MT.
Box score
COL — 121-030-150 — 13-15-1
PHI — 010-200-200 — 5-8-2
Colorado — Dahl 6-3-3-3, Blackmon 5-2-2-0, Arenado 5-2-3-2, Story 4-4-3-0, Murphy 5-0-3-2, McMahon 4-0-0-2, Hilliard 3-1-0-1, J. Diaz 0-0-0-0, Estevez 0-0-0-0, Desmond 1-0-0-0, McGee 0-0-0-0, Wolters 4-0-1-2, Gray 2-0-0-0, Daza 2-1-0-0. Totals — 41-13-15-12.
Philadelphia — McCutchen 5-1-3-1, Kingery 3-1-1-0, Harper 5-0-0-0, Hoskins 4-0-1-2, Realmuto 4-0-0-0, Gregorius 3-0-0-0, Williams 4-2-1-1, Harrison 3-1-1-0, Eflin 0-0-0-0, Segura 1-0-0-1, Sanchez 0-0-0-0, Domnguez 0-0-0-0, Haseley 1-0-0-0, Alvarez 0-0-0-0, Morgan 0-0-0-0, Grullon 1-0-1-0, Arano 0-0-0-0. Totals — 34-5-8-5.
E — Hilliard; Gregorius, Kingery. 2B — Murphy; McCutchen 2, Hoskins, Harrison. HR — Dahl 2; Williams. WP — Gray (5-1). LP — Eflin (2-3).


thedenverpost--2020-05-04--Broncos end-of-the-year award odds for the 2020 NFL season

Here ’ s a look at several Broncos players ’ odds to win end of the season awards , according to oddsmaker Bovada , as of Sunday : Regular-season MVP : Second-year quarterback Drew Lock is the only Broncos player listed with odds , coming in tied for 25th with 75-to-1 odds .
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the favorite at 15/4 .
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey , who starred at Valor Christian High School , is 11th at 30/1 .
AP NFL comeback player of the year : After suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4 last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the 11th-best odds to win this award at 33/1 .
Tampa Bay tight end and WWE 24/7 champion Rob Gronkowski is the favorite at 3/1 .
Former Denver quarterback — and current free agent — Joe Flacco is 15th at 70/1 .
AP NFL defensive player of the year : Perennial favorite Von Miller is tied for sixth with 18/1 odds .
Chubb is 25th at 45/1 .
Rams lineman Aaron Donald is favored at 15/2 .
Buccaneers star — and former CSU and Broncos linebacker — Shaquil Barrett is 15th at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year : Wide receiver Courtland Sutton is the lone Broncos player on this list with a longshot 100/1 odds .
Mahomes is favored at 11/2 .
Other notables include McCaffrey , who ’ s third at 12/1 , and former Eaton and Western State standout Austin Ekeler , who ’ s tied for 45th at 85/1 odds .
AP NFL coach of the year : Vic Fangio is 14th at 25/1 odds .
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is favored at 15/2 .
AP NFL offensive rookie of the year : Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jerry Jeudy , is the 10th favorite at 24/1 odds .
The Broncos ’ second-round pick , KJ Hamler , is tied for 31st at 100/1 .
Top overall pick , Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow , is the favorite at 5/2 .
Former CU Buffs standout Laviska Shenault Jr. is tied with Hamler at 100/1 .
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Here’s a look at several Broncos players’ odds to win end of the season awards, according to oddsmaker Bovada, as of Sunday:
Regular-season MVP: Second-year quarterback Drew Lock is the only Broncos player listed with odds, coming in tied for 25th with 75-to-1 odds. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the favorite at 15/4. Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, who starred at Valor Christian High School, is 11th at 30/1.
AP NFL comeback player of the year: After suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4 last year, Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb enters 2020 with the 11th-best odds to win this award at 33/1. Tampa Bay tight end and WWE 24/7 champion Rob Gronkowski is the favorite at 3/1. Former Denver quarterback — and current free agent — Joe Flacco is 15th at 70/1.
AP NFL defensive player of the year: Perennial favorite Von Miller is tied for sixth with 18/1 odds. Chubb is 25th at 45/1. Rams lineman Aaron Donald is favored at 15/2. Buccaneers star — and former CSU and Broncos linebacker — Shaquil Barrett is 15th at 30/1.
AP NFL offensive player of the year: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton is the lone Broncos player on this list with a longshot 100/1 odds. Mahomes is favored at 11/2. Other notables include McCaffrey, who’s third at 12/1, and former Eaton and Western State standout Austin Ekeler, who’s tied for 45th at 85/1 odds.
AP NFL coach of the year: Vic Fangio is 14th at 25/1 odds. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is favored at 15/2.
AP NFL offensive rookie of the year: Denver’s first-round pick, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, is the 10th favorite at 24/1 odds. The Broncos’ second-round pick, KJ Hamler, is tied for 31st at 100/1. Top overall pick, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow, is the favorite at 5/2. Former CU Buffs standout Laviska Shenault Jr. is tied with Hamler at 100/1.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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thedenverpost--2020-05-04--$558 million in federal coronavirus help arrives on Colorado’s Front Range

More than $ 558 million in direct federal aid flooded into five Front Range counties last month as unprecedented government spending in Washington , D.C. , made its way to the Centennial State .
“ We ’ ve never received any kind of money like this , ever , ” said Jerry DiTullio , the treasurer in Jefferson County .
Now , county officials must decide how to distribute the coronavirus response money to municipalities and what to spend it on , even as Congress is considering whether to send $ 1 trillion more to states and municipalities nationwide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure we are nimble and flexible with those dollars , and we want to get them into cities ’ hands as soon as possible , ” said Lesley Dahlkemper , chair of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners .
“ But we also want to make sure that we are responsible.
” The $ 558 million figure represents only direct aid to the five Colorado counties with at least 500,000 people or more which received the aid under the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — at least for now .
And that half a billion dollars also doesn ’ t account for a gush of federal agency appropriations , such as the $ 42 million Housing and Urban Development has awarded to Colorado .
It does not reflect the $ 7.3 billion in Paycheck Protection Program money for businesses here , or the roughly $ 300 million in federal business loans , or the extra federal money that ’ s going to those who qualify for unemployment .
Jefferson County , which accepted $ 101.7 million from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be used to set up a grant program for local businesses that suffered losses due to the pandemic , Dahlkemper said .
Commissioners are scheduled to hash out the details Monday .
So far , the county has spent about $ 337,000 on pandemic response , a number that is expected to rise .
In some cases , cities and counties have been hesitant to spend the emergency appropriations , because the federal government hasn ’ t told them exactly how to .
“ The biggest potential problem is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly changing on this money , ” DiTullio said .
“ And right now the money is fairly liquid and you can use it for a lot of different COVID-related items .
“ I think if and when the federal government starts ratcheting down on that money is when it is going to be an issue .
And I think people are going to be making some decisions based on current information , where in the future it may not be the same rules and regulations .
The federal government will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a constantly changing world , ” the treasurer added .
In El Paso County , which received $ 125.7 million in CARES Act money , the county will retain $ 83 million and the rest will be sent to cities on a per-capita basis , according to Mark Waller , a county commissioner .
Colorado Springs will receive about $ 38 million , he said .
“ We anticipate a little more guidance from the federal government on the use of the funds , ” Waller told reporters during a Tuesday press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I believe the federal government has been kind of lax on the way these funds are going to be spent , because I think they understand that the maximum amount of flexibility is what it is going to take in order for us to use those dollars as effectively as possible , to ensure we are recovering.
” While El Paso County plans to pass out money based on local populations , Arapahoe County is taking a different approach and asking municipalities to make requests for specific , demonstrable expenses , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which accepted about $ 114.5 million .
“ This will be based on specific needs , ” he said , adding that the county has drafted objectives for spending that prioritize economic recovery , the health of county and city employees , antibody testing , support for vulnerable residents and education on best practices for dealing with the coronavirus .
Denver officials expect to receive final guidance from the federal government on how its money can be spent in the next two weeks , according to Julie Smith , spokeswoman for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 126.8 million in direct CARES Act funds from the federal government , she said , and has also accepted other federal grant money .
Officials are now examining which pots of federal money can pay for what expenses .
The almost $ 4 million Denver has spent on medical supplies could be among expenses covered , as well as nearly $ 14 million spent on shelter services and supplies , or $ 2 million spent on cleaning and sanitation supplies , Smith said .
On Thursday , Denver Mayor Michael Hancock wrote to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requesting more money for cities .
If cities and states are instead forced to declare bankruptcy , it would be “ absolutely disastrous , ” Hancock said .
“ We would see layoffs , quite frankly , of our most important soldiers , ” Hancock told reporters and activists during a conference call Friday .
“ Men and women , our police officers , our firefighters , our teachers , our local health officials and other essential personnel .
All while we ’ re battling this pandemic.
” Adams County , which received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , will finalize its distribution of money Tuesday , according to spokeswoman Christa Bruning .
As the Front Range ’ s most populous counties count their cash , small towns in the mountains and beyond wonder if and when fiscal help will arrive .
Estes Park is expecting sales tax revenue to fall by 50 % this year , dealing a serious blow to the tourist town ’ s general fund .
“ Unfortunately , we do not anticipate receiving additional federal relief funds at this time , despite a great need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman for Estes Park .
Congressional Democrats are considering legislation to send as much as $ 1 trillion to states and local governments , including small towns .
Rep. Joe Neguse , a Lafayette Democrat whose district includes Estes Park , has introduced a bill to send small and medium-sized cities and counties $ 250 billion in direct federal aid .
“ We are not in a terrible position , but there are a lot of towns our size and smaller that really are , ” said Will Karspeck , the mayor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 8,000 people .
“ I ’ ve been on a lot of phone calls with mayors , ” he added , “ and it ’ s just really sad to hear the pain smaller communities are going through.
” Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

More than $558 million in direct federal aid flooded into five Front Range counties last month as unprecedented government spending in Washington, D.C., made its way to the Centennial State.
“We’ve never received any kind of money like this, ever,” said Jerry DiTullio, the treasurer in Jefferson County.
Now, county officials must decide how to distribute the coronavirus response money to municipalities and what to spend it on, even as Congress is considering whether to send $1 trillion more to states and municipalities nationwide.
“More than anything, we want to make sure we are nimble and flexible with those dollars, and we want to get them into cities’ hands as soon as possible,” said Lesley Dahlkemper, chair of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners. “But we also want to make sure that we are responsible.”
The $558 million figure represents only direct aid to the five Colorado counties with at least 500,000 people or more which received the aid under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. The other 59 Colorado counties are out of luck — at least for now.
And that half a billion dollars also doesn’t account for a gush of federal agency appropriations, such as the $42 million Housing and Urban Development has awarded to Colorado. It does not reflect the $7.3 billion in Paycheck Protection Program money for businesses here, or the roughly $300 million in federal business loans, or the extra federal money that’s going to those who qualify for unemployment.
Jefferson County, which accepted $101.7 million from the CARES Act, is considering whether it can be used to set up a grant program for local businesses that suffered losses due to the pandemic, Dahlkemper said. Commissioners are scheduled to hash out the details Monday. So far, the county has spent about $337,000 on pandemic response, a number that is expected to rise.
In some cases, cities and counties have been hesitant to spend the emergency appropriations, because the federal government hasn’t told them exactly how to.
“The biggest potential problem is going to be, the rules and regulations are constantly changing on this money,” DiTullio said. “And right now the money is fairly liquid and you can use it for a lot of different COVID-related items.
“I think if and when the federal government starts ratcheting down on that money is when it is going to be an issue. And I think people are going to be making some decisions based on current information, where in the future it may not be the same rules and regulations. The federal government will need to have some flexibility with everybody because it is a constantly changing world,” the treasurer added.
In El Paso County, which received $125.7 million in CARES Act money, the county will retain $83 million and the rest will be sent to cities on a per-capita basis, according to Mark Waller, a county commissioner. Colorado Springs will receive about $38 million, he said.
“We anticipate a little more guidance from the federal government on the use of the funds,” Waller told reporters during a Tuesday press conference. “But to this point, I believe the federal government has been kind of lax on the way these funds are going to be spent, because I think they understand that the maximum amount of flexibility is what it is going to take in order for us to use those dollars as effectively as possible, to ensure we are recovering.”
While El Paso County plans to pass out money based on local populations, Arapahoe County is taking a different approach and asking municipalities to make requests for specific, demonstrable expenses, said Luc Hatlestad, spokesman for the county, which accepted about $114.5 million.
“This will be based on specific needs,” he said, adding that the county has drafted objectives for spending that prioritize economic recovery, the health of county and city employees, antibody testing, support for vulnerable residents and education on best practices for dealing with the coronavirus.
Denver officials expect to receive final guidance from the federal government on how its money can be spent in the next two weeks, according to Julie Smith, spokeswoman for the Department of Finance. Denver accepted $126.8 million in direct CARES Act funds from the federal government, she said, and has also accepted other federal grant money. Officials are now examining which pots of federal money can pay for what expenses.
The almost $4 million Denver has spent on medical supplies could be among expenses covered, as well as nearly $14 million spent on shelter services and supplies, or $2 million spent on cleaning and sanitation supplies, Smith said.
On Thursday, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock wrote to the state’s congressional delegation, requesting more money for cities. If cities and states are instead forced to declare bankruptcy, it would be “absolutely disastrous,” Hancock said.
“We would see layoffs, quite frankly, of our most important soldiers,” Hancock told reporters and activists during a conference call Friday. “Men and women, our police officers, our firefighters, our teachers, our local health officials and other essential personnel. All while we’re battling this pandemic.”
Adams County, which received about $90 million from the federal government, will finalize its distribution of money Tuesday, according to spokeswoman Christa Bruning.
As the Front Range’s most populous counties count their cash, small towns in the mountains and beyond wonder if and when fiscal help will arrive. Estes Park is expecting sales tax revenue to fall by 50% this year, dealing a serious blow to the tourist town’s general fund.
“Unfortunately, we do not anticipate receiving additional federal relief funds at this time, despite a great need,” said Kate Rusch, a spokeswoman for Estes Park.
Congressional Democrats are considering legislation to send as much as $1 trillion to states and local governments, including small towns. Rep. Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat whose district includes Estes Park, has introduced a bill to send small and medium-sized cities and counties $250 billion in direct federal aid.
“We are not in a terrible position, but there are a lot of towns our size and smaller that really are,” said Will Karspeck, the mayor of Berthoud, a northern Colorado city of about 8,000 people.
“I’ve been on a lot of phone calls with mayors,” he added, “and it’s just really sad to hear the pain smaller communities are going through.”
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-04--Rockies’ Jon Gray, healthy and confident, itching to pitch in 2020

Jon Gray searched for the right way to say it .
“ Man , I don ’ t want to sound selfish , because I know that so many people are going through a lot right now , but I sure miss baseball , ” the Rockies ’ right-hander said Sunday from his new home in Scottsdale , Ariz. “ I can ’ t wait to come back .
I just wish baseball could go back to the way it was.
” You can ’ t blame Gray for his eagerness to get back on the mound .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he threw a pitch in a regular-season game .
Gray , 28 , was the Rockies ’ most consistent starter last year , going 11-8 with a 3.84 ERA over 26 games ( 25 starts ) .
But his season was cut short by a fractured left foot that landed him on the injured list Aug 21 and required surgery .
His last regular-season start , on Aug. 16 , was a gem .
Gray pitched eight shutout innings , striking out seven and walking none in Colorado ’ s 3-0 victory over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel more confident than ever … the most confident I ’ ve felt in my career , ” said Gray , whose foot has completely healed from the injury .
“ I had a lot of confidence in my stuff early on in my career , but now I have confidence that I can pitch well even on days when my best stuff isn ’ t there .
And don ’ t think you see as many bad games or big innings.
” Gray doesn ’ t presume to know when baseball might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take when Major League Baseball figures out a plan to play games in a season halted by the coronavirus pandemic .
“ It ’ s so tough to say what will happen , ” Gray said .
“ I ’ ve seen some of the proposals for starting up again and I ’ ve got ta say I haven ’ t seen anything that seems realistic yet .
Maybe it is , but it ’ s just kind of hard to envision.
” Gray predicts he ’ ll be ready when the call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now , I think it would take me two or three weeks to get ready , ” he said .
Gray has kept his arm in shape by pitching into a net and lifting weights in his home gym in his native Oklahoma .
Every Friday , pitching coach Steve Foster conducts a 30-45 minute meeting on Zoom with the Rockies ’ pitchers .
Just three days ago , Gray and his wife , Jacklyn , moved into their new home in Scottsdale .
The home ’ s backyard has running room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pool .
“ It ’ s already been really hot here , ” Gray said .
“ I jumped into the pool each of the first three days we ’ ve been here.
” One of the best parts of Gray ’ s move to Arizona was that it puts him in close proximity to Rockies catcher Tony Wolters , who lives about 5 minutes away .
The two will soon begin throwing and working out together as Gray prepares for the season , whenever it comes .
• David Dahl hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillies in MLB The Show 20 • From Colorado to Chicago , “ Bote Ball ” has delivered baseball excellence • Newman : Marc Johnson ’ s coaching genesis and eight other Colorado baseball icons the state won ’ t forget • Rockies ’ offense sluggish in second straight loss to Phillies in MLB The Show 20 • Saunders : MLB still has more questions than answers in age of coronavirus “ For me , Jon was very consistent last year , on an even plane , ” Wolters said .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low .
He understands that you ’ re not going to have your A-plus stuff every day , but he ’ s one of the smartest guys I know and he ’ s figuring out how to pitch .
Jon ’ s a special athlete and he can be a workhorse for us.
” Before spring training was curtailed by the coronavirus on March 12 , Gray was concentrating on three main things .
First , he was pitching out of the stretch more than normal in an attempt to better control the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quicker , while holding runners closer to first .
Second , he was working on modifying his curveball grip .
Third , he tweaked the grip on his slider , the pitch that helped make him the third overall draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2013 , but a pitch that he ’ s had troubling mastering .
“ Man , baseball would be a lot easier if that slider worked every time , ” he said with a laugh .
“ I ’ ve been chasing that pitch for a while .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it effective , even when it ’ s not my best pitch that day .
With the curve , I didn ’ t really change a lot , I just changed my grip and I have better spin efficiency .
I ’ m really starting to trust it .
“ I think the curveball filled a lot of gaps for me last year and I think it will be even better this year .
”

Jon Gray searched for the right way to say it.
“Man, I don’t want to sound selfish, because I know that so many people are going through a lot right now, but I sure miss baseball,” the Rockies’ right-hander said Sunday from his new home in Scottsdale, Ariz. “I can’t wait to come back. I just wish baseball could go back to the way it was.”
You can’t blame Gray for his eagerness to get back on the mound. It’s been more than eight months since he threw a pitch in a regular-season game.
Gray, 28, was the Rockies’ most consistent starter last year, going 11-8 with a 3.84 ERA over 26 games (25 starts). But his season was cut short by a fractured left foot that landed him on the injured list Aug 21 and required surgery.
His last regular-season start, on Aug. 16, was a gem. Gray pitched eight shutout innings, striking out seven and walking none in Colorado’s 3-0 victory over Miami at Coors Field.
“I feel more confident than ever … the most confident I’ve felt in my career,” said Gray, whose foot has completely healed from the injury. “I had a lot of confidence in my stuff early on in my career, but now I have confidence that I can pitch well even on days when my best stuff isn’t there. And don’t think you see as many bad games or big innings.”
Gray doesn’t presume to know when baseball might return, or what form it will take when Major League Baseball figures out a plan to play games in a season halted by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s so tough to say what will happen,” Gray said. “I’ve seen some of the proposals for starting up again and I’ve gotta say I haven’t seen anything that seems realistic yet. Maybe it is, but it’s just kind of hard to envision.”
Gray predicts he’ll be ready when the call comes.
“From here I am right now, I think it would take me two or three weeks to get ready,” he said.
Gray has kept his arm in shape by pitching into a net and lifting weights in his home gym in his native Oklahoma. Every Friday, pitching coach Steve Foster conducts a 30-45 minute meeting on Zoom with the Rockies’ pitchers.
Just three days ago, Gray and his wife, Jacklyn, moved into their new home in Scottsdale. The home’s backyard has running room for their three Yorkshire terriers and also a pool.
“It’s already been really hot here,” Gray said. “I jumped into the pool each of the first three days we’ve been here.”
One of the best parts of Gray’s move to Arizona was that it puts him in close proximity to Rockies catcher Tony Wolters, who lives about 5 minutes away. The two will soon begin throwing and working out together as Gray prepares for the season, whenever it comes.
“For me, Jon was very consistent last year, on an even plane,” Wolters said. “He was not too high and not too low. He understands that you’re not going to have your A-plus stuff every day, but he’s one of the smartest guys I know and he’s figuring out how to pitch. Jon’s a special athlete and he can be a workhorse for us.”
Before spring training was curtailed by the coronavirus on March 12, Gray was concentrating on three main things. First, he was pitching out of the stretch more than normal in an attempt to better control the running game by getting to the plate quicker, while holding runners closer to first. Second, he was working on modifying his curveball grip. Third, he tweaked the grip on his slider, the pitch that helped make him the third overall draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2013, but a pitch that he’s had troubling mastering.
“Man, baseball would be a lot easier if that slider worked every time,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve been chasing that pitch for a while. But now I know how to make it effective, even when it’s not my best pitch that day. With the curve, I didn’t really change a lot, I just changed my grip and I have better spin efficiency. I’m really starting to trust it.
“I think the curveball filled a lot of gaps for me last year and I think it will be even better this year.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-04--Full circle: DU-bound Kieran Cebrian was a Jr. Pioneer

Kieran Cebrian began playing hockey at age 4 where it was most convenient .
From his family home in Wash Park he could walk to the University of Denver .
So he became a Jr. Pioneer .
Thirteen years later , Cebrian has committed to play for the eight-time NCAA-champion Pioneers and is tentatively scheduled to begin his freshman year at DU in 2022 after playing two years of junior hockey .
His whereabouts next season will likely be determined in Tuesday ’ s United States ( junior-A ) Hockey League draft .
“ It ’ s cool , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ junior at Kent Denver High in Cherry Hills , said of going from a Pioneer mite to a blue-chip Pioneer college recruit .
“ It ’ s awesome .
I ’ m thankful and excited.
” The 6-foot-1 , 183-pound Cebrian is coming off a monster coronavirus-shortened season with the triple-A Colorado Thunderbirds ’ 16-under team , producing 33 goals and 94 points in 62 games .
He was a two-year member of the prestigious 16U team that plays nationally in the Tier I Elite League .
Cebrian served as team captain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coach David Clarkson .
He was a rare 15-year-old at that level in 2018-19 under coach Angelo Ricci .
Cebrian has been with the Thunderbirds since he was 11 .
He also played for the Krivo School of Hockey before switching to Arapahoe for squirt-A ( 10-under ) on a team coached by former Avalanche star Milan Hejduk , who had two sons , Marek and David , on the team .
Cebrian is the son of Carlos and Glenda Cebrian , who met in Regina , Saskatchewan .
Carlos , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Saskatchewan ’ s Swift Current before meeting Glenda in Regina .
Kieran feels fortunate to have parents willing to support his hockey dreams and send him to a private school .
He is also proud to choose a college so close to his family home .
So , unlike much of what triple-A is — a ton of travel — Carlos and Glenda will conveniently watch their Kieran ’ s home games in college .
“ My parents have to work hard but they have supported me my whole life , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Carlos Cebrian played prep hockey in Saskatchewan .
He ’ s impressed by how his son developed such a deep passion for the game .
“ I think it speaks to the hard work he ’ s put it , ” Carlos said .
“ He ’ s had some injuries and fought adversity , playing on some bad teams , but he had a love and passion for hockey that kept driving him forward.
” Cebrian , who turned 17 on March 31 , finished tied for third in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season with 34 points ( 13 goals ) in 24 showcase games .
“ I had really good linemates throughout the year , ” Cebrian said .
“ The lines changed a lot but whoever I was playing with we always worked well together.
” His strength , he and Clarkson believe , is the ability to play a complete game .
“ I think I ’ m a good 200-foot player .
I can produce offensively but also I ’ m responsible defensively , ” Cebrian said .
“ I play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty kill , on the power play — I think I can be used anywhere on the ice .
”

Kieran Cebrian began playing hockey at age 4 where it was most convenient. From his family home in Wash Park he could walk to the University of Denver.
So he became a Jr. Pioneer.
Thirteen years later, Cebrian has committed to play for the eight-time NCAA-champion Pioneers and is tentatively scheduled to begin his freshman year at DU in 2022 after playing two years of junior hockey. His whereabouts next season will likely be determined in Tuesday’s United States (junior-A) Hockey League draft.
“It’s cool, like a full-circle,” Cebrian, a junior at Kent Denver High in Cherry Hills, said of going from a Pioneer mite to a blue-chip Pioneer college recruit. “It’s awesome. I’m thankful and excited.”
The 6-foot-1, 183-pound Cebrian is coming off a monster coronavirus-shortened season with the triple-A Colorado Thunderbirds’ 16-under team, producing 33 goals and 94 points in 62 games. He was a two-year member of the prestigious 16U team that plays nationally in the Tier I Elite League. Cebrian served as team captain in his second year with the 16Us under new coach David Clarkson. He was a rare 15-year-old at that level in 2018-19 under coach Angelo Ricci.
Cebrian has been with the Thunderbirds since he was 11. He also played for the Krivo School of Hockey before switching to Arapahoe for squirt-A (10-under) on a team coached by former Avalanche star Milan Hejduk, who had two sons, Marek and David, on the team.
Cebrian is the son of Carlos and Glenda Cebrian, who met in Regina, Saskatchewan. Carlos, whose parents are from Spain, grew up in Saskatchewan’s Swift Current before meeting Glenda in Regina.
Kieran feels fortunate to have parents willing to support his hockey dreams and send him to a private school. He is also proud to choose a college so close to his family home. So, unlike much of what triple-A is — a ton of travel — Carlos and Glenda will conveniently watch their Kieran’s home games in college.
“My parents have to work hard but they have supported me my whole life, which I’m lucky for,” he said.
Carlos Cebrian played prep hockey in Saskatchewan. He’s impressed by how his son developed such a deep passion for the game.
“I think it speaks to the hard work he’s put it,” Carlos said. “He’s had some injuries and fought adversity, playing on some bad teams, but he had a love and passion for hockey that kept driving him forward.”
Cebrian, who turned 17 on March 31, finished tied for third in Tier I Elite Hockey League 16U scoring last season with 34 points (13 goals) in 24 showcase games.
“I had really good linemates throughout the year,” Cebrian said. “The lines changed a lot but whoever I was playing with we always worked well together.”
His strength, he and Clarkson believe, is the ability to play a complete game.
“I think I’m a good 200-foot player. I can produce offensively but also I’m responsible defensively,” Cebrian said. “I play in all situations. I play the penalty kill, on the power play — I think I can be used anywhere on the ice.”
He’s a versatile Pioneer.


thedenverpost--2020-05-04--As Colorado loosen stay-at-home restrictions, some businesses biding their time with safety in mind

Gov .
Jared Polis ’ “ safer-at-home ” phase of response to the COVID-19 involves the limited reopening of some Colorado businesses and therefore more people leaving their homes .
Many in Colorado and across the nation have visibly demonstrated their desire to get back to work or reopen their small businesses as shutdowns related to the novel coronavirus have worn on from later March into early May .
But those people are not in the majority , according to public polling .
A survey of more than 7,900 U.S. adults conducted by the Gallup Panel between April 20-26 found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if there were no government restrictions on their movements they would still not resume going about their normal activities until there was a significant decline in new cases of COVID-19 reported in their state .
Another 31 % said they would not get back to their normal routine until there were no new cases reported .
That compares to 21 % of people who said they were ready to get back to normal “ right now.
” Twelve percent of those surveyed said they don ’ t intend to resume normal activities until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ juxtaposition of the state ’ s plans for a gradual reopening of the economy and the reality that many people don ’ t feel safe outside their homes has been put some business owners in a bind in Colorado .
Do they take it slow or reopen as quickly as possible in hopes of stemming the tide of financial and job losses driven by the public health crisis ?
Dental offices were part of a state pubic health order last week allowing them , medical offices and veterinary centers to resume providing elective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that includes cleanings , teeth whitenings and all other types of care that don ’ t rise to emergency levels .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment specifically exempted that order from local variances , meaning it is not subject to extended stay-at-home orders put in place by counties .
Even so , Kari Brennan , a registered dental hygienist and the owner/operator of White River Dental Hygiene in Meeker , was unsure Friday afternoon if she would reopen her business on Tuesday as planned .
Her hesitation comes despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a jurisdiction that to date has had just one confirmed case of COVID-19 and zero deaths .
The issue , Brennan said , is a lack of clarity in the state rules around performing work that generates aerosols , or droplets in the air likely to contain patients ’ saliva .
In dental care , where the water jet-producing air-water syringe is a key tool and even something as simple of putting a piece of X-ray film in someone ’ s mouth could cause them to gag and cough , aerosols are part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is within 16 to 12 inches of somebody ’ s face and their saliva , ” Brennan said , noting that dental hygienists have been deemed the professional most at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus .
Despite having enough personal protective equipment on hand to fulfill state guidelines for reopening , Brennan said she is leaning toward holding off on opening until she gets more clarity around the aerosol issue .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still recommending that all elective dental procedures be postponed amid the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders says , “ Non-emergent , aerosol-generating procedures should not be performed.
” Patients with tentative appointments have been understanding , Brennan said .
“ And as a business owner and hygienist , I feel in one way I ’ m lucky because I get to choose what to do and keep myself and my patients safe , ” Brennan said .
On the other side of the Continental Divide , in Westminster , Bradburn Village Dentistry is also asking its 2,500 or so patients to sit tight for the time being .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winter , will not reopen until May 11 at the earliest .
That ’ s a timeline that extends past even Adams County ’ s extended stay-at-home order that , for now , ends May 8 .
“ I know a lot of business owners and dental owners are little frustrated because they have been without work for the last six weeks but really , as health care workers , we have an obligation not just to our patients but the community at large , ” Dr. Brian Oliveira , the practice ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office first shut down on March 16 , before any public health order to do so .
The delayed reopening not only gives the practice sufficient time to accumulate enough gowns , face shields and other PPE but also to better establish health screening measures and other steps designed to make visiting the office as safe as possible .
Oliveira has been listening to webinars and gathering as much information as he can from the CDC and national and local dentistry trade groups about safety protocols .
Plans include delaying elective treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have underlying health issues and letting exam rooms sit vacant for an extended period after each patient leaves so aerosols settle , in accordance with the state ’ s health order .
“ Teledentistry is going to be utilized more in the coming months , basically screening patients before they ever get to the office , ” Oliveira said .
“ We want to be open , we want to see our patients , but we realize that a lot of our treatment is elective for the most part and we realize that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospitals first and foremost.
” Becky Comstedt is a hygienist with Bradburn Village Dentistry and the president of the Colorado Dental Hygienists Association .
She has heard about how a rush to reopen has resulted in shortcuts being taken in some places , including practices buying ponchos for their workers instead of medical gowns .
“ I am kind of excited to go back to work , but I also trust my doctor and know that he won ’ t ask me to do anything crazy , ” Comstedt said Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week I would probably have anxiety.
” As Colorado businesses and their counterparts across the nation do slowly reopen , trust between employees and employers is going to be a key to success , according to Ann Skeet , senior director of the leadership ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California .
“ I think right now justice , you know , treating people fairly , thinking about who is bearing the risk , doing things in a humane way , caring for one another , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skeet said in an online panel discussion Wednesday , “ and I see those guiding us.
” Denver restaurants were among the first businesses to be shut down by conronavirus health orders , and it ’ s likely they will be among the last allowed to reopen .
Offering meals for delivery and carryout are options many have taken to , but Paul Reilly , proprietor and executive chef of Denver restaurants Beast + Bottle , Coperta and Pizzeria Coperta , said it was concern for his employees ’ health that led he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We did feel like we needed to take care of our team first and foremost rather than continuing service , ” Reilly said .
When it comes to reopening , whenever that is , there will be a mountain of financial concerns to sift through , but the well-being of guests and workers will again be central to any decision Reilly and his Co. make .
“ We think it ’ s the best interest of our team and of our guests to remain closed until we get better answers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality is going to look like , ” Reilly said .

Gov. Jared Polis’ “safer-at-home” phase of response to the COVID-19 involves the limited reopening of some Colorado businesses and therefore more people leaving their homes.
Many in Colorado and across the nation have visibly demonstrated their desire to get back to work or reopen their small businesses as shutdowns related to the novel coronavirus have worn on from later March into early May.
But those people are not in the majority, according to public polling. A survey of more than 7,900 U.S. adults conducted by the Gallup Panel between April 20-26 found that 36% of people said that if there were no government restrictions on their movements they would still not resume going about their normal activities until there was a significant decline in new cases of COVID-19 reported in their state. Another 31% said they would not get back to their normal routine until there were no new cases reported. That compares to 21% of people who said they were ready to get back to normal “right now.” Twelve percent of those surveyed said they don’t intend to resume normal activities until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed.
The juxtaposition of the state’s plans for a gradual reopening of the economy and the reality that many people don’t feel safe outside their homes has been put some business owners in a bind in Colorado. Do they take it slow or reopen as quickly as possible in hopes of stemming the tide of financial and job losses driven by the public health crisis?
Dental offices were part of a state pubic health order last week allowing them, medical offices and veterinary centers to resume providing elective procedures. In the case of dentistry, that includes cleanings, teeth whitenings and all other types of care that don’t rise to emergency levels. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment specifically exempted that order from local variances, meaning it is not subject to extended stay-at-home orders put in place by counties.
Even so, Kari Brennan, a registered dental hygienist and the owner/operator of White River Dental Hygiene in Meeker, was unsure Friday afternoon if she would reopen her business on Tuesday as planned. Her hesitation comes despite Meeker being in Rio Blanco County, a jurisdiction that to date has had just one confirmed case of COVID-19 and zero deaths.
The issue, Brennan said, is a lack of clarity in the state rules around performing work that generates aerosols, or droplets in the air likely to contain patients’ saliva. In dental care, where the water jet-producing air-water syringe is a key tool and even something as simple of putting a piece of X-ray film in someone’s mouth could cause them to gag and cough, aerosols are part of the trade.
“Everything I do is within 16 to 12 inches of somebody’s face and their saliva,” Brennan said, noting that dental hygienists have been deemed the professional most at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.
Despite having enough personal protective equipment on hand to fulfill state guidelines for reopening, Brennan said she is leaning toward holding off on opening until she gets more clarity around the aerosol issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still recommending that all elective dental procedures be postponed amid the crisis and the state’s public health orders says, “Non-emergent, aerosol-generating procedures should not be performed.”
Patients with tentative appointments have been understanding, Brennan said.
“And as a business owner and hygienist, I feel in one way I’m lucky because I get to choose what to do and keep myself and my patients safe,” Brennan said.
On the other side of the Continental Divide, in Westminster, Bradburn Village Dentistry is also asking its 2,500 or so patients to sit tight for the time being. The practice, owned by Dr. Eric Winter, will not reopen until May 11 at the earliest. That’s a timeline that extends past even Adams County’s extended stay-at-home order that, for now, ends May 8.
“I know a lot of business owners and dental owners are little frustrated because they have been without work for the last six weeks but really, as health care workers, we have an obligation not just to our patients but the community at large,” Dr. Brian Oliveira, the practice’s associate dentist, said, noting the office first shut down on March 16, before any public health order to do so.
The delayed reopening not only gives the practice sufficient time to accumulate enough gowns, face shields and other PPE but also to better establish health screening measures and other steps designed to make visiting the office as safe as possible. Oliveira has been listening to webinars and gathering as much information as he can from the CDC and national and local dentistry trade groups about safety protocols. Plans include delaying elective treatment for patients that are over 65 or have underlying health issues and letting exam rooms sit vacant for an extended period after each patient leaves so aerosols settle, in accordance with the state’s health order.
“Teledentistry is going to be utilized more in the coming months, basically screening patients before they ever get to the office,” Oliveira said. “We want to be open, we want to see our patients, but we realize that a lot of our treatment is elective for the most part and we realize that (PPE) materials should be funneled to hospitals first and foremost.”
Becky Comstedt is a hygienist with Bradburn Village Dentistry and the president of the Colorado Dental Hygienists Association. She has heard about how a rush to reopen has resulted in shortcuts being taken in some places, including practices buying ponchos for their workers instead of medical gowns.
“I am kind of excited to go back to work, but I also trust my doctor and know that he won’t ask me to do anything crazy,” Comstedt said Friday. “If I was going back this week I would probably have anxiety.”
As Colorado businesses and their counterparts across the nation do slowly reopen, trust between employees and employers is going to be a key to success, according to Ann Skeet, senior director of the leadership ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.
“I think right now justice, you know, treating people fairly, thinking about who is bearing the risk, doing things in a humane way, caring for one another, those are really important values,” Skeet said in an online panel discussion Wednesday, “and I see those guiding us.”
Denver restaurants were among the first businesses to be shut down by conronavirus health orders, and it’s likely they will be among the last allowed to reopen. Offering meals for delivery and carryout are options many have taken to, but Paul Reilly, proprietor and executive chef of Denver restaurants Beast + Bottle, Coperta and Pizzeria Coperta, said it was concern for his employees’ health that led he and his partners to shut down entirely.
“We did feel like we needed to take care of our team first and foremost rather than continuing service,” Reilly said.
When it comes to reopening, whenever that is, there will be a mountain of financial concerns to sift through, but the well-being of guests and workers will again be central to any decision.
“We think it’s the best interest of our team and of our guests to remain closed until we get better answers from our elected officials on what the new hospitality is going to look like,” Reilly said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-04--STEM School invites community to participate in week of giving in observance of shooting anniversary

STEM School Highlands Ranch wants people to spend the next week doing something good in the community , whether it ’ s sewing masks for neighbors , donating to a charity or writing letters to residents at senior living centers in observance of the one-year anniversary of a fatal shooting at the school .
The school asks its faculty , students and others in the community to share their good deeds by submitting an online form and by using the # STEMShares tag on social media , according to a news release from Nicole Bostel , the school ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to bring our community together to give back and share what being # STEMStrong really means , ” the news release said .
“ Our community showed an amazing amount of support for us in our time of need , and giving back is a great way to honor the heroic actions of our students and staff.
” On May 7 , 2019 , two student brought guns to the STEM School and opened fire on classmates and teachers .
Kendrick Castillo , a senior , was killed while tackling one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eight other teens were injured by gunfire .
The week of giving lasts Monday through Friday .
The school planned to do in-person acts of kindness , volunteer work and donations , but # STEMShares week now is virtual participation-only because of the coronavirus pandemic .
A website has examples of things people can do to participate in the week of giving at https : //www.stemk12.org/apps/news/article/1211266 .

STEM School Highlands Ranch wants people to spend the next week doing something good in the community, whether it’s sewing masks for neighbors, donating to a charity or writing letters to residents at senior living centers in observance of the one-year anniversary of a fatal shooting at the school.
The school asks its faculty, students and others in the community to share their good deeds by submitting an online form and by using the #STEMShares tag on social media, according to a news release from Nicole Bostel, the school’s communications manager.
“STEMShares is our opportunity to bring our community together to give back and share what being #STEMStrong really means,” the news release said. “Our community showed an amazing amount of support for us in our time of need, and giving back is a great way to honor the heroic actions of our students and staff.”
On May 7, 2019, two student brought guns to the STEM School and opened fire on classmates and teachers. Kendrick Castillo, a senior, was killed while tackling one of the shooters to save his classmates. Eight other teens were injured by gunfire.
The week of giving lasts Monday through Friday.
The school planned to do in-person acts of kindness, volunteer work and donations, but #STEMShares week now is virtual participation-only because of the coronavirus pandemic. A website has examples of things people can do to participate in the week of giving at https://www.stemk12.org/apps/news/article/1211266.


thedenverpost--2020-05-04--How I got hooked on sports: Elway’s helicopter, the art of the change-up and the no-hitter that wasn

How I got hooked on sports: Elway’s helicopter, the art of the change-up and the no-hitter that wasn’t

I put on my mitt at five and it tightened like a vice .
At seven : intermittent visions of John Elway helicoptering the way to my city ’ s first Super Bowl , which we watched in my grandfather ’ s basement .
That coach showed me the art of the change-up at eight ( curveball : highly overrated ) .
Papa dusted off my glasses , chuckling , when this shortstop got dropped by a bad hop at nine .
At 10 , cancer having taken him from the bench , I was some-odd hits in and kicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to my third career ejection .
I guess you could say I was passionate : hotheaded for the whole competition thing .
At 11 , I was using the couch as a defender in family-room football amid long , lazy fall Saturdays spent there watching Pac-12 action with my dad .
Weekly dashes to the mailbox for Sports Illustrated .
Already plotting ways to imitate Rick Reilly .
And then there was throwing that one-hitter that day in Estes , at 12 , the final-inning , bloop-single marring my place in meaningless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was playing first base in that game , and off the bat he took a circular route to the shallow fly , which found its way into the rays of the sun just before it landed with a soft plop right at his feet .
He brought the ball back to me and I just smiled .
Gave him a fist-bump .
Got back on the mound and struck out the final batter with a nasty change-up .

I put on my mitt at five and it tightened like a vice.
At seven: intermittent visions of John Elway helicoptering the way to my city’s first Super Bowl, which we watched in my grandfather’s basement.
That coach showed me the art of the change-up at eight (curveball: highly overrated). Papa dusted off my glasses, chuckling, when this shortstop got dropped by a bad hop at nine.
At 10, cancer having taken him from the bench, I was some-odd hits in and kicking over a bucket of balls on the way to my third career ejection. I guess you could say I was passionate/hotheaded for the whole competition thing.
At 11, I was using the couch as a defender in family-room football amid long, lazy fall Saturdays spent there watching Pac-12 action with my dad. Weekly dashes to the mailbox for Sports Illustrated. Already plotting ways to imitate Rick Reilly.
And then there was throwing that one-hitter that day in Estes, at 12, the final-inning, bloop-single marring my place in meaningless Little League history.
My best friend was playing first base in that game, and off the bat he took a circular route to the shallow fly, which found its way into the rays of the sun just before it landed with a soft plop right at his feet. He brought the ball back to me and I just smiled. Gave him a fist-bump. Got back on the mound and struck out the final batter with a nasty change-up.