thedenverpost--2020-08-16--Pelosi to call House back into session to vote on USPS bill

WASHINGTON — Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday she is calling the House back into session this week to vote on a bill prohibiting the U.S .
Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service .
The action comes amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency during the coronavirus pandemic while states expand mail-in voting options .
In a letter to Democratic lawmakers Sunday evening , Pelosi also called on her colleagues to appear at a post office in their district on Tuesday for a coordinated news event .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Postal Service is Election Central .
Americans should not have to choose between their health and their vote , ” she wrote .
Pelosi said House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer would soon announce the legislative schedule for the coming week .
House Democrats were likely to discuss the schedule on a conference call on Monday and were expected to be in session next Saturday , a senior Democratic aide said on condition of anonymity because the plans were private .
Earlier Sunday , Democratic lawmakers demanded that leaders of the Postal Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 on mail delays .
The House Oversight and Reform Committee said it wants to hear from new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and from the chair of the Postal Service board of governors , Robert “ Mike ” Duncan .
With heightened scrutiny of its operations , the agency is now requesting a temporary preelection rate increase , from mid-October through Christmas , although not for first-class letters .
The agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment about whether the two men would appear before the House committee .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinctive blue mailboxes through mid-November following complaints from customers and members of Congress that the collection boxes were being taken away .
“ Given the recent customer concerns the Postal Service will postpone removing boxes for a period of 90 days while we evaluate our customers ’ concerns , ” said Postal Service spokeswoman Kimberly Frum .
DeJoy , a major Republican donor and ally of the president who took control of the agency in June , has pledged to modernize the money-losing agency to make it more efficient , and has eliminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on transportation and reduced of the quantity and use of mail-processing equipment .
“ The postmaster general and top Postal Service leadership must answer to the Congress and the American people as to why they are pushing these dangerous new policies that threaten to silence the voices of millions , just months before the election , ” congressional Democrats said in a statement announcing the hearing .
The lawmakers included Pelosi of California and New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney , the committee chair , along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , which oversees the Postal Service .
Trump said last week that he was blocking a $ 25 billion emergency injection sought by the Postal Service , as well as a Democratic proposal to provide $ 3.6 billion in additional election money to the states .
The Republican president worries that mail-in voting could cost him reelection .
The money for the post office is intended to help with processing an expected surge of mail-in ballots .
Both funding requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a new coronavirus relief package .
On Saturday , Trump tried to massage his message , saying he supports increasing money for the Postal Service .
He said he was refusing to capitulate to Democrats on other parts of the relief package , including funding for states weighed down by debt accumulated before the pandemic .
But the president ’ s critics were not appeased , contending that Trump has made the calculation that a lower voter turnout would improve his chances of winning a second term .
“ What you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States who is doing everything he can to suppress the vote , make it harder for people to engage in mail-in balloting at a time when people will be putting their lives on the line by having to go out to a polling station and vote , ” said Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt .
Earlier this month , Maloney ’ s committee had invited DeJoy to appear Sept. 17 at a hearing focusing on operational changes to the Postal Service that are causing delays in mail deliveries .
But after Trump acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he ’ s starving the agency of money to make it harder to process an expected surge of mail-in ballots , the committee decided to move up their call for the appearance of DeJoy ’ well as the governing board chair .
Funding a cash-strapped Postal Service has quickly turned into a top campaign issue as Trump presses his unsupported claim that increased mail-in voting will undermine the credibility of the election and Democrats push back .
Trump , who spent the weekend at his New Jersey golf club , derided universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defended DeJoy as the right person to “ streamline the post office and make it great again.
” “ Louis he is working very hard , ” Trump said at a news conference Saturday .
“ But as you know , the Democrats aren ’ t approving proper funding for postal , and they ’ re not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing they want to do which is all mail-in voting.
” His chief of staff tried on Sunday to counter criticism that Trump was trying to stifle turnout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him facing a difficult path to reelection against Democrat Joe Biden .
“ I ’ ll give you that guarantee right now : The president of the United States is not going to interfere with anybody casting their vote in a legitimate way , whether it ’ s the post office or anything else , ” Mark Meadows said .
But Democrats said changes made by DeJoy constitute “ a grave threat to the integrity of the election and to our very democracy.
” They asserted that DeJoy “ has acted as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cheat in the election , as he launches sweeping new operational changes that degrade delivery standards and delay the mail.
” The agency in the meantime is now seeking a short-term end-of-the-year rate increase , according to a notice filed Friday with the Postal Regulatory Commission .
The reasons : increased expenses , heightened demand for online packages due to the coronavirus pandemic and an expected increase in holiday mail volume .
The plan would raise prices on commercial domestic competitive parcels , including Priority Mail Express , Priority Mail , first-class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Return Service .
No change is expected for first-class letters .
Most of the proposed increases would be less than 10 % .
They range from 24 cents for Parcel Select Service , which starts at $ 3.05 , to a $ 1.50 increase for Priority Mail Express Commercial , which starts at $ 22.75 .
The regulatory commission is expected to decide on the proposals next month .
The Postal Service is the country ’ s most popular government agency with 91 % of Americans having a favorable opinion of the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Survey published in April .
“ What concerns me is an all-out attack — they ’ re not even hiding it — by the president of the United States to undermine the United States Postal Service , to underfund it , to allow a mega-donor leading it to overtly do things to slow down the mail , ” said Sen. Cory Booker , D-N.J. Sanders was on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press , ” while Meadows and Booker appeared on CNN ’ s ” State of the Union.
” Madhani reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday she is calling the House back into session this week to vote on a bill prohibiting the U.S. Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service. The action comes amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency during the coronavirus pandemic while states expand mail-in voting options.
In a letter to Democratic lawmakers Sunday evening, Pelosi also called on her colleagues to appear at a post office in their district on Tuesday for a coordinated news event. “In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central. Americans should not have to choose between their health and their vote,” she wrote.
Pelosi said House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer would soon announce the legislative schedule for the coming week. House Democrats were likely to discuss the schedule on a conference call on Monday and were expected to be in session next Saturday, a senior Democratic aide said on condition of anonymity because the plans were private.
Earlier Sunday, Democratic lawmakers demanded that leaders of the Postal Service testify at an emergency oversight hearing Aug. 24 on mail delays.
The House Oversight and Reform Committee said it wants to hear from new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and from the chair of the Postal Service board of governors, Robert “Mike” Duncan. With heightened scrutiny of its operations, the agency is now requesting a temporary preelection rate increase, from mid-October through Christmas, although not for first-class letters.
The agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment about whether the two men would appear before the House committee. But it said Sunday it would stop removing its distinctive blue mailboxes through mid-November following complaints from customers and members of Congress that the collection boxes were being taken away.
“Given the recent customer concerns the Postal Service will postpone removing boxes for a period of 90 days while we evaluate our customers’ concerns,” said Postal Service spokeswoman Kimberly Frum.
DeJoy, a major Republican donor and ally of the president who took control of the agency in June, has pledged to modernize the money-losing agency to make it more efficient, and has eliminated most overtime for postal workers, imposed restrictions on transportation and reduced of the quantity and use of mail-processing equipment.
“The postmaster general and top Postal Service leadership must answer to the Congress and the American people as to why they are pushing these dangerous new policies that threaten to silence the voices of millions, just months before the election,” congressional Democrats said in a statement announcing the hearing.
The lawmakers included Pelosi of California and New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney, the committee chair, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the Postal Service.
Trump said last week that he was blocking a $25 billion emergency injection sought by the Postal Service, as well as a Democratic proposal to provide $3.6 billion in additional election money to the states. The Republican president worries that mail-in voting could cost him reelection. The money for the post office is intended to help with processing an expected surge of mail-in ballots. Both funding requests have been tied up in congressional negotiations over a new coronavirus relief package.
On Saturday, Trump tried to massage his message, saying he supports increasing money for the Postal Service. He said he was refusing to capitulate to Democrats on other parts of the relief package, including funding for states weighed down by debt accumulated before the pandemic.
But the president’s critics were not appeased, contending that Trump has made the calculation that a lower voter turnout would improve his chances of winning a second term.
“What you are witnessing is a president of the United States who is doing everything he can to suppress the vote, make it harder for people to engage in mail-in balloting at a time when people will be putting their lives on the line by having to go out to a polling station and vote,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
Earlier this month, Maloney’s committee had invited DeJoy to appear Sept. 17 at a hearing focusing on operational changes to the Postal Service that are causing delays in mail deliveries.
But after Trump acknowledged in a Fox Business interview on Thursday that he’s starving the agency of money to make it harder to process an expected surge of mail-in ballots, the committee decided to move up their call for the appearance of DeJoy’ well as the governing board chair.
Funding a cash-strapped Postal Service has quickly turned into a top campaign issue as Trump presses his unsupported claim that increased mail-in voting will undermine the credibility of the election and Democrats push back.
Trump, who spent the weekend at his New Jersey golf club, derided universal mail-in voting as a “scam” and defended DeJoy as the right person to “streamline the post office and make it great again.”
“Louis he is working very hard,” Trump said at a news conference Saturday. “But as you know, the Democrats aren’t approving proper funding for postal, and they’re not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing they want to do which is all mail-in voting.”
His chief of staff tried on Sunday to counter criticism that Trump was trying to stifle turnout with national and battleground state polls showing him facing a difficult path to reelection against Democrat Joe Biden.
“I’ll give you that guarantee right now: The president of the United States is not going to interfere with anybody casting their vote in a legitimate way, whether it’s the post office or anything else,” Mark Meadows said.
But Democrats said changes made by DeJoy constitute “a grave threat to the integrity of the election and to our very democracy.” They asserted that DeJoy “has acted as an accomplice in the president’s campaign to cheat in the election, as he launches sweeping new operational changes that degrade delivery standards and delay the mail.”
The agency in the meantime is now seeking a short-term end-of-the-year rate increase, according to a notice filed Friday with the Postal Regulatory Commission. The reasons: increased expenses, heightened demand for online packages due to the coronavirus pandemic and an expected increase in holiday mail volume.
The plan would raise prices on commercial domestic competitive parcels, including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, first-class package Service, Parcel Select and Parcel Return Service. No change is expected for first-class letters.
Most of the proposed increases would be less than 10%. They range from 24 cents for Parcel Select Service, which starts at $3.05, to a $1.50 increase for Priority Mail Express Commercial, which starts at $22.75. The regulatory commission is expected to decide on the proposals next month.
The Postal Service is the country’s most popular government agency with 91% of Americans having a favorable opinion of the service, according to a Pew Research Center Survey published in April.
“What concerns me is an all-out attack — they’re not even hiding it — by the president of the United States to undermine the United States Postal Service, to underfund it, to allow a mega-donor leading it to overtly do things to slow down the mail,” said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.
Sanders was on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” while Meadows and Booker appeared on CNN’s ”State of the Union.”
Madhani reported from Bedminster, N.J. Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-08-16--Keeler: LeBron’s worried about home-court advantage in 2020 NBA Playoffs. That’s good news for the N

Keeler: LeBron’s worried about home-court advantage in 2020 NBA Playoffs. That’s good news for the Nuggets.

At least they can hear you .
Kind of .
Thanks to web cams and the sharp knives in the NBA marketing drawer who made virtual fandom cool , they can even see a 2-D feed of you .
Or your dog .
But they can ’ t feel you .
They can ’ t feel you in the final five minutes , when the Nuggets are down four at “ home ” and need a stop to get mojo flowing the other way .
They can ’ t feel you calling for MPJ to get the rock .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as one , after Bol Bol does the same .
No dog pulls the sled , late , the way a Pepsi Center crowd does in crunch time .
The Nuggets are 14-8 in postseason home games since 2010 , winning at a clip of 63.6 % inside The Can .
But what happens within the 2020 NBA Playoffs bracket — played out at Walt Disney World , 1,843 miles from Chopper Circle — when you take away that crowd ?
That sixth man ?
That altitude ?
How does that change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season that somebody like a Denver could win it , surprise people , sure , I guess ( it ’ s this one ) , ” ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose said recently .
“ But if the Clippers and the Lakers are healthy … if a team upsets them , it ’ s just because they didn ’ t perform well.
” Either that or they missed something .
Few home courts , traditionally , tilt the scales as much as an NBA playoff home court does .
For the underdog , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the friendly confines that can set the world right .
For the favorite , it ’ s the path earned as a reward for months of regular-season dominance , the equivalent of the last at-bat in baseball , the final word of the argument .
Since 1950 , a road team has won a Game 7 on another squad ’ s floor just 28 times .
That ’ s by design .
This set-up , by contrast , feels like something designed by M.C .
Escher at the intersection of topsy and turvy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out more like an NCAA Tournament setting , a neutral floor where talent , matchups , defense and size ultimately claw to the top .
Or a mid-major — looking at you , Portland — can come from out of nowhere , shoot the lights out , and send a sure thing home .
“ Clinching the one seed , is there an advantage here ?
” Lakers star LeBron James pondered earlier this month .
“ There ’ s not much of a home-court advantage here.
” James ’ Lakers , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-5 in the bubble so far .
The Blazers , the West ’ s No .
8 seed , are 6-2 .
“ Nobody is safe in this environment , period , ” a Western Conference executive recently told Joe Vardon of The Athletic .
“ Everyone can be beaten.
” The Nuggets and Jazz , who ’ ve been paired off in a first-round series that starts Monday , both posted 3-5 records , too .
Utah ’ s postseason home winning percentage over the previous 10 seasons — 42.1 % — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams in the West .
The Clippers ( 46.9 ) and Mavericks ( 62.5 ) , who ’ ll draw the winner of Nuggets-Jazz , rank seventh and fifth , respectively .
They can ’ t feel you climbing up the ref ’ s back after the blind so-and-so slaps Skinny Joker with a bogus foul down the stretch .
They can ’ t feel your relief when the Blue Arrow drains a floater in the lane a tick before the shot clock expires .
“ It ’ s like , ‘ Home-court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home-court advantage , ” Rockets sharpshooter James Harden told scribes in July .
“ It ’ s you versus us and we ’ ll just have to figure it out.
” If the Nuggets are going to climb to heights unseen since 2009 , they ’ re going to have to figure out a way to do it without you .
And that ’ s just going to feel weird .

At least they can hear you. Kind of. Thanks to web cams and the sharp knives in the NBA marketing drawer who made virtual fandom cool, they can even see a 2-D feed of you. Or your dog.
But they can’t feel you.
They can’t feel you in the final five minutes, when the Nuggets are down four at “home” and need a stop to get mojo flowing the other way.
They can’t feel you calling for MPJ to get the rock.
They can’t feel you rising, as one, after Bol Bol does the same.
No dog pulls the sled, late, the way a Pepsi Center crowd does in crunch time. The Nuggets are 14-8 in postseason home games since 2010, winning at a clip of 63.6% inside The Can.
But what happens within the 2020 NBA Playoffs bracket — played out at Walt Disney World, 1,843 miles from Chopper Circle — when you take away that crowd? That sixth man? That altitude? How does that change the equation?
“If there is a season that somebody like a Denver could win it, surprise people, sure, I guess (it’s this one),” ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose said recently. “But if the Clippers and the Lakers are healthy … if a team upsets them, it’s just because they didn’t perform well.”
Either that or they missed something.
Or somebody.
Or several somebodies.
Few home courts, traditionally, tilt the scales as much as an NBA playoff home court does. For the underdog, it’s the great equalizer, the friendly confines that can set the world right. For the favorite, it’s the path earned as a reward for months of regular-season dominance, the equivalent of the last at-bat in baseball, the final word of the argument.
Since 1950, a road team has won a Game 7 on another squad’s floor just 28 times. That’s by design.
This set-up, by contrast, feels like something designed by M.C. Escher at the intersection of topsy and turvy. Orlando’s bubble could play out more like an NCAA Tournament setting, a neutral floor where talent, matchups, defense and size ultimately claw to the top.
Or a mid-major — looking at you, Portland — can come from out of nowhere, shoot the lights out, and send a sure thing home.
“Clinching the one seed, is there an advantage here?” Lakers star LeBron James pondered earlier this month. “There’s not much of a home-court advantage here.”
James’ Lakers, the top seed in the West, are 3-5 in the bubble so far. The Blazers, the West’s No. 8 seed, are 6-2.
“Nobody is safe in this environment, period,” a Western Conference executive recently told Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “Everyone can be beaten.”
The Nuggets and Jazz, who’ve been paired off in a first-round series that starts Monday, both posted 3-5 records, too.
Utah’s postseason home winning percentage over the previous 10 seasons — 42.1% — is the lowest among the eight playoffs teams in the West. The Clippers (46.9) and Mavericks (62.5), who’ll draw the winner of Nuggets-Jazz, rank seventh and fifth, respectively.
Pepsi Center: 5,190 feet above sea level.
Disney World: 125 feet.
They can’t feel you climbing up the ref’s back after the blind so-and-so slaps Skinny Joker with a bogus foul down the stretch.
They can’t feel your relief when the Blue Arrow drains a floater in the lane a tick before the shot clock expires.
“It’s like, ‘Home-court advantage?’ There’s no home-court advantage,” Rockets sharpshooter James Harden told scribes in July. “It’s you versus us and we’ll just have to figure it out.”
If the Nuggets are going to climb to heights unseen since 2009, they’re going to have to figure out a way to do it without you. And that’s just going to feel weird.


thedenverpost--2020-08-16--Rockies snap three-game losing streak, beat Rangers at Coors Field

Beginning Monday night at Houston , the Rockies play nine of their next 11 games on the road , including three games next weekend in Los Angeles against the Dodgers , who are , once again , leading the National League West .
That ’ s why the Rockies really needed their 10-6 win over Texas on a hot Sunday afternoon at Coors Field .
“ Today was step in the right direction on where we need to go , ” said starter Jon Gray , who provided much-needed stability by pitching seven strong innings .
“ Obviously , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best baseball , but we are very capable .
“ If we can not let those tough times last a week or two , but just a few games … we are going to keep ourselves right there at the top .
But this next week is really important.
” Sunday ’ s victory snapped a three-game losing streak and put a positive spin on an otherwise disappointing 2-4 homestand that left the Rockies with a 13-8 record in this abbreviated 60-game season .
There were plenty of positives Sunday : • None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a five-run second inning released some of the pressure on the team and was another indication that McMahon is sliding out of his prolonged slump .
“ I ’ m definitely moving in the right direction , ” said McMahon , who hit his second three-run home run of the homestand .
“ I ’ m trying to keep it simple , man .
This is a hard game .
There are a lot of things you can overthink .
So I ’ m trying to focus on the job at hand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team.
” McMahon entered the homestand batting .200 , but hit .300 ( 6-for-20 ) with three runs , one double , his two homers and seven RBIs in the five games he played over the six-game stretch at Coors .
• None A 14-hit attack that included clutch hitting — 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position — after going 4-for-32 ( .125 ) with RISP during their three-game losing streak .
• None A bounce-back performance from Gray , who allowed just three hits , struck out seven and walked two .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine strikeouts over his first four starts .
True , Gray did give up two home runs , but he pitched with controlled aggression .
“ He was under control with his delivery with a solid mix of pitches , ” manager Bud Black said .
“ He and ( catcher ) Drew ( Butera ) did a nice job of keeping the Rangers on balance .
I thought it was an outstanding game for Jon.
” Added Gray : “ I felt like I could live on the corners today and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were two bad pitches in there , but other than that , we controlled it.
” Of course , it wouldn ’ t be a Rockies game without late bullpen drama .
Closer Jairo Diaz walked in two runs before Black called on Carlos Estevez to notch the game ’ s final out .
Estevez retired Scott Heineman on a come-backer to the mound , but Estevez suffered an injury on his right hand on the play and was scheduled to undergo X-rays after the game .
Diaz ’ s ninth-inning meltdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or perhaps leaning toward a closer by committee , something he usually does not favor .
“ It looks to be right , now there , that there ’ s probably not a designated , per se , closer , ” Black said .
“ We ’ ll look at each game , each inning and continue to critique how guys are throwing and where they fit.
” There was a “ here-we-go-again ” vibe in the second inning when Todd Frazier ripped a one-out double to center off Gray , followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right-field foul pole .
But Colorado responded by sending nine me to the plate in the bottom of the frame .
McMahon ’ s 451-foot homer off Kolby Allard landed in the evergreens beyond the center-field wall .
Run-scoring singles by Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon topped off the rally .

The road ahead is daunting.
Beginning Monday night at Houston, the Rockies play nine of their next 11 games on the road, including three games next weekend in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, who are, once again, leading the National League West.
That’s why the Rockies really needed their 10-6 win over Texas on a hot Sunday afternoon at Coors Field.
“Today was step in the right direction on where we need to go,” said starter Jon Gray, who provided much-needed stability by pitching seven strong innings. “Obviously, this last week hasn’t been our best baseball, but we are very capable.
“If we can not let those tough times last a week or two, but just a few games … we are going to keep ourselves right there at the top. But this next week is really important.”
Sunday’s victory snapped a three-game losing streak and put a positive spin on an otherwise disappointing 2-4 homestand that left the Rockies with a 13-8 record in this abbreviated 60-game season.
There were plenty of positives Sunday:
Ryan McMahon’s three-run homer in a five-run second inning released some of the pressure on the team and was another indication that McMahon is sliding out of his prolonged slump.
“I’m definitely moving in the right direction,” said McMahon, who hit his second three-run home run of the homestand. “I’m trying to keep it simple, man. This is a hard game. There are a lot of things you can overthink. So I’m trying to focus on the job at hand and do what I can to help the team.”
McMahon entered the homestand batting .200, but hit .300 (6-for-20) with three runs, one double, his two homers and seven RBIs in the five games he played over the six-game stretch at Coors.
A 14-hit attack that included clutch hitting — 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position — after going 4-for-32 (.125) with RISP during their three-game losing streak.
A bounce-back performance from Gray, who allowed just three hits, struck out seven and walked two. Gray came into the game with only nine strikeouts over his first four starts. True, Gray did give up two home runs, but he pitched with controlled aggression.
“He was under control with his delivery with a solid mix of pitches,” manager Bud Black said. “He and (catcher) Drew (Butera) did a nice job of keeping the Rangers on balance. I thought it was an outstanding game for Jon.”
Added Gray: “I felt like I could live on the corners today and I felt really fine with my command. There were two bad pitches in there, but other than that, we controlled it.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Rockies game without late bullpen drama. Closer Jairo Diaz walked in two runs before Black called on Carlos Estevez to notch the game’s final out. Estevez retired Scott Heineman on a come-backer to the mound, but Estevez suffered an injury on his right hand on the play and was scheduled to undergo X-rays after the game.
Diaz’s ninth-inning meltdown has Black searching for a closer, or perhaps leaning toward a closer by committee, something he usually does not favor.
“It looks to be right, now there, that there’s probably not a designated, per se, closer,” Black said. “We’ll look at each game, each inning and continue to critique how guys are throwing and where they fit.”
There was a “here-we-go-again” vibe in the second inning when Todd Frazier ripped a one-out double to center off Gray, followed by Rougned Odor’s line-drive homer inside the right-field foul pole. But Colorado responded by sending nine me to the plate in the bottom of the frame. McMahon’s 451-foot homer off Kolby Allard landed in the evergreens beyond the center-field wall.
Run-scoring singles by Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon topped off the rally.


thedenverpost--2020-08-16--“Michael’s a different cat”: Why Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. has a playoff advantage

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic ripped through last year ’ s playoffs seemingly void of nerves .
His stunning playoff debut made a mockery of pressure despite playing in charged environments such as San Antonio and Portland .
Jokic “ showed out , ” as Nuggets coach Michael Malone described it Sunday afternoon on the eve of Denver ’ s first-round playoff series vs. Utah .
What Jokic and fellow first-timer Jamal Murray went through last year , when they came up short in a gripping Game 7 loss to Portland in the second round , won ’ t be what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first go-round .
Porter , who on Saturday was named second-team All-Bubble , will have an entirely different , and advantageous , circumstance when he makes his playoff debut Monday vs. the Jazz .
“ I think what ’ s unique about this circumstance is , if I ’ m a young player making my playoff debut , you do not have to worry about going on the road playing in a hostile environment , ” Malone said .
“ You ’ re playing in an empty gym with piped in fake fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s allowed a lot of players to play at a higher level because there ’ s not that added element of , I mean Portland was a rough crowd .
You don ’ t have that same atmosphere , that same feeling .
And so I think that ’ s going to help a lot of young players like Michael.
” Utah is notorious for having one of the most difficult road environments in the NBA but that is mitigated by virtue of the neutral “ bubble.
” Porter has made the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of injuries to Gary Harris ( hip ) and Will Barton ( knee ) .
In seven games in the bubble , Porter averaged 22 points on 55 % shooting from the field , including 42 % from 3-point range .
He ’ s also been the Nuggets ’ leading rebounder at 8.6 boards per game .
A month ago , assuming Denver had a clean bill of health , it wasn ’ t even clear how much Malone would utilize the 6-foot-10 stretch forward in the playoffs .
Now he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ m not really looking at specific statistics , but I know I have to be a big part of this team if we ’ re going to go far , like we plan on doing , ” Porter said .
“ I ’ ve got big shoes I got to fill .
Thrill and Gary aren ’ t playing right now , and so for me , I know I got to be a big part of it , so I got ta come in every game locked in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active defensively , put the ball in the hoop and be a leader out on the floor even though I ’ m a young guy.
” Malone bought Porter a little bit of cover since when Jokic and Murray made their respective playoff debuts , both had several years of NBA experience under their belts .
As tough as it is to believe , Porter is still a rookie .
“ Michael ’ s a different cat , he doesn ’ t get too high , doesn ’ t get too low , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He goes out there , he just wants to play , he wants to hoop .
The guy is a gym rat.
” Even more encouraging , Porter was unimpressed by the news that he ’ d been named to the second team All-NBA bubble on Saturday .
Also on that list were stars like presumptive MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard .
“ For me , it all starts now , ” Porter said .
“ So that ’ s a cool little achievement for those first eight games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m focused on starts now , and that ’ s the playoffs.
” Porter said he feels great physically and he sounds as if he ’ s in a good headspace even if he ’ s never had playoff experience .
“ The energy level , the enthusiasm , the way the guys were playing was a whole other level than in the regular season , so I got to witness that ( last year ) , ” he said .
“ Obviously , it ’ ll be different playing , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubble , we all know that the intensity is going to go up times 10 .
”

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic ripped through last year’s playoffs seemingly void of nerves.
His stunning playoff debut made a mockery of pressure despite playing in charged environments such as San Antonio and Portland. Jokic “showed out,” as Nuggets coach Michael Malone described it Sunday afternoon on the eve of Denver’s first-round playoff series vs. Utah.
What Jokic and fellow first-timer Jamal Murray went through last year, when they came up short in a gripping Game 7 loss to Portland in the second round, won’t be what rookie Michael Porter Jr. experiences in his first go-round. Porter, who on Saturday was named second-team All-Bubble, will have an entirely different, and advantageous, circumstance when he makes his playoff debut Monday vs. the Jazz.
“I think what’s unique about this circumstance is, if I’m a young player making my playoff debut, you do not have to worry about going on the road playing in a hostile environment,” Malone said. “You’re playing in an empty gym with piped in fake fan noise, so I think that’s allowed a lot of players to play at a higher level because there’s not that added element of, I mean Portland was a rough crowd. You don’t have that same atmosphere, that same feeling. And so I think that’s going to help a lot of young players like Michael.”
Utah is notorious for having one of the most difficult road environments in the NBA but that is mitigated by virtue of the neutral “bubble.”
Porter has made the most of his starting opportunities as a result of injuries to Gary Harris (hip) and Will Barton (knee). In seven games in the bubble, Porter averaged 22 points on 55% shooting from the field, including 42% from 3-point range. He’s also been the Nuggets’ leading rebounder at 8.6 boards per game. A month ago, assuming Denver had a clean bill of health, it wasn’t even clear how much Malone would utilize the 6-foot-10 stretch forward in the playoffs. Now he’s an invaluable component.
“Me personally, I’m not really looking at specific statistics, but I know I have to be a big part of this team if we’re going to go far, like we plan on doing,” Porter said. “I’ve got big shoes I got to fill. Thrill and Gary aren’t playing right now, and so for me, I know I got to be a big part of it, so I gotta come in every game locked in, be active on the glass, be active defensively, put the ball in the hoop and be a leader out on the floor even though I’m a young guy.”
Malone bought Porter a little bit of cover since when Jokic and Murray made their respective playoff debuts, both had several years of NBA experience under their belts. As tough as it is to believe, Porter is still a rookie.
“Michael’s a different cat, he doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low,” Malone said lauding his young star. “He goes out there, he just wants to play, he wants to hoop. The guy is a gym rat.”
Even more encouraging, Porter was unimpressed by the news that he’d been named to the second team All-NBA bubble on Saturday. Also on that list were stars like presumptive MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard.
“For me, it all starts now,” Porter said. “So that’s a cool little achievement for those first eight games, but all the real stuff that I’m focused on starts now, and that’s the playoffs.”
Porter said he feels great physically and he sounds as if he’s in a good headspace even if he’s never had playoff experience.
“The energy level, the enthusiasm, the way the guys were playing was a whole other level than in the regular season, so I got to witness that (last year),” he said. “Obviously, it’ll be different playing, but even though we’re in the bubble, we all know that the intensity is going to go up times 10.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-16--Wildfire smoke blankets the Front Range, prompting health warning

Wildfire smoke affected air quality across Colorado Sunday , with much of the state seeing moderate-to-heavy levels of smoke from @ @ @ @ @ Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality advisory for northern and @ @ @ @ @ that smoke could make residents sick and those with respiratory conditions should stay inside .
@ @ @ @ @ Sunday evening to blow toward the east , likely bringing periods of moderate-to-heavy smoke to @ @ @ @ @ and east of the Cameron Peak and Williams Fork fires .
The Cameron Peak fire @ @ @ @ @ and the Williams Fork fire is burning about 15 miles southwest of Fraser .
Projections @ @ @ @ @ at Boulder predict the majority of the Front Range will experience heavy smoke Sunday night @ @ @ @ @ into Monday morning .
Monday will see heavy smoke around Grand Junction , Rifle , @ @ @ @ @ Vail , according to the weather service .

Wildfire smoke affected air quality across Colorado Sunday, with much of the state seeing moderate-to-heavy levels of smoke from four major fires.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality advisory for northern and central Colorado Sunday, warning that smoke could make residents sick and those with respiratory conditions should stay inside.
Winds are expected to shift Sunday evening to blow toward the east, likely bringing periods of moderate-to-heavy smoke to the areas to the south and east of the Cameron Peak and Williams Fork fires. The Cameron Peak fire is burning in Larimer County and the Williams Fork fire is burning about 15 miles southwest of Fraser.
Projections from the National Weather Service at Boulder predict the majority of the Front Range will experience heavy smoke Sunday night, gradually easy overnight and into Monday morning.
Monday will see heavy smoke around Grand Junction, Rifle, Aspen, Steamboat Springs and Vail, according to the weather service.


thedenverpost--2020-08-16--Avalanche like their plan, but need to execute better, Bednar says

Less than 24 hours after coaching through a highly frustrating Game 3 loss to the Arizona Coyotes , game video supported what Avalanche coach Jared Bednar originally thought about his team ’ s first loss in the first-round series .
Two defensive-zone turnovers were too much to overcome — despite a 51-shot assault on Arizona goalie Darcy Kuemper .
“ I feel the exact same way about it as I did after watching it live , ” Bednar said Sunday on a Zoom call from the team hotel in Edmonton .
“ Obviously , we made some mental errors — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ended coming back on us .
We ’ re going to have to get a little more firm on our sticks in the defensive zone .
“ And some of our decisions early in the game just weren ’ t as good as they were in the final 30 minutes , for sure .
We have room for improvement to play a more complete game and that has to be the goal.
” Bednar gave all his players the day off Sunday after three games in four days .
Game 4 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ALT , NBCSN ) .
“ No one is hitting the ice .
Everyone is relaxing today , getting their rest , doing some recovery work at the hotel , seeing our trainers if they need to , ” Bednar said .
“ Just getting prepared and ready to play tomorrow.
” Perfect PK .
The Avalanche has killed off all nine of Arizona ’ s power plays in the series .
Defenseman Ryan Graves anticipates that success to continue while playing shorthanded in front of goalies Philipp Grubauer or Pavel Francouz .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort being put into it .
Guys are doing the right things , ” Graves said Sunday .
“ There ’ s been some big blocked shots and Gruby and Frankie are a big part of that .
I think it ’ s everybody playing the right way , playing together.
” Footnotes .
As expected , Bednar declined to name Monday ’ s starting goalie .
Grubauer played in Games 1 and 2 and will probably get the Game 4 start .
… Avs forward Vladislav Namestnikov , who missed Game 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an upper-body injury , remains day-to-day , Bednar said .
… Star center Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avs with seven points and eight penalty minutes .
He had just 12 penalty minutes in 69 regular-season games and is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high level of play .
… The Avalanche said it has no knowledge of young Russian forward Vladislav Kamenev signing with a Kontinental Hockey League team in St. Petersburg , Russia , and said Kamenev ’ s agent has denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a restricted free agent who had a goal and eight points in 38 games with the Avs this season .
He is not among the five extra forwards in Edmonton with the team .
If Kamenev signs elsewhere the Avalanche will retain his NHL rights .

Less than 24 hours after coaching through a highly frustrating Game 3 loss to the Arizona Coyotes, game video supported what Avalanche coach Jared Bednar originally thought about his team’s first loss in the first-round series.
Two defensive-zone turnovers were too much to overcome — despite a 51-shot assault on Arizona goalie Darcy Kuemper.
“I feel the exact same way about it as I did after watching it live,” Bednar said Sunday on a Zoom call from the team hotel in Edmonton. “Obviously, we made some mental errors — we were probably too light on pucks that ended coming back on us. We’re going to have to get a little more firm on our sticks in the defensive zone.
“And some of our decisions early in the game just weren’t as good as they were in the final 30 minutes, for sure. We have room for improvement to play a more complete game and that has to be the goal.”
Bednar gave all his players the day off Sunday after three games in four days. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday at 3:30 p.m. (ALT, NBCSN).
“No one is hitting the ice. Everyone is relaxing today, getting their rest, doing some recovery work at the hotel, seeing our trainers if they need to,” Bednar said. “Just getting prepared and ready to play tomorrow.”
Perfect PK. The Avalanche has killed off all nine of Arizona’s power plays in the series. Defenseman Ryan Graves anticipates that success to continue while playing shorthanded in front of goalies Philipp Grubauer or Pavel Francouz.
“There’s a lot of effort being put into it. Guys are doing the right things,” Graves said Sunday. “There’s been some big blocked shots and Gruby and Frankie are a big part of that. I think it’s everybody playing the right way, playing together.”
Footnotes. As expected, Bednar declined to name Monday’s starting goalie. Grubauer played in Games 1 and 2 and will probably get the Game 4 start. … Avs forward Vladislav Namestnikov, who missed Game 3 because of what is believed to be an upper-body injury, remains day-to-day, Bednar said. … Star center Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avs with seven points and eight penalty minutes. He had just 12 penalty minutes in 69 regular-season games and is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high level of play. … The Avalanche said it has no knowledge of young Russian forward Vladislav Kamenev signing with a Kontinental Hockey League team in St. Petersburg, Russia, and said Kamenev’s agent has denied the report. Kamenev, 24, is a restricted free agent who had a goal and eight points in 38 games with the Avs this season. He is not among the five extra forwards in Edmonton with the team. If Kamenev signs elsewhere the Avalanche will retain his NHL rights.


thedenverpost--2020-08-16--Letters: Gardner — Most bipartisan or too partisan? (8/16/20)

Gardner : Most bipartisan or too partisan ?
Many Americans — and similarly , many Coloradans — feel increasing frustration and fear in the face of intense political polarization in the United States .
News articles refer to America ’ s current “ peak of political polarization , ” “ toxic polarization ” and “ deep ideological polarization , ” and with the COVID-19 pandemic , health advice has become the subject of political debate .
The pandemic has created a greater sense of chaos and lack of control on top of the general sense of division .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever , as it is the tool for taking control and creating the changes we want to see .
In a country that feels so divided , it is vital that leaders seek compromise and cooperation as a way to move forward .
Colorado now has an opportunity to foster bipartisanship : As the third most bipartisan senator in Congress , Cory Gardner has successfully sponsored and cosponsored numerous bipartisan bills and will continue to do so .
And , given that unaffiliated voters make up the largest voting bloc in Colorado , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state to support his bipartisan efforts with the hope of healing a divided country and creating change .
It is truly remarkable that Cory Gardner has the audacity to take credit for getting something done “ in the midst of acrimony , in the midst of partisanship , and in the midst of times when the American people look out and wonder if they can get anything done.
” Let ’ s clear the record .
The Great American Outdoors Act was originally introduced in 2019 by Rep. John Lewis .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Democrats .
Gardner ’ s flaunting of this act as a personal accomplishment is a shameless PR stunt by a man who has sidled up to our current president with alarming predictability .
He voted for the big tax cuts given to the wealthy in 2017 .
He ’ s worked tirelessly to take away our marketplace health care , leaving many Coloradans with pre-existing conditions biting their nails .
Cory Gardner has done next to nothing for Colorado during his tenure ( anyone remember his continued reluctance to hold a town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he even fails to fight to extend unemployment benefits to 330,000 Coloradans trying to put food on their tables and pay rent during a global pandemic .
If he can ’ t stand with Coloradans during times like these , when will he ?
Let ’ s be clear about his record and vote our conscience in November .
Gardner is no friend of Coloradans .
He ’ s in it all for himself .
I am a 98-year old constituent of Cory Gardner ’ s from Colorado Springs .
I recently received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seeking contributions towards his re-election .
I am sorry that he feels so victimized by attacks from his opponents .
But what makes it impossible for me to support him is the leader of the Senate , Sen. Mitch McConnell .
He has not had the courage to stand up to Sen. McConnell who has done nothing but block legislation from coming before the Senate for discussion and vote .
This is a serious disservice to the functioning of our democracy , and it is a much bigger problem to Sen. Gardner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes from his opponents .
The Senate leader ’ s actions make it impossible for him and the other members of the Senate to govern .
This is why I can not support his campaign .
Recently the Great American Outdoors act was signed into law .
The most significant funding of National Parks and National Forest in over 50 years .
It was done in a bipartisan fashion .
Amazingly President Trump did not kill it .
And what thanks does Sen. Gardner get for such a spectacular achievement of moving this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponent on the very day this bill is signed into law .
I am an independent .
I want to see government work , this is how you stop it from happening .
Diane Mitsch Bush has the policy chops for Congress Diane Bush is the real deal .
As Justin Wingerter reported , she has the savvy and the policy chops to hit the congressional pavement running the day she ’ s sworn in .
Not so , her rival , Lauren Boebert , who traffics in slogans and crackpot theories and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican back bench Freedom Caucus of marginalized ideologues in the next congress .
Boebert , if elected , stands little to no chance of bringing any benefit back to her district .
Diane Bush , when elected , will have the confidence and support of her party , and the ability to shape legislation conserving energy sources , ranch land , and West Slope agriculture to shore up jobs for years to come .
Oh , and as for that age difference , Boebert should challenge Bush to a mountain bike race up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating Bush ’ s dust .
Re : “ Debate begins over who ’ s ﬁrst in line to get vaccine , ” Aug. 3 news story Don ’ t get me wrong .
I have nothing against old people .
At 83 I am in the old/old category my self .
I have nothing against senior living residences , assisted living arrangements or nursing homes .
I could be in one of them tomorrow , and I have friends and family in all three .
But in this vaccine “ debate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that immediately after prioritizing vaccines for front line health workers and volunteers who have offered themselves as subjects of vaccine experimental tests , to make the next priority “ those older than 65 who live in long term care facilities ” ?
I don ’ t think so .
I ’ m sorry , but I believe that before we elderly , who have most of our lives behind us are vaccinated , we should prioritize the majority Black and brown poor communities , which have always been neglected by the health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have contracted and died of COVID-19 at a far higher rate , than those in wealthier , mostly white areas .
Not that this would be easy !
Would we do it by outreach to certain zip codes ?
And if we did , of course poor whites at risk who live in those zips should not be excluded .
And what about upwardly mobile Black or Latinx families who live in wealthier areas but still have underlying health challenges ?
Are there better methods ?
I don ’ t know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The intersection of the COVID pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement has shockingly exposed that the gap in everything — from health to justice to wealth — between the privileged ( mostly white ) and the underprivileged ( mostly people of color ) has grown exponentially in recent years .
Perhaps by selecting Americans historically under-prioritized , as a top priority for COVID vaccines , we could increase the health of our entire nation and demonstrate one bold strike against racism too .
Editor ’ s note : Lamm is a former first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s and children ’ s health advocate .
The question posed by the column is basically , “ Have we over-reacted to COVID-19 ?
” The answer is that we won ’ t know until it ’ s over .
Much like predicting the land-fall of hurricanes , the COVID-19 experts constantly adjust their estimates , and continually do an amazing job .
But the way our country has handled it , we don ’ t even know if we are in the third inning !
It ’ s impossible to predict ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unknown pathogen will be in the end .
Just like with a hurricane , would you rather be safe or sorry ?
Justin Fox begrudgingly kinda , sorta admits that the death rate from COVID-19 could very possibly be even more than ten times the “ typical ” seasonal flu , but leaves the impression that the elderly are expendable collateral damage , while completely neglecting the more difficult to determine , long-term medical and financial ruin created by the pandemic on those who don ’ t die , and society overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this topic from a virological epidemiologist , instead of a business reporter .
Ian Silverii ’ s article about the graffiti at the Capitol was the wrong message to send .
He wrote that House Republicans “ … have whined to no end about the graffiti at the state Capitol ” and “ It ’ s unfortunate that the Capitol has been trashed.
” “ Unfortunate ?
” “ Disgraceful ” is the correct word .
And it is not “ the ” but “ our ” Capitol .
So called adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little children in diapers who throw objects , mark on walls , or knock things over .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Gardner: Most bipartisan or too partisan?
Many Americans — and similarly, many Coloradans — feel increasing frustration and fear in the face of intense political polarization in the United States. News articles refer to America’s current “peak of political polarization,” “toxic polarization” and “deep ideological polarization,” and with the COVID-19 pandemic, health advice has become the subject of political debate.
The pandemic has created a greater sense of chaos and lack of control on top of the general sense of division. As a result, bipartisanship is more important than ever, as it is the tool for taking control and creating the changes we want to see.
In a country that feels so divided, it is vital that leaders seek compromise and cooperation as a way to move forward.
Colorado now has an opportunity to foster bipartisanship: As the third most bipartisan senator in Congress, Cory Gardner has successfully sponsored and cosponsored numerous bipartisan bills and will continue to do so. And, given that unaffiliated voters make up the largest voting bloc in Colorado, it is fitting that we should be the state to support his bipartisan efforts with the hope of healing a divided country and creating change.
Sheriff Shawn Mobley, Otero County
Re: “President Trump signs major public lands bill,” Aug. 5 news story
It is truly remarkable that Cory Gardner has the audacity to take credit for getting something done “in the midst of acrimony, in the midst of partisanship, and in the midst of times when the American people look out and wonder if they can get anything done.”
Let’s clear the record. The Great American Outdoors Act was originally introduced in 2019 by Rep. John Lewis. It was subsequently co-sponsored by may others–both Republicans and Democrats.
Gardner’s flaunting of this act as a personal accomplishment is a shameless PR stunt by a man who has sidled up to our current president with alarming predictability. He voted for the big tax cuts given to the wealthy in 2017. He’s worked tirelessly to take away our marketplace health care, leaving many Coloradans with pre-existing conditions biting their nails. Cory Gardner has done next to nothing for Colorado during his tenure (anyone remember his continued reluctance to hold a town hall meeting in person?) Today he even fails to fight to extend unemployment benefits to 330,000 Coloradans trying to put food on their tables and pay rent during a global pandemic. If he can’t stand with Coloradans during times like these, when will he?
Let’s be clear about his record and vote our conscience in November. Gardner is no friend of Coloradans. He’s in it all for himself.
Shelley Joy, Lakewood
I am a 98-year old constituent of Cory Gardner’s from Colorado Springs. I recently received a fund-raising letter from his campaign office, seeking contributions towards his re-election.
I am sorry that he feels so victimized by attacks from his opponents. But what makes it impossible for me to support him is the leader of the Senate, Sen. Mitch McConnell. He has not had the courage to stand up to Sen. McConnell who has done nothing but block legislation from coming before the Senate for discussion and vote. This is a serious disservice to the functioning of our democracy, and it is a much bigger problem to Sen. Gardner and his campaign than the criticism he notes from his opponents.
The Senate leader’s actions make it impossible for him and the other members of the Senate to govern. This is why I cannot support his campaign.
Mildred Perlow, Colorado Springs
Recently the Great American Outdoors act was signed into law. The most significant funding of National Parks and National Forest in over 50 years. It was done in a bipartisan fashion. Amazingly President Trump did not kill it.
And what thanks does Sen. Gardner get for such a spectacular achievement of moving this forward? The Sierra Club endorsed his opponent on the very day this bill is signed into law. I am an independent. I want to see government work, this is how you stop it from happening.
Phillip Montgomery, Colorado Springs
Diane Mitsch Bush has the policy chops for Congress
Re: “Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush called an unﬂashy pragmatist,” Aug. 9 news story
Diane Bush is the real deal. As Justin Wingerter reported , she has the savvy and the policy chops to hit the congressional pavement running the day she’s sworn in. Not so, her rival, Lauren Boebert, who traffics in slogans and crackpot theories and is sure to be relegated to the Republican back bench Freedom Caucus of marginalized ideologues in the next congress. Boebert, if elected, stands little to no chance of bringing any benefit back to her district. Diane Bush, when elected, will have the confidence and support of her party, and the ability to shape legislation conserving energy sources, ranch land, and West Slope agriculture to shore up jobs for years to come. Oh, and as for that age difference, Boebert should challenge Bush to a mountain bike race up Mount Warner. She’ll be eating Bush’s dust.
Stephen Mumme, Fort Collins
Prioritize poor communities with first COVID vaccine
Re: “Debate begins over who’s ﬁrst in line to get vaccine,” Aug. 3 news story
Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against old people. At 83 I am in the old/old category my self. I have nothing against senior living residences, assisted living arrangements or nursing homes. I could be in one of them tomorrow, and I have friends and family in all three.
But in this vaccine “debate,” is it a moral choice, that immediately after prioritizing vaccines for front line health workers and volunteers who have offered themselves as subjects of vaccine experimental tests, to make the next priority “those older than 65 who live in long term care facilities”? I don’t think so.
I’m sorry, but I believe that before we elderly, who have most of our lives behind us are vaccinated, we should prioritize the majority Black and brown poor communities, which have always been neglected by the health care system and whose members of all ages, have contracted and died of COVID-19 at a far higher rate, than those in wealthier, mostly white areas.
Not that this would be easy! Would we do it by outreach to certain zip codes? And if we did, of course poor whites at risk who live in those zips should not be excluded. And what about upwardly mobile Black or Latinx families who live in wealthier areas but still have underlying health challenges? Are there better methods? I don’t know, but we must find a way.
The intersection of the COVID pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement has shockingly exposed that the gap in everything — from health to justice to wealth — between the privileged (mostly white) and the underprivileged (mostly people of color) has grown exponentially in recent years.
Perhaps by selecting Americans historically under-prioritized, as a top priority for COVID vaccines, we could increase the health of our entire nation and demonstrate one bold strike against racism too.
Dottie Lamm, Denver
Editor’s note: Lamm is a former first lady of Colorado and a women’s and children’s health advocate.
Re: “What’s the death rate?” Aug. 9 commentary
The question posed by the column is basically, “Have we over-reacted to COVID-19?” The answer is that we won’t know until it’s over. Much like predicting the land-fall of hurricanes, the COVID-19 experts constantly adjust their estimates, and continually do an amazing job. But the way our country has handled it, we don’t even know if we are in the third inning! It’s impossible to predict ahead of time what the total damage from an unknown pathogen will be in the end. Just like with a hurricane, would you rather be safe or sorry?
Justin Fox begrudgingly kinda, sorta admits that the death rate from COVID-19 could very possibly be even more than ten times the “typical” seasonal flu, but leaves the impression that the elderly are expendable collateral damage, while completely neglecting the more difficult to determine, long-term medical and financial ruin created by the pandemic on those who don’t die, and society overall.
I would have preferred an editorial on this topic from a virological epidemiologist, instead of a business reporter.
Joe McGloin, Sheridan
Destruction “disgraceful”
Re: “Colo. Republicans cry crocodile tears over graffiti,” Aug. 9 commentary
Ian Silverii’s article about the graffiti at the Capitol was the wrong message to send. He wrote that House Republicans “… have whined to no end about the graffiti at the state Capitol” and “It’s unfortunate that the Capitol has been trashed.”
“Unfortunate?” “Disgraceful” is the correct word. And it is not “the” but “our” Capitol. So called adults who destroy our property are acting like little children in diapers who throw objects, mark on walls, or knock things over.
Joe Power, Denver
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--Nuggets vs. Jazz: Here’s what you need to know about the first-round matchup

The Nuggets kick off their playoffs today with a first-round matchup against the Utah Jazz at 11:30 a.m .
The game will air on ESPN and Altitude .
Here ’ s what you need to know about the matchup : • Nuggets vs. Jazz : Who has the edge , five things to watch and predictions .
• “ We ’ re just more relaxed ” : The Nuggets enter their playoff series against the Jazz confident from last year ’ s growing pains .
• Trimmed-down superstar Nikola Jokic is ready to lift up Nuggets and “ take everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• “ Michael ’ s a different cat ” : Why Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. has a playoff advantage .
• “ Don ’ t shut up and dribble ” : The Nuggets ’ banners reflect the team ’ s commitment to social justice movement in Orlando .
• Keeler : LeBron ’ s worried about home-court advantage in 2020 NBA Playoffs .
That ’ s good news for the Nuggets .
• Kiszla : Behind breakout success of Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is loving father who saw darkest days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup Sports are back .
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If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
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+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .

The Nuggets kick off their playoffs today with a first-round matchup against the Utah Jazz at 11:30 a.m. The game will air on ESPN and Altitude.
Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup
Sports are back. Never miss a story.
Subscribe to The Denver Post.
Get started for 99¢.
. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
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+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--What can Colorado college freshmen expect the fall semester to be like in a pandemic?

As Breanna Chapa checks off her college supply list , she has the garden variety jitters of any incoming freshman departing her Denver home base for a dorm room at the University of Northern Colorado complete with three roommates .
The circumstances surrounding Chapa ’ s introduction to higher education , though , are anything but conventional .
Chapa , along with thousands of incoming college students across Colorado , will need to navigate life away from home while confronting the realities of the coronavirus pandemic drastically altering how a traditional college experience is delivered .
Universities have long had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what about a sickness more sinister ?
On top of the usual worries about getting along in confined quarters , Chapa and her roommates must hope each follows through with promises to quarantine before setting foot on campus and assurances to clean vigorously upon arrival and consistently moving forward .
“ I ’ m actually pretty nervous , ” Chapa said .
“ I ’ m a first-generation college student , so I don ’ t have much background about what to do or what to expect in college…especially now with the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I just wanted to jump in and get started .
I want to continue my grandma ’ s legacy of being a nurse.
” Colorado college students can kiss an ordinary campus experience in 2020 goodbye — that may be the only kissing that ’ s safety guaranteed .
Each school has its own plan for welcoming students back in the fall .
Nearly every day , campuses send out new information and updates to their nimble plans , providing students , families and employees with more details as they are solidified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move-in protocols and beyond .
All campuses are relying on thousands of young adults to follow public health guidance that often runs counter to the logistics and rites of a traditional college experience .
No Mountain West or Pac-12 fall football to cheer from the stands .
Classes taken from the comfort of a student ’ s bed .
Enforced social distancing , officials assure , and get-to-know-you events intended to forge those strong college bonds conducted via Zoom .
Administrators expect COVID-19 cases to arise as thousands of students from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
College brass say they ’ re more prepared to handle those cases than they were in March when campuses diverted to remote learning nearly overnight .
Campus plans note the possibility of going fully remote again if officials can ’ t keep up with the novel coronavirus testing , contract tracing and quarantining that will follow .
Officials at all four campuses The Denver Post contacted for this story — UNC , University of Colorado Boulder , Colorado State University and Otero Junior College — said there was not a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marker reached that would trigger a switch back to full remote education .
All said their universities would work closely with state and local public health agencies to make the call , hinging on whether the school was able to properly handle the new coronavirus cases that occur .
What can Colorado college students expect for their fall semester other than the unexpected ?
Here are a few things we know for sure — at least , for now .
Face masks — worn inside dorm hallways , classrooms , outside strolling through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetups to connect commuter students , Midwesterners and Star Wars fanatics , to name a few , will be offered as replacements for in-person gatherings .
Makeshift classrooms in spacious , socially distanced campus ballrooms will replace packed lecture halls .
Some students may wind up living in a nearby hotel instead of a dorm room .
Colleges are preparing quarantine dorms to house those living on campus who contract COVID-19 .
Those who disobey public health orders could face suspension .
Living and learning together and apart At CU , 33,027 students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those students , 29,310 enrolled for at least one fully in-person course or a hybrid course with an in-person component .
More than 3,700 students have enrolled in courses that are fully online .
CU students living on campus will need to either present a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of their arrival or take a COVID-19 on campus before being admitted to live in the dorms .
If a student tests positive and lives within a 250-mile radius of the campus , they may be asked to go home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Students unable to head back to the nest will be provided with a space to isolate on campus , said Craig Kuehnert , CU associate director of student engagement .
In addition to hand-washing stations and sanitizers installed on the Boulder campus , CU is erecting tents so students can hang out outside .
Students living on campus aren ’ t allowed to visit the dorm rooms of their buddies from different cohorts , so the tents provide an alternative gathering spot .
Cohorts are university-designed groups that house students with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collection of students living and learning together to reduce mingling and , potentially , more widespread germ transmission .
“ Campus epidemiologists talk about a deck of cards and how we don ’ t want to mix students of different decks , ” Kuehnert said .
Cohort sizes could range anywhere from a dozen students to an entire residence hall based on the popularity of the program the students are studying , Kuehnert said .
Greeley ’ s UNC isn ’ t doing cohorts , but due to declining enrollment and relaxed rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university has enough empty dorm rooms to accommodate students who want to live by themselves , said UNC President Andy Feinstein .
“ We had to be a little more flexible as students have concerns about underlying health conditions or other concerns , ” Feinstein said .
“ A lot of students have expressed concerns about whether or not they feel comfortable or safe coming to a university campus .
It ’ s a lot of inconsistency from federal and state level about what the fall holds.
” The North High School 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend college until the winter of her senior year when a Denver Scholarship Foundation counselor opened her eyes to the world of higher education .
Now , even a pandemic won ’ t deter Chapa from her independence and pursuit of a nursing degree .
“ My family is really iffy about me going right now , though , ” Chapa said .
“ They want me to stay safe at home…but I want to meet new people .
I want to experience a large class with so many students — if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the whole college experience .
It ’ s hard right now because of the pandemic , but I know UNC is taking precautions.
” Timothy Alvarez has been losing sleep lately , wondering whether bringing students back to La Junta ’ s Otero Junior College is the right decision .
OJC managed to wrap up courses this summer left over from the spring that needed to be completed in person — cosmetology , welding , nursing — without a COVID-19 outbreak , Alvarez said .
Any classes that can be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — will start remotely this fall to minimize student contact , Alvarez said , with some of the more hands-on courses being done carefully in person .
Alvarez said it feels easier to socially distance in rural La Junta than in a dense city , but he worries about his students ’ sense of belonging at a time when they ’ re being encouraged to keep apart .
“ How do we create community with students when we try to keep them apart ?
” Alvarez said .
“ We want students to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of pride , but when we don ’ t allow them to interact and we don ’ t do some of the student life activities , that ’ s going to be a challenge for us .
We have to find ways remotely for students to find that sense of connection and pride in the campus.
” Masks are required on OJC ’ s campus .
The small college is setting aside dorm rooms to quarantine students .
There will be temperature testing , and students with COVID-19 symptoms can get tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What this is really predicated on is requiring and forcing us to try to change student behavior , ” Alvarez said .
“ As you can imagine…you get 18-year-old kids together , and they ’ re going to do things .
Part of our charge is to try to change student behavior and implore them that it ’ s not just about them .
It ’ s about the community.
” Marc Stine , the independent Greek advocate who works with the CU student-run Interfraternity Council on the Hill , oversees more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s University Hill .
Because the majority of CU fraternities don ’ t have official ties to the university , they usually police themselves with the guidance of Stine , their national chapters and the understanding that individual students are still subject to CU ’ s student code of conduct .
That system will largely remain the same this fall , Stine said , with added safety provisions such as a social moratorium on large events and some fraternities turning to virtual recruitment .
Students are expected to adhere to public health guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the fraternity brothers how to implement those rules .
“ There ’ s no way for us to tell them other than to say ‘ Follow the rules , ' ” Stine said .
“ I have difficulty seeing guys who live in a fraternity house wearing masks all the time regardless of what you tell them because they ’ re young college guys .
Some are smart and some are dumb.
” “ It ’ s going to be different ” Incoming Colorado State University freshman Jordan Aguirre is interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Fort Collins campus to study biochemistry .
The 18-year-old said coronavirus does worry him , but he wanted to push on toward college because he feared being left behind .
“ I just hope that I still get to at least get a good college experience the first year living in the dorms and good class time and being able to learn how to connect with professors and still being able to make connections , ” Aguirre said .
Aguirre admits he thinks it will be hard to keep students socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such confined spaces , but he hopes students who feel sick follow proper quarantine orders .
He said he feels safe at CSU .
CSU is adopting many of the standard university safety precautions mentioned above , including quarantine dorms , symptom checking , lower density residence halls and socially distanced classes .
Many of the dining options will be to-go and a campaign to stress shared public health goals will be key in buy-in , said Lori Lynn , co-chair of CSU ’ s pandemic response team .
All Colorado university officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 would make for some abnormal college experiences , but UNC ’ s Feinstein said it was up to them to make those experiences worth it for students .
“ We ’ re going to do our absolute best to make the fall college experience something that enriches and enhances their lives , but it ’ s going to be different , ” Feinstein said .
“ Everything from social distancing when they ’ re eating in our dining facilities to wearing masks throughout our campus .
We ’ re going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experiences they deserve .
”

A cozy comforter. A mini fridge. Organizational drawers. A surplus of virus-busting sanitization supplies.
As Breanna Chapa checks off her college supply list, she has the garden variety jitters of any incoming freshman departing her Denver home base for a dorm room at the University of Northern Colorado complete with three roommates. The circumstances surrounding Chapa’s introduction to higher education, though, are anything but conventional.
Chapa, along with thousands of incoming college students across Colorado, will need to navigate life away from home while confronting the realities of the coronavirus pandemic drastically altering how a traditional college experience is delivered. Universities have long had to grapple with managing homesickness, but what about a sickness more sinister?
On top of the usual worries about getting along in confined quarters, Chapa and her roommates must hope each follows through with promises to quarantine before setting foot on campus and assurances to clean vigorously upon arrival and consistently moving forward.
“I’m actually pretty nervous,” Chapa said. “I’m a first-generation college student, so I don’t have much background about what to do or what to expect in college…especially now with the pandemic. But I’m a risk-taker. I just wanted to jump in and get started. I want to continue my grandma’s legacy of being a nurse.”
Colorado college students can kiss an ordinary campus experience in 2020 goodbye — that may be the only kissing that’s safety guaranteed.
Each school has its own plan for welcoming students back in the fall. Nearly every day, campuses send out new information and updates to their nimble plans, providing students, families and employees with more details as they are solidified around virus testing, contact tracing, move-in protocols and beyond.
All campuses are relying on thousands of young adults to follow public health guidance that often runs counter to the logistics and rites of a traditional college experience.
No Mountain West or Pac-12 fall football to cheer from the stands. Classes taken from the comfort of a student’s bed. Enforced social distancing, officials assure, and get-to-know-you events intended to forge those strong college bonds conducted via Zoom.
Administrators expect COVID-19 cases to arise as thousands of students from across the country cram in to live and learn together. College brass say they’re more prepared to handle those cases than they were in March when campuses diverted to remote learning nearly overnight. Campus plans note the possibility of going fully remote again if officials can’t keep up with the novel coronavirus testing, contract tracing and quarantining that will follow.
Officials at all four campuses The Denver Post contacted for this story — UNC, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University and Otero Junior College — said there was not a number of positive COVID-19 cases or one specific marker reached that would trigger a switch back to full remote education. All said their universities would work closely with state and local public health agencies to make the call, hinging on whether the school was able to properly handle the new coronavirus cases that occur.
What can Colorado college students expect for their fall semester other than the unexpected? Here are a few things we know for sure — at least, for now.
Face masks — worn inside dorm hallways, classrooms, outside strolling through campus — will be ubiquitous. Zoom meetups to connect commuter students, Midwesterners and Star Wars fanatics, to name a few, will be offered as replacements for in-person gatherings. Makeshift classrooms in spacious, socially distanced campus ballrooms will replace packed lecture halls. Some students may wind up living in a nearby hotel instead of a dorm room. Colleges are preparing quarantine dorms to house those living on campus who contract COVID-19. Those who disobey public health orders could face suspension.
Living and learning together and apart
At CU, 33,027 students have enrolled for fall classes. Of those students, 29,310 enrolled for at least one fully in-person course or a hybrid course with an in-person component. More than 3,700 students have enrolled in courses that are fully online.
CU students living on campus will need to either present a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of their arrival or take a COVID-19 on campus before being admitted to live in the dorms. If a student tests positive and lives within a 250-mile radius of the campus, they may be asked to go home and isolate until cleared to move onto campus. Students unable to head back to the nest will be provided with a space to isolate on campus, said Craig Kuehnert, CU associate director of student engagement.
In addition to hand-washing stations and sanitizers installed on the Boulder campus, CU is erecting tents so students can hang out outside. Students living on campus aren’t allowed to visit the dorm rooms of their buddies from different cohorts, so the tents provide an alternative gathering spot.
Cohorts are university-designed groups that house students with their classmates, intended to keep the same collection of students living and learning together to reduce mingling and, potentially, more widespread germ transmission.
“Campus epidemiologists talk about a deck of cards and how we don’t want to mix students of different decks,” Kuehnert said.
Cohort sizes could range anywhere from a dozen students to an entire residence hall based on the popularity of the program the students are studying, Kuehnert said.
Greeley’s UNC isn’t doing cohorts, but due to declining enrollment and relaxed rules mandating freshmen live on campus, the university has enough empty dorm rooms to accommodate students who want to live by themselves, said UNC President Andy Feinstein.
“We had to be a little more flexible as students have concerns about underlying health conditions or other concerns,” Feinstein said. “A lot of students have expressed concerns about whether or not they feel comfortable or safe coming to a university campus. It’s a lot of inconsistency from federal and state level about what the fall holds.”
Eighteen-year-old Chapa is embracing the uncertainty.
The North High School 2020 graduate wasn’t sure she wanted to attend college until the winter of her senior year when a Denver Scholarship Foundation counselor opened her eyes to the world of higher education. Now, even a pandemic won’t deter Chapa from her independence and pursuit of a nursing degree.
“My family is really iffy about me going right now, though,” Chapa said. “They want me to stay safe at home…but I want to meet new people. I want to experience a large class with so many students — if that can ever happen. I want to have the whole college experience. It’s hard right now because of the pandemic, but I know UNC is taking precautions.”
Changing student behavior
Timothy Alvarez has been losing sleep lately, wondering whether bringing students back to La Junta’s Otero Junior College is the right decision.
OJC managed to wrap up courses this summer left over from the spring that needed to be completed in person — cosmetology, welding, nursing — without a COVID-19 outbreak, Alvarez said.
Any classes that can be done virtually — psychology, English, history — will start remotely this fall to minimize student contact, Alvarez said, with some of the more hands-on courses being done carefully in person.
Alvarez said it feels easier to socially distance in rural La Junta than in a dense city, but he worries about his students’ sense of belonging at a time when they’re being encouraged to keep apart.
“How do we create community with students when we try to keep them apart?” Alvarez said. “We want students to have a sense of belonging and a sense of pride, but when we don’t allow them to interact and we don’t do some of the student life activities, that’s going to be a challenge for us. We have to find ways remotely for students to find that sense of connection and pride in the campus.”
Masks are required on OJC’s campus. The small college is setting aside dorm rooms to quarantine students. There will be temperature testing, and students with COVID-19 symptoms can get tested for the virus, Alvarez.
“What this is really predicated on is requiring and forcing us to try to change student behavior,” Alvarez said. “As you can imagine…you get 18-year-old kids together, and they’re going to do things. Part of our charge is to try to change student behavior and implore them that it’s not just about them. It’s about the community.”
Marc Stine, the independent Greek advocate who works with the CU student-run Interfraternity Council on the Hill, oversees more than 2,000 self-governing fraternity brothers on Boulder’s University Hill.
Because the majority of CU fraternities don’t have official ties to the university, they usually police themselves with the guidance of Stine, their national chapters and the understanding that individual students are still subject to CU’s student code of conduct.
That system will largely remain the same this fall, Stine said, with added safety provisions such as a social moratorium on large events and some fraternities turning to virtual recruitment.
Students are expected to adhere to public health guidance, but Stine said it’s up to the fraternity brothers how to implement those rules.
“There’s no way for us to tell them other than to say ‘Follow the rules,'” Stine said. “I have difficulty seeing guys who live in a fraternity house wearing masks all the time regardless of what you tell them because they’re young college guys. Some are smart and some are dumb.”
“It’s going to be different”
Incoming Colorado State University freshman Jordan Aguirre is interested in joining a fraternity when he arrives on the Fort Collins campus to study biochemistry.
The 18-year-old said coronavirus does worry him, but he wanted to push on toward college because he feared being left behind.
“I just hope that I still get to at least get a good college experience the first year living in the dorms and good class time and being able to learn how to connect with professors and still being able to make connections,” Aguirre said.
Aguirre admits he thinks it will be hard to keep students socially distanced when they’re living in such confined spaces, but he hopes students who feel sick follow proper quarantine orders. He said he feels safe at CSU.
CSU is adopting many of the standard university safety precautions mentioned above, including quarantine dorms, symptom checking, lower density residence halls and socially distanced classes. Many of the dining options will be to-go and a campaign to stress shared public health goals will be key in buy-in, said Lori Lynn, co-chair of CSU’s pandemic response team.
All Colorado university officials interviewed by The Denver Post conceded that 2020 would make for some abnormal college experiences, but UNC’s Feinstein said it was up to them to make those experiences worth it for students.
“We’re going to do our absolute best to make the fall college experience something that enriches and enhances their lives, but it’s going to be different,” Feinstein said. “Everything from social distancing when they’re eating in our dining facilities to wearing masks throughout our campus. We’re going to have to make sure we still give them the experiences they deserve.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--North section of Colorado’s I-25 South Gap project nears completion

Driving through the 18-mile construction zone on Interstate 25 south of Castle Rock isn ’ t quite as harrowing these days as crews make noticeable progress on the lengthiest active road project in Colorado .
But plenty of work remains on the I-25 South Gap project , which broke ground in September 2018 and is just about half-finished .
The major project is still on track to meet its $ 350 million budget and target completion date , said Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson Tamara Rollison .
But that comes with a caveat : The schedule was pushed out by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem discovered beneath the old roadway .
( More on that below . )
Here ’ s a look at where things stand : Project goal : CDOT and main contractor Kraemer North America are expanding an older two-lane section of I-25 that is bookended by more recently improved stretches in Castle Rock at the north end , and in Monument at the south end .
The project is adding a third lane in each direction that will be a managed toll lane , with fluctuating tolls set based on traffic conditions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also underway are several safety improvements meant to reduce crashes and fatalities in the notoriously dangerous section .
Those include wider shoulders , four wildlife underpasses and a new southbound climbing lane on Monument Hill for freight traffic , which often slows down other traffic .
What ’ s ( nearly ) finished : The 6-mile north section is nearing completion later this year , meaning traffic will be put in its final alignment .
But just two lanes will be open at the start , with an extra-wide shoulder until sections to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done are the Spruce Mountain Road bridge and the wildlife crossings , CDOT says .
Crews also have installed more than 27 miles of deer fencing along the highway to guide animals to those points .
Overall , more than 40 % of the project ’ s paving is happening this summer , CDOT says .
What ’ s on tap : The middle and south sections have much more work remaining , with four other bridge reconstructions at 50 % completion or less .
Construction is expected to begin next year on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge between El Paso and Douglas counties , which CDOT added to the project ’ s scope last year .
Next year will bring significant progress on those two sections , and CDOT is aiming to complete the project in roughly mid-2022 .
The new lanes were supposed to be open to traffic by late 2021 , but CDOT confirmed early last year that wouldn ’ t be possible .
Crews found more “ unsuitable material ” than expected beneath the more than 50-year-old roadway from near Sky View Lane to Monument , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the roadbed avoid future pavement damage , Rollison said .
That discovery set back major widening work in the middle and south sections .
But since then , Rollison said , the revised schedule has held firm , especially since crews have been able to do extra daytime work during the pandemic .
How the southbound transition will work : Before the project , I-25 ’ s southbound lanes went from three to two after Castle Rock , causing a bottleneck .
It ’ s possible that the new lane charging a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition , but Rollison said the engineers accounted for that .
“ It will be a gradual change in which the transition is actually 4 lanes wide , ” she wrote an email , and it will go for more than a mile .
“ So traveling south … there are three lanes coming out of Castle Rock .
It will widen to four lanes and slowly drop back to three lanes.
” Outlook : El Paso County governments are contributing $ 25 million toward the project , and Douglas County is kicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner Roger Partridge likes what he ’ s seeing so far , and he says the safety gains and modest increase in capacity will be worth it .
“ Knowing that there are certainly budget considerations , sure , it would ’ ve been greater to have no tolling or to have four lanes , ” Partridge said .
“ But at least only 15 of the 18 miles are being tolled , and it ’ s a relatively low cost of toll lane .
… Even though we ’ re not getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoulders that have not been there before .
”

Driving through the 18-mile construction zone on Interstate 25 south of Castle Rock isn’t quite as harrowing these days as crews make noticeable progress on the lengthiest active road project in Colorado.
But plenty of work remains on the I-25 South Gap project, which broke ground in September 2018 and is just about half-finished.
The major project is still on track to meet its $350 million budget and target completion date, said Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson Tamara Rollison. But that comes with a caveat: The schedule was pushed out by several months early on because of a problem discovered beneath the old roadway. (More on that below.)
Here’s a look at where things stand:
Project goal: CDOT and main contractor Kraemer North America are expanding an older two-lane section of I-25 that is bookended by more recently improved stretches in Castle Rock at the north end, and in Monument at the south end. The project is adding a third lane in each direction that will be a managed toll lane, with fluctuating tolls set based on traffic conditions to keep the express lane moving freely.
Also underway are several safety improvements meant to reduce crashes and fatalities in the notoriously dangerous section. Those include wider shoulders, four wildlife underpasses and a new southbound climbing lane on Monument Hill for freight traffic, which often slows down other traffic.
What’s (nearly) finished: The 6-mile north section is nearing completion later this year, meaning traffic will be put in its final alignment. But just two lanes will be open at the start, with an extra-wide shoulder until sections to the south open fully. Also nearly done are the Spruce Mountain Road bridge and the wildlife crossings, CDOT says. Crews also have installed more than 27 miles of deer fencing along the highway to guide animals to those points.
Overall, more than 40% of the project’s paving is happening this summer, CDOT says.
What’s on tap: The middle and south sections have much more work remaining, with four other bridge reconstructions at 50% completion or less. Construction is expected to begin next year on a rebuild of the County Line Road bridge between El Paso and Douglas counties, which CDOT added to the project’s scope last year.
Next year will bring significant progress on those two sections, and CDOT is aiming to complete the project in roughly mid-2022.
The new lanes were supposed to be open to traffic by late 2021, but CDOT confirmed early last year that wouldn’t be possible. Crews found more “unsuitable material” than expected beneath the more than 50-year-old roadway from near Sky View Lane to Monument, requiring more stable soil to be added to the roadbed avoid future pavement damage, Rollison said.
That discovery set back major widening work in the middle and south sections. But since then, Rollison said, the revised schedule has held firm, especially since crews have been able to do extra daytime work during the pandemic.
How the southbound transition will work: Before the project, I-25’s southbound lanes went from three to two after Castle Rock, causing a bottleneck. It’s possible that the new lane charging a toll could also cause disruption in the transition, but Rollison said the engineers accounted for that.
“It will be a gradual change in which the transition is actually 4 lanes wide,” she wrote an email, and it will go for more than a mile. “So traveling south … there are three lanes coming out of Castle Rock. It will widen to four lanes and slowly drop back to three lanes.”
Outlook: El Paso County governments are contributing $25 million toward the project, and Douglas County is kicking in $10 million. Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge likes what he’s seeing so far, and he says the safety gains and modest increase in capacity will be worth it.
“Knowing that there are certainly budget considerations, sure, it would’ve been greater to have no tolling or to have four lanes,” Partridge said. “But at least only 15 of the 18 miles are being tolled, and it’s a relatively low cost of toll lane. … Even though we’re not getting four lanes, we are getting wide shoulders that have not been there before.”