thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Trammell Crow settles bid-rigging accusations in Denver convention center expansion

The development manager accused of showing favoritism toward a construction bidder on the Colorado Convention Center expansion project has signed a $ 250,000 settlement with state investigators .
Trammell Crow ’ s agreement with the office of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser , set to be announced Wednesday , follows a $ 1.3 million settlement reached earlier this month with the bidder in question , Mortenson Construction .
All that remains of the investigation initiated by Denver city officials in December 2018 is a probe into the conduct of a former Trammell Crow executive .
Though state investigators and city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crow ’ s local operation , the company is getting off with the lighter fine because of its “ early cooperation ” with city officials and the investigation , according to the settlement document .
Weiser said the case has underlined equity issues in public bidding that sometimes keep less-established contractors — especially those owned by women or minorities — from being treated fairly .
“ It ’ s important , for me , to make sure that public procurement processes are competitive and fair , so that citizens get the best deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month ’ s settlements have come as Denver is wrapping up a restarted bid process that was set back more than a year by the bid-rigging scandal .
City officials ’ accusation that Trammell Crow improperly shared information and colluded with Mortenson added another hurdle to the convention center ’ s planned $ 233 million rooftop expansion , first approved by city voters in 2015 .
City officials have said they plan to release an updated budget and timeline in coming months , but it ’ s unlikely the expansion will be completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
The project is aimed at updating the large building and adding a new level of meeting space to attract more events and conventions .
Mortenson agreed to pay a $ 650,000 fine and to donate construction services worth at least that amount to a project geared toward helping with the COVID-19 pandemic .
That project hasn ’ t yet been identified .
In both cases , the fines will go not to the city but to the attorney general ’ s office to cover its investigation costs and pay for future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hired as the city ’ s program manager , was charged with shepherding the convention center project along , including helping to run a bid process that attracted three construction contenders .
Trammell Crow was paid about $ 1 million before Mayor Michael Hancock pulled the plug and announced the halt of bidding .
Trammell Crow quickly fired senior vice president Michael Sullivan , who had exchanged several emails with Mortenson executives that city officials questioned .
The company pledged to cooperate , saying at the time that its leaders were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It started with the question on the table : Was this a criminal matter ?
” Weiser said , as first the Denver district attorney ’ s office and then his office investigated .
“ We did conclude that there was no basis for criminal liability , and that left us with the question of what was the appropriate civil liability.
” Sullivan ’ s individual conduct still is under investigation , Weiser confirmed .
The Denver Post ’ s past attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful .
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , conducted by a law firm , “ determined that this situation arose from the actions of one individual who violated Trammell Crow Company ’ s business values and principles.
” “ We take very seriously our business values and our 60-year history as a civic and corporate leader in Denver and Colorado , ” the statement says .
The attorney general ’ s office cited evidence , reported earlier by The Post , that Sullivan gave Mortenson preferential treatment by sharing confidential information .

The development manager accused of showing favoritism toward a construction bidder on the Colorado Convention Center expansion project has signed a $250,000 settlement with state investigators.
Trammell Crow’s agreement with the office of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, set to be announced Wednesday, follows a $1.3 million settlement reached earlier this month with the bidder in question, Mortenson Construction. All that remains of the investigation initiated by Denver city officials in December 2018 is a probe into the conduct of a former Trammell Crow executive.
Though state investigators and city officials placed heavy fault on Dallas-based Trammell Crow’s local operation, the company is getting off with the lighter fine because of its “early cooperation” with city officials and the investigation, according to the settlement document.
Weiser said the case has underlined equity issues in public bidding that sometimes keep less-established contractors — especially those owned by women or minorities — from being treated fairly.
“It’s important, for me, to make sure that public procurement processes are competitive and fair, so that citizens get the best deal possible,” he said.
This month’s settlements have come as Denver is wrapping up a restarted bid process that was set back more than a year by the bid-rigging scandal. City officials’ accusation that Trammell Crow improperly shared information and colluded with Mortenson added another hurdle to the convention center’s planned $233 million rooftop expansion, first approved by city voters in 2015.
City officials have said they plan to release an updated budget and timeline in coming months, but it’s unlikely the expansion will be completed for at least two or three more years. The project is aimed at updating the large building and adding a new level of meeting space to attract more events and conventions.
Mortenson agreed to pay a $650,000 fine and to donate construction services worth at least that amount to a project geared toward helping with the COVID-19 pandemic. That project hasn’t yet been identified.
In both cases, the fines will go not to the city but to the attorney general’s office to cover its investigation costs and pay for future enforcement and education activities.
Trammell Crow, hired as the city’s program manager, was charged with shepherding the convention center project along, including helping to run a bid process that attracted three construction contenders. Trammell Crow was paid about $1 million before Mayor Michael Hancock pulled the plug and announced the halt of bidding.
Trammell Crow quickly fired senior vice president Michael Sullivan, who had exchanged several emails with Mortenson executives that city officials questioned. The company pledged to cooperate, saying at the time that its leaders were “mortified that this has occurred.”
“It started with the question on the table: Was this a criminal matter?” Weiser said, as first the Denver district attorney’s office and then his office investigated. “We did conclude that there was no basis for criminal liability, and that left us with the question of what was the appropriate civil liability.”
Sullivan’s individual conduct still is under investigation, Weiser confirmed. The Denver Post’s past attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.
In a statement, Trammell Crow said its own internal investigation, conducted by a law firm, “determined that this situation arose from the actions of one individual who violated Trammell Crow Company’s business values and principles.”
“We take very seriously our business values and our 60-year history as a civic and corporate leader in Denver and Colorado,” the statement says.
The attorney general’s office cited evidence, reported earlier by The Post, that Sullivan gave Mortenson preferential treatment by sharing confidential information.
DOCUMENT: Trammell Crow settlement with Colorado attorney general’s office


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Ask Amy: New husband wrestles with old problems

Dear Amy : I married my wife a few months ago .
She and I have been friends for 33 years .
She has three sons , ages 22 , 17 , and 15 .
For the most part , they are all good kids , however , they have never been given any responsibilities .
Ever .
Our house constantly looks like a war zone — there are clothes everywhere , dishes in the sink , and they wrestle with each other until all hours of the night .
I tried to put my foot down and assign responsibilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , but they never follow through .
My wife and I are constantly picking up , cooking , and then cleaning up after them .
The oldest has recently dropped out of college and lives with us , paying no expenses .
I think he should be paying rent and his car insurance since he is no longer in school , but his mother won ’ t have it .
We are struggling to pay our bills , and this is causing friction between us .
I get upset with the kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at me for saying something to them .
Am I wrong for feeling angry ?
How do I get my wife to cut the cord and realize that I am just trying to help them to become responsible adults… ?
Dear Mr. Nice Guy : The dynamic you describe was already established when you chose to officially enter the family .
If you hoped that things would magically change when you got married , then – well , you were wrong .
Instead of being your partner , your wife has partnered primarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role is to assist her in making sure they grow up to be entitled man-boys , who have little respect for their surroundings , and no life skills .
These sons are behaving exactly as they have been taught .
A 10-year-old can make his bed , load the dishwasher , and learn how to make pancakes for the family .
Yes – even teens will do their jobs ( reluctantly ) if there are consistent consequences attached to both positive and negative behavior .
High-functioning families work as a team , understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interconnected .
For things in your household to change , your ( new ) marriage will have to change .
Your wife will have to agree to put the marriage at the center of the family system .
She will have to stand alongside you , instead of undermining you .
You and she should have a heartfelt talk – not about the kids , but about your marriage , and how devalued you feel .
This book should help you to get started : “ Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their Strategies for Strengthening Your Relationship , ” by relationship researchers John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman ( 2007 , Harmony ) .
Dear Amy : Help !
My family and I have been trapped in our home for a month now , due to our state ’ s shelter-in-place rule .
We are all coping pretty well .
Our kids are staying pretty much on track , and my wife and I are doing our best to stick to a routine .
Our anxiety isn ’ t too bad .
Obviously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time together – and that has been ( mostly ) good for us .
My problem is this : Boredom .
In normal times , my wife and I stay very busy .
Now , I feel bored – super-bored – for a part of every day .
Dear Bored : I could give you a list of suggestions about trying new things , doing home workouts , and reading ALL the books , but for most of us , boredom creeps in , anyway .
Boredom can actually be something of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and simply let yourself feel that way !
A few years ago , I decided to do some of the exercises in Julia Cameron ’ s groundbreaking book , “ The Artist ’ s Way ” ( 25th anniversary edition , 2006 TarcherParigee ) .
The gamechanger for me was a free association writing exercise .
Every morning you write three pages of just whatever you want ( this is NOT a journal ) .
You can write “ I am so bored ” over and over across the page .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weather . )
Doing this unlocks … lots of things : Ideas , fantasies , feelings , and insight .
Dear Amy : Thank you for publishing the question from “ Caring Neighbors , ” who were looking for ways to help their hardworking immigrant neighbors during this challenging time .
I thought your suggestions were good – and their intentions were golden .
Dear Impressed : Weird times can bring out the wonder in people .

Dear Amy: I married my wife a few months ago. She and I have been friends for 33 years.
She has three sons, ages 22, 17, and 15.
For the most part, they are all good kids, however, they have never been given any responsibilities. Ever. Our house constantly looks like a war zone — there are clothes everywhere, dishes in the sink, and they wrestle with each other until all hours of the night.
I tried to put my foot down and assign responsibilities and chores for them to help us out, but they never follow through. My wife and I are constantly picking up, cooking, and then cleaning up after them.
I am burnt out!
The oldest has recently dropped out of college and lives with us, paying no expenses. I think he should be paying rent and his car insurance since he is no longer in school, but his mother won’t have it.
We are struggling to pay our bills, and this is causing friction between us. I get upset with the kids, and then my wife gets upset at me for saying something to them.
Am I wrong for feeling angry? How do I get my wife to cut the cord and realize that I am just trying to help them to become responsible adults…?
— Mr. Nice Guy
Dear Mr. Nice Guy: The dynamic you describe was already established when you chose to officially enter the family. If you hoped that things would magically change when you got married, then – well, you were wrong.
Instead of being your partner, your wife has partnered primarily with her sons, and your assigned role is to assist her in making sure they grow up to be entitled man-boys, who have little respect for their surroundings, and no life skills.
These sons are behaving exactly as they have been taught. A 10-year-old can make his bed, load the dishwasher, and learn how to make pancakes for the family. Yes – even teens will do their jobs (reluctantly) if there are consistent consequences attached to both positive and negative behavior. High-functioning families work as a team, understanding that their daily health and happiness is interconnected.
For things in your household to change, your (new) marriage will have to change. Your wife will have to agree to put the marriage at the center of the family system. She will have to stand alongside you, instead of undermining you.
You and she should have a heartfelt talk – not about the kids, but about your marriage, and how devalued you feel. This book should help you to get started: “Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage: America’s Love Lab Experts Share Their Strategies for Strengthening Your Relationship,” by relationship researchers John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman (2007, Harmony).
Dear Amy: Help! My family and I have been trapped in our home for a month now, due to our state’s shelter-in-place rule.
We are all coping pretty well. Our kids are staying pretty much on track, and my wife and I are doing our best to stick to a routine. Our anxiety isn’t too bad. Obviously, we are all spending a lot of time together – and that has been (mostly) good for us.
My problem is this: Boredom. In normal times, my wife and I stay very busy. Now, I feel bored – super-bored – for a part of every day.
Any advice?
— Bored Dad
Dear Bored: I could give you a list of suggestions about trying new things, doing home workouts, and reading ALL the books, but for most of us, boredom creeps in, anyway.
Boredom can actually be something of a gift, if you lean into it – and simply let yourself feel that way!
A few years ago, I decided to do some of the exercises in Julia Cameron’s groundbreaking book, “The Artist’s Way” (25th anniversary edition, 2006 TarcherParigee). The gamechanger for me was a free association writing exercise. Every morning you write three pages of just whatever you want (this is NOT a journal). You can write “I am so bored” over and over across the page. (I tend to write a lot about the weather.)
Doing this unlocks … lots of things: Ideas, fantasies, feelings, and insight.
Dear Amy: Thank you for publishing the question from “Caring Neighbors,” who were looking for ways to help their hardworking immigrant neighbors during this challenging time. I thought your suggestions were good – and their intentions were golden.
— Impressed
Dear Impressed: Weird times can bring out the wonder in people.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Unseasonably warm weather continues, chance for record heat in Denver on Thursday

Unseasonably warm weather continues its roll in Denver and a record high temperature could fall this week .
On Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ over Denver and the high temperature should hit 74 degrees , according to the national @ @ @ @ @ record heat is possible in the city as the high temperature climbs to 88 degrees @ @ @ @ @ all-time hottest day in April in Denver was 90 degrees on April 30 , 1992 @ @ @ @ @ first day of May , Denver ’ s high temperature will top out at 84 @ @ @ @ @ weather service .
Skies will be mostly sunny but there is a 10 % chance @ @ @ @ @ .
Come the weekend , the heat will back off as a cold front moves @ @ @ @ @ .
High temperatures in Denver will be in the upper 70s and the chance for @ @ @ @ @ .

Unseasonably warm weather continues its roll in Denver and a record high temperature could fall this week.
On Wednesday, sunny skies are expected over Denver and the high temperature should hit 74 degrees, according to the national weather service.
On Thursday record heat is possible in the city as the high temperature climbs to 88 degrees under sunny skies. The all-time hottest day in April in Denver was 90 degrees on April 30, 1992.
On Friday, the first day of May, Denver’s high temperature will top out at 84 degrees, according to the weather service. Skies will be mostly sunny but there is a 10% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Come the weekend, the heat will back off as a cold front moves in out of the north. High temperatures in Denver will be in the upper 70s and the chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms increases.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Saints agree to terms with QB Jameis Winston on one-year contract

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with unrestricted free agent quarterback Jameis Winston .
Winston , the first overall pick in the 2015 draft , will serve as the backup to Drew Brees .
Winston is coming off a season in which he led the NFL with 5,109 yards passing and ranked second with 33 touchdown passes , but he also led the NFL in interceptions with 30 .
That made Winston the first QB in NFL history to have at least 30 TDs and 30 interceptions .
Tampa Bay allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him with former Patriots QB Tom Brady .
Winston was a two-year starter at Florida State , where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Seminoles to a national title as a freshman in the 2013 season .
In five seasons with the Buccaneers , he has passed for 19,737 yards and 121 touchdowns while throwing 88 interceptions .
But while he was productive statistically , that didn ’ t amount to winning .
The Bucs went 28-42 in games Winston started .
Winston also became known for making news off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first three games in 2018 after the NFL investigated allegations by a female ride-share service driver that the quarterback made unwanted sexual advances .
The driver never reported the matter to authorities but did notify her employer , Uber .
During college , Winston was accused of raping a fellow student at FSU but was never charged .
The university in January 2016 settled a Title IX lawsuit with Winston ’ s accuser for $ 1.7 million over its handling of the allegations .
Winston also was implicated in a shoplifting case involving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crawfish .

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with unrestricted free agent quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston, the first overall pick in the 2015 draft, will serve as the backup to Drew Brees.
Winston is coming off a season in which he led the NFL with 5,109 yards passing and ranked second with 33 touchdown passes, but he also led the NFL in interceptions with 30. That made Winston the first QB in NFL history to have at least 30 TDs and 30 interceptions. Tampa Bay allowed Winston to enter free agency and replaced him with former Patriots QB Tom Brady.
Winston was a two-year starter at Florida State, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Seminoles to a national title as a freshman in the 2013 season.
In five seasons with the Buccaneers, he has passed for 19,737 yards and 121 touchdowns while throwing 88 interceptions. But while he was productive statistically, that didn’t amount to winning. The Bucs went 28-42 in games Winston started.
Winston also became known for making news off the field. He was suspended for the first three games in 2018 after the NFL investigated allegations by a female ride-share service driver that the quarterback made unwanted sexual advances.
The driver never reported the matter to authorities but did notify her employer, Uber.
During college, Winston was accused of raping a fellow student at FSU but was never charged. The university in January 2016 settled a Title IX lawsuit with Winston’s accuser for $1.7 million over its handling of the allegations.
Winston also was implicated in a shoplifting case involving about $33 in crab legs and crawfish.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Joe Biden assault allegation prompts GOP attacks, Dem worries

WASHINGTON — A sexual assault allegation is raising Joe Biden ’ s first big challenge as the Democrats ’ presidential nominee , fueling Republican attacks and leaving many in his own party in an uncomfortable bind .
Biden ’ s campaign has denied the allegation from his former Senate staffer Tara Reade , who has said Biden assaulted her in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building in the 1990s .
But the story garnered fresh attention this week after two of Reade ’ s associates said she previously told them about elements of her allegations .
Republicans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s increasingly precarious political standing are seizing on the allegation to portray Democrats as hypocrites who only defend women who allege wrongdoing against conservatives .
They are digging in despite the fact that it could renew attention on the multiple sexual assault allegations lodged against Trump .
Democrats , meanwhile , are in an awkward position of vigorously validating women who come forward with their stories while defending the man who will be their standard-bearer in what many in the party consider the most important election of their lifetimes .
The tension is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the allegation .
Like many Americans , he has spent the past several weeks at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
He hasn ’ t held a press briefing since April 2 , before multiple news organizations reported Reade ’ s story .
The public appearances he has made , such as fundraisers or events alongside prominent Democrats , have been controlled .
Some Democrats say that approach isn ’ t working and are urging a more forceful response .
“ The campaign has issued statements , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own voice , ” said former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile .
“ It ’ s not helping , it ’ s just damaging — not only to the person who has come forward , but it ’ s also damaging the candidate.
” Lis Smith , who worked as a top strategist on Pete Buttigieg ’ s presidential campaign , also called on the Biden campaign to speak up .
“ These accusations have not been found to be credible , so it ’ s in the Biden campaign ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bud directly and do it quickly , ” she said .
The November contest between Biden and Trump will be the first presidential race of the # MeToo era , which has led numerous women to come forward with allegations of sexual assault .
Trump himself has been accused of assault and unwanted touching by numerous women , allegations he denies .
He was forced to apologize during the 2016 campaign after he was heard on a recording bragging about using his fame to assault women .
Women are a core constituency for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history .
While he wrote the Violence Against Women Act as a senator , he also came under heavy criticism for his handling of Anita Hill ’ s Senate testimony in the 1990s .
Just before he launched his 2020 campaign , several women accused him of unwanted touching , behavior for which he apologized .
Biden has pledged to pick a woman as a running mate , and the allegation has left those thought to be in contention in a tough spot .
Stacey Abrams , the former Georgia Democratic governor candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heard , and I believe they need to be listened to , but I also believe that those allegations have to be investigated by credible sources.
” “ The New York Times did a deep investigation and they found that the accusation was not credible , ” she added .
“ I believe Joe Biden.
” That echoed talking points issued by the Biden campaign to surrogates last week that were obtained by The Associated Press .
They pointed to investigations by The New York Times , The Washington Post and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual assault and no pattern of sexual misconduct .
Some Democratic donors and fundraisers say the issue has not come up in calls with party financiers .
Others worry that it could be used against Biden , much as Hillary Clinton ’ s private email server and the activities of the Clinton Foundation were wielded against her by Trump .
Some , most notably women , say they are paying close attention to the allegations , which gave them pause .
Alex Sink , a donor and former Democratic nominee for governor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy ” to read about the allegations against Biden .
While she still plans to vote for him , she worried his campaign was too quick to categorically deny Reade ’ s story .
“ They put themselves immediately out on a limb by saying , ‘ It didn ’ t happen , we categorically deny it , it ’ s not true , ’ ” Sink said .
“ That ’ s a dangerous position to be in because they aren ’ t leaving any room for themselves.
” Some female Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaging because it ’ s an indictment of Biden ’ s central campaign rationale : that he provides a moral counter to Trump and that the election is a “ battle for the soul of America.
” “ I think the stakes could not be higher for defeating Donald Trump — but at the same time , I think we have to apply a consistent standard for how we treat allegations of sexual assault , and also be clear-eyed about how Donald Trump will use these allegations in the general election campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Bernie Sanders ’ organizing director this cycle .
The silence from the Biden campaign has given Republicans an opening on an issue that was , in 2016 , far more fraught for the GOP , when Trump was asked to answer for the more than two dozen women who alleged varying levels of sexual assault and harassment from him .
The GOP argues Democrats aren ’ t being consistent , pointing to the aggressive questioning and coverage of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when he faced an allegation of sexual assault .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies , has one standard for Republicans and another standard for Democrats like Joe Biden , ” said Steve Guest , a spokesman for the Republican National Committee .
“ The double standard is appalling.
” Trump himself has yet to address the issue , but Donald Trump Jr. has spent weeks highlighting the allegation on Twitter , as has Trump ’ s campaign manager Brad Parscale .
Even some Trump antagonists within the GOP say the opportunity for the president and his allies is obvious .
Rick Tyler , a former spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a prominent Trump critic , noted that the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent economic crash have “ ruled out any prospect that Republicans could run on great economic times.
” “ And so what ’ s left ?
What ’ s left is scorched earth , and that means digging up anything they can about Biden , ” he said .
“ They ’ re trying to make Joe Biden into something that ’ s worse than Donald Trump.
” Associated Press writers Brian Slodysko in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to @ @ @

WASHINGTON — A sexual assault allegation is raising Joe Biden’s first big challenge as the Democrats’ presidential nominee, fueling Republican attacks and leaving many in his own party in an uncomfortable bind.
Biden’s campaign has denied the allegation from his former Senate staffer Tara Reade, who has said Biden assaulted her in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building in the 1990s. But the story garnered fresh attention this week after two of Reade’s associates said she previously told them about elements of her allegations.
Republicans who are worried about President Donald Trump’s increasingly precarious political standing are seizing on the allegation to portray Democrats as hypocrites who only defend women who allege wrongdoing against conservatives. They are digging in despite the fact that it could renew attention on the multiple sexual assault allegations lodged against Trump.
Democrats, meanwhile, are in an awkward position of vigorously validating women who come forward with their stories while defending the man who will be their standard-bearer in what many in the party consider the most important election of their lifetimes.
The tension is heightened because Biden himself is saying nothing about the allegation.
Like many Americans, he has spent the past several weeks at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He hasn’t held a press briefing since April 2, before multiple news organizations reported Reade’s story. The public appearances he has made, such as fundraisers or events alongside prominent Democrats, have been controlled.
Some Democrats say that approach isn’t working and are urging a more forceful response.
“The campaign has issued statements, but he hasn’t issued any statements in his own voice,” said former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile. “It’s not helping, it’s just damaging — not only to the person who has come forward, but it’s also damaging the candidate.”
Lis Smith, who worked as a top strategist on Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, also called on the Biden campaign to speak up.
“These accusations have not been found to be credible, so it’s in the Biden campaign’s interest to nip this in the bud directly and do it quickly,” she said.
The November contest between Biden and Trump will be the first presidential race of the #MeToo era, which has led numerous women to come forward with allegations of sexual assault. Trump himself has been accused of assault and unwanted touching by numerous women, allegations he denies. He was forced to apologize during the 2016 campaign after he was heard on a recording bragging about using his fame to assault women.
Women are a core constituency for Democrats, and Biden has a mixed history. While he wrote the Violence Against Women Act as a senator, he also came under heavy criticism for his handling of Anita Hill’s Senate testimony in the 1990s. Just before he launched his 2020 campaign, several women accused him of unwanted touching, behavior for which he apologized.
Biden has pledged to pick a woman as a running mate, and the allegation has left those thought to be in contention in a tough spot.
Stacey Abrams, the former Georgia Democratic governor candidate, said, “Women deserve to be heard, and I believe they need to be listened to, but I also believe that those allegations have to be investigated by credible sources.”
“The New York Times did a deep investigation and they found that the accusation was not credible,” she added. “I believe Joe Biden.”
That echoed talking points issued by the Biden campaign to surrogates last week that were obtained by The Associated Press. They pointed to investigations by The New York Times, The Washington Post and the AP that found no other allegation of sexual assault and no pattern of sexual misconduct.
Some Democratic donors and fundraisers say the issue has not come up in calls with party financiers. Others worry that it could be used against Biden, much as Hillary Clinton’s private email server and the activities of the Clinton Foundation were wielded against her by Trump.
Some, most notably women, say they are paying close attention to the allegations, which gave them pause.
Alex Sink, a donor and former Democratic nominee for governor of Florida, said she was “not happy” to read about the allegations against Biden. While she still plans to vote for him, she worried his campaign was too quick to categorically deny Reade’s story.
“They put themselves immediately out on a limb by saying, ‘It didn’t happen, we categorically deny it, it’s not true,’” Sink said. “That’s a dangerous position to be in because they aren’t leaving any room for themselves.”
Some female Democratic operatives expressed concerns the allegation is particularly damaging because it’s an indictment of Biden’s central campaign rationale: that he provides a moral counter to Trump and that the election is a “battle for the soul of America.”
“I think the stakes could not be higher for defeating Donald Trump — but at the same time, I think we have to apply a consistent standard for how we treat allegations of sexual assault, and also be clear-eyed about how Donald Trump will use these allegations in the general election campaign,” said Claire Sandberg, who worked as Bernie Sanders’ organizing director this cycle.
The silence from the Biden campaign has given Republicans an opening on an issue that was, in 2016, far more fraught for the GOP, when Trump was asked to answer for the more than two dozen women who alleged varying levels of sexual assault and harassment from him. The GOP argues Democrats aren’t being consistent, pointing to the aggressive questioning and coverage of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when he faced an allegation of sexual assault.
“The left, and their media allies, has one standard for Republicans and another standard for Democrats like Joe Biden,” said Steve Guest, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee. “The double standard is appalling.”
Trump himself has yet to address the issue, but Donald Trump Jr. has spent weeks highlighting the allegation on Twitter, as has Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale.
Even some Trump antagonists within the GOP say the opportunity for the president and his allies is obvious.
Rick Tyler, a former spokesman for Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and a prominent Trump critic, noted that the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent economic crash have “ruled out any prospect that Republicans could run on great economic times.”
“And so what’s left? What’s left is scorched earth, and that means digging up anything they can about Biden,” he said. “They’re trying to make Joe Biden into something that’s worse than Donald Trump.”
___
Associated Press writers Brian Slodysko in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Who cares for the health care workers? Mental health centers offer help to health care workers respo

Who cares for the health care workers? Mental health centers offer help to health care workers responding to pandemic

Caring for the sick and wounded was hard before a worldwide pandemic swept over Colorado , and the novel coronavirus is putting extra pressure Denver ’ s health care workers ’ mental and emotional well-being .
For Morgan Howell , a paramedic at a Front Range fire department , being there to support people during the worst moments of their lives is a humbling job .
When the pressure becomes overwhelming , paramedics are told to take a breather and count to 10 , Howell said .
Somtimes , though , he couldn ’ t get to two without boiling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in those bad wave frequencies , ” Howell said .
“ Even when I think I ’ m calm , my brain is still working at a very high level , which leads to exhaustion , which leads to irritation , which leads to anger issues .
Those aren ’ t things you want to be feeling when somebody is already having the worst day of their life.
” Health care workers can become overwhelmed by the high levels of illness and death they witness whether there is a pandemic or not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which occurs when a caregiver starts feeling depressed , anxious , burned out or worried that they will contract the illness themselves .
Sometimes they don ’ t even realize the level of stress they ’ re experiencing , said Steve Fisher , the director of outpatient expansion and special projects at the Mental Health Center of Denver .
“ The key thing is most people who are in health care have no problem caring for others , but they have a problem caring for themselves , ” Fisher said .
“ Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are heightened incidents .
Our whole community and the individuals have to be very intentional about caring for themselves.
” That ’ s where mental health care providers such as Nepes and the Mental Health Center of Denver step in .
They offer services to help those who are struggling with added stress during this time , including those on the front lines of the virus .
Nepes , a Denver-based mental health company that specializes in neurofeedback , is offering free telehealth sessions to local first responders and health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress .
Rachel Ragsdale , the CEO of Nepes , will be conducting 30-minute therapy sessions over Zoom with as many health care workers as she can until May 22 .
Then they will re-evaluate whether there is still a need for free services , Ragsdale said .
With the heightened state of demand , medical workers are experiencing high stress levels , she said .
“ They ’ re the ones , truly , that are keeping society together sometimes , ” Ragsdale said .
“ People are literally crumbling .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they ever have been.
” The teletherapy sessions focus on various stress relief and mindfulness techniques , such as heart rate variability , breath work and expressing gratitude .
The sessions will be split into five to 10 minute segments to focus on each of these areas , Ragsdale said .
Howell has been working with Nepes for five years and is utilizing the telehealth services .
Through his work with therapists at Nepes , he ’ s learned how to calm his brain activity and stress levels by using techniques like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s amazing how helpful it is to verbalize things that are in your brain , ” Howell said .
“ Especially now , it ’ s a different world .
Not only do you have to be on call at all times mentally and physically , but even when you go to sleep , you ’ re sort of sleeping with one ear open waiting for the alarm to go off .
It ’ s an added layer on top of what is already stressful.
” Life has changed drastically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , Fisher said .
Nurses who cared for surgical patients in February may have been assigned to new teams .
They worry about wearing enough personal protective equipment , which contributes to the distress .
Then there ’ s the uncertainty about how long things will stay this way .
There are things people can do to keep their stress levels down , Fisher said .
He suggests exercise , surrounding yourself with supportive people , practicing mindfulness , keeping a journal and taking up hobbies to give yourself a break .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mental health care , and people should also seek help from professional therapists if they feel stressed due to work , Fisher said .
“ Mental health is just as important as our immunity and physical wellbeing , ” Ragsdale said .
“ We ’ re in crisis mode .
What can we do to help so we can come out of this stronger and not more crippled ?
” If you need help • Medical workers can apply for a telehealth session with Nepes online at https : //www.mynepes.com/https : //www.mynepes.com/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be reached at ( 303 ) 504-7900 , and the 24/7 Colorado Crisis Services hotline can be reached at ( 844 ) 493-8255 .

Caring for the sick and wounded was hard before a worldwide pandemic swept over Colorado, and the novel coronavirus is putting extra pressure Denver’s health care workers’ mental and emotional well-being.
For Morgan Howell, a paramedic at a Front Range fire department, being there to support people during the worst moments of their lives is a humbling job. When the pressure becomes overwhelming, paramedics are told to take a breather and count to 10, Howell said. Somtimes, though, he couldn’t get to two without boiling over.
“You can get stuck in those bad wave frequencies,” Howell said. “Even when I think I’m calm, my brain is still working at a very high level, which leads to exhaustion, which leads to irritation, which leads to anger issues. Those aren’t things you want to be feeling when somebody is already having the worst day of their life.”
Health care workers can become overwhelmed by the high levels of illness and death they witness whether there is a pandemic or not, and this leads to compassion fatigue, which occurs when a caregiver starts feeling depressed, anxious, burned out or worried that they will contract the illness themselves. Sometimes they don’t even realize the level of stress they’re experiencing, said Steve Fisher, the director of outpatient expansion and special projects at the Mental Health Center of Denver.
“The key thing is most people who are in health care have no problem caring for others, but they have a problem caring for themselves,” Fisher said. “Because we’re in an unprecedented time, there are heightened incidents. Our whole community and the individuals have to be very intentional about caring for themselves.”
That’s where mental health care providers such as Nepes and the Mental Health Center of Denver step in. They offer services to help those who are struggling with added stress during this time, including those on the front lines of the virus.
Nepes, a Denver-based mental health company that specializes in neurofeedback, is offering free telehealth sessions to local first responders and health care professionals to alleviate some of their added stress.
Rachel Ragsdale, the CEO of Nepes, will be conducting 30-minute therapy sessions over Zoom with as many health care workers as she can until May 22. Then they will re-evaluate whether there is still a need for free services, Ragsdale said. With the heightened state of demand, medical workers are experiencing high stress levels, she said.
“They’re the ones, truly, that are keeping society together sometimes,” Ragsdale said. “People are literally crumbling. They’re in more fear and stress than they ever have been.”
The teletherapy sessions focus on various stress relief and mindfulness techniques, such as heart rate variability, breath work and expressing gratitude. The sessions will be split into five to 10 minute segments to focus on each of these areas, Ragsdale said.
Howell has been working with Nepes for five years and is utilizing the telehealth services. Through his work with therapists at Nepes, he’s learned how to calm his brain activity and stress levels by using techniques like meditation, healthy exercise and breathing.
“It’s amazing how helpful it is to verbalize things that are in your brain,” Howell said. “Especially now, it’s a different world. Not only do you have to be on call at all times mentally and physically, but even when you go to sleep, you’re sort of sleeping with one ear open waiting for the alarm to go off. It’s an added layer on top of what is already stressful.”
Life has changed drastically in the past weeks for health care workers, Fisher said. Nurses who cared for surgical patients in February may have been assigned to new teams. They worry about wearing enough personal protective equipment, which contributes to the distress. Then there’s the uncertainty about how long things will stay this way.
There are things people can do to keep their stress levels down, Fisher said. He suggests exercise, surrounding yourself with supportive people, practicing mindfulness, keeping a journal and taking up hobbies to give yourself a break. Some companies can offer their employees access to mental health care, and people should also seek help from professional therapists if they feel stressed due to work, Fisher said.
“Mental health is just as important as our immunity and physical wellbeing,” Ragsdale said. “We’re in crisis mode. What can we do to help so we can come out of this stronger and not more crippled?”
If you need help


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Leprino Foods to partially reopen Fort Morgan cheese plant after workers tested positive for coronav

Leprino Foods to partially reopen Fort Morgan cheese plant after workers tested positive for coronavirus

A Fort Morgan cheese plant that shutdown after employees tested positive for the new coronavirus is set to partially reopen this weekend .
Leprino Foods tested all employees — roughly 390 people — at the factory and found that 80 workers tested positive for COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus .
Of those who tested positive , almost half were asymptomatic , said spokeswoman Kim DeVigil in an email .
About 80 % of the workforce , roughly 310 employees , tested negative .
“ We believed that testing our entire workplace was necessary to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our workforce and pave the way for eventually returning to full operations at the plant , ” she said .
Leprino Foods announced Sunday that it would close the plant for at least five days while employees were tested .
The testing was conducted with the help of the Northeast Colorado Health Department .
The company is aiming to open the plant on Sunday with one line running .
The factory will go fully operational once it has a full workforce , DeVigil said .
The employees who tested negative for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work when the plant reopens .
Those who tested positive “ have been told that they are not to return to the workplace until they have been medically cleared , ” DeVigil said .
Leprino Foods is offering employees supplemental sick leave during their time off because of COVID-19 , she said .
The cheese plant is being cleaned and disinfected this week in preparation for the reopening , she said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

A Fort Morgan cheese plant that shutdown after employees tested positive for the new coronavirus is set to partially reopen this weekend.
Leprino Foods tested all employees — roughly 390 people — at the factory and found that 80 workers tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. Of those who tested positive, almost half were asymptomatic, said spokeswoman Kim DeVigil in an email.
About 80% of the workforce, roughly 310 employees, tested negative.
“We believed that testing our entire workplace was necessary to ensure that we removed those asymptomatic positive cases from our workforce and pave the way for eventually returning to full operations at the plant,” she said.
Leprino Foods announced Sunday that it would close the plant for at least five days while employees were tested. The testing was conducted with the help of the Northeast Colorado Health Department.
The company is aiming to open the plant on Sunday with one line running. The factory will go fully operational once it has a full workforce, DeVigil said.
The employees who tested negative for COVID-19 and show no symptoms will return to work when the plant reopens. Those who tested positive “have been told that they are not to return to the workplace until they have been medically cleared,” DeVigil said.
Leprino Foods is offering employees supplemental sick leave during their time off because of COVID-19, she said.
The cheese plant is being cleaned and disinfected this week in preparation for the reopening, she said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--On Professors’ Row at Denver’s Observatory Park, an ‘art house’ is on the market at $1.450 million

University of Denver ’ s Observatory Park was a showplace for the school when it opened its Chamberlin Observatory in 1894 , to shelter a state-of-the-art scientific tool for its day – the Alvan Clark-Saegmuller 20-inch refracting telescope , which had been displayed the year before at the Chicago World ’ s Fair .
Denver Astronomical Society ’ s events that still feature the scope are on hold during the remaining Coronavirus crisis ; however , you can arrange a tour of a 3-bedroom/4-bath home right across the park , with architecture that represents a post-modern take on the neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Estate agent Jason Cummings will arrange to show you 2210 S. Milwaukee Street — an ‘ art house ’ on the university ’ s ‘ Professors ’ Row ’ overlooking the observatory .
It ’ s a 1985 design by architect Peter Nelson , that ’ s been brought up to date by Lance Jackson and his wife Cindy .
Jackson is well known for his Denver advertising agency ; but he ’ s also a painter , displaying at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City and other sites .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1995 , but two years ago they set out to renew Nelson ’ s original vision , adding tech features , a landscape for modern sculpture , new lighting , and outdoor living spaces focusing on a fire pit with a park-side view .
You ’ ll see a trapezoidal exterior , expansive glass block walls , a soaring entry gallery , and irregular shapes to many rooms .
Cummings , who has the 4,603 square-foot home priced $ 1.450 million , says it ’ s a good value with respect to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all in the $ 2-to- $ 4 million range .
Working from a home office , he ’ s already logged seven contracts since the stay-at-home orders were imposed , including two in the $ 900,000 range that listed and sold completely virtually .
He ’ ll give you an actual first-hand look at this home today providing you call him 10-to-4 and allow a half-hour notice to arrange a viewing .
Lance Jackson ’ s art is on the web at ljstudio209.com .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s preparation .

University of Denver’s Observatory Park was a showplace for the school when it opened its Chamberlin Observatory in 1894, to shelter a state-of-the-art scientific tool for its day – the Alvan Clark-Saegmuller 20-inch refracting telescope, which had been displayed the year before at the Chicago World’s Fair. Denver Astronomical Society’s events that still feature the scope are on hold during the remaining Coronavirus crisis; however, you can arrange a tour of a 3-bedroom/4-bath home right across the park, with architecture that represents a post-modern take on the neighborhood’s Victorian origins.
Professors’ Row at Denver’s Observatory Park What: An ‘art house’ is on the market at $1.450 million
An ‘art house’ is on the market at $1.450 million Where: 2210 S. Milwaukee St., Denver; take S. University south past I-25, 4 blocks to Warren Ave, east 5 blocks (just past park) to Milwaukee, right
2210 S. Milwaukee St., Denver; take S. University south past I-25, 4 blocks to Warren Ave, east 5 blocks (just past park) to Milwaukee, right Price: $1.450 million
$1.450 million When: Call for personal showing anytime 10-4 on Sunday, May 3
Call for personal showing anytime 10-4 on Sunday, May 3 Phone: 720-409-7330
Compass Real Estate agent Jason Cummings will arrange to show you 2210 S. Milwaukee Street — an ‘art house’ on the university’s ‘Professors’ Row’ overlooking the observatory. It’s a 1985 design by architect Peter Nelson, that’s been brought up to date by Lance Jackson and his wife Cindy. Jackson is well known for his Denver advertising agency; but he’s also a painter, displaying at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City and other sites. The couple has owned the home since 1995, but two years ago they set out to renew Nelson’s original vision, adding tech features, a landscape for modern sculpture, new lighting, and outdoor living spaces focusing on a fire pit with a park-side view.
You’ll see a trapezoidal exterior, expansive glass block walls, a soaring entry gallery, and irregular shapes to many rooms. Cummings, who has the 4,603 square-foot home priced $1.450 million, says it’s a good value with respect to the custom building happening in the neighborhood, all in the $2-to-$4 million range. Working from a home office, he’s already logged seven contracts since the stay-at-home orders were imposed, including two in the $900,000 range that listed and sold completely virtually. He’ll give you an actual first-hand look at this home today providing you call him 10-to-4 and allow a half-hour notice to arrange a viewing.
Lance Jackson’s art is on the web at ljstudio209.com.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--NHL players could return to team facilities by “mid-to-later portion of May,” league says

Without setting a firm return date , the NHL and NHL Players Association expressed optimism Wednesday that players and team staff could return to their home cities and prepare for some sort of training camp during the “ mid-to-later portion of May.
” In a joint statement , the two parties said the league could move to Phase 2 of a re-opening plan — previously described as the return of players and staff to team headquarters — in the latter portion of May , “ provided that conditions continue to trend favorably.
” “ In the meantime , we expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adhere to the recommended ( self-quarantine ) guidelines put in place when the season was paused on March 12 , ” the statement read .
Phase 3 is training camps and scheduling and Phase 4 is the return of games — possibly the resumption of what was the remainder of the regular season .
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman previously said the league is willing to play through the summer to complete a full season .
The Avalanche has 12 remaining regular-season games .
Carolina and the New York Islanders have a league-high 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 92 points ) stands second in the Central Division and Western Conference behind the St. Louis Blues ( 42-19-10 , 94 points ) , with a game in hand over the defending Stanley Cup champions .

Without setting a firm return date, the NHL and NHL Players Association expressed optimism Wednesday that players and team staff could return to their home cities and prepare for some sort of training camp during the “mid-to-later portion of May.”
In a joint statement, the two parties said the league could move to Phase 2 of a re-opening plan — previously described as the return of players and staff to team headquarters — in the latter portion of May, “provided that conditions continue to trend favorably.”
“In the meantime, we expect Players and Hockey Staff to continue to adhere to the recommended (self-quarantine) guidelines put in place when the season was paused on March 12,” the statement read.
Phase 3 is training camps and scheduling and Phase 4 is the return of games — possibly the resumption of what was the remainder of the regular season. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman previously said the league is willing to play through the summer to complete a full season.
The Avalanche has 12 remaining regular-season games. Carolina and the New York Islanders have a league-high 14 remaining games.
Colorado (42-20-8, 92 points) stands second in the Central Division and Western Conference behind the St. Louis Blues (42-19-10, 94 points), with a game in hand over the defending Stanley Cup champions.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Colorado confirms 766 coronavirus deaths, nearly 15,000 cases

Colorado has confirmed 14,758 cases of the novel coronavirus in the state and 766 deaths , according to data released Wednesday by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
Officials believe the actual number of coronavirus cases to be much higher than the count confirmed through lab tests , due to both limited testing and asymptomatic carriers .
Across the state , 782 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 , the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus , and 82 patients have been discharged from hospitals or transferred to lower levels of care in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , which is released daily .
At least 69,449 people have been tested for the virus , a number state officials hope to greatly increase in the coming weeks as the state ramps up testing , in part by opening at least 42 community testing sites .
State officials are tracking 157 outbreaks at nursing homes , prisons and factories in Colorado , including an outbreak at an Aurora veterans ’ home that has killed two residents and infected 14 residents and staff members .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Colorado has confirmed 14,758 cases of the novel coronavirus in the state and 766 deaths, according to data released Wednesday by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Officials believe the actual number of coronavirus cases to be much higher than the count confirmed through lab tests, due to both limited testing and asymptomatic carriers.
Across the state, 782 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and 82 patients have been discharged from hospitals or transferred to lower levels of care in the past 24 hours, according to the data, which is released daily.
At least 69,449 people have been tested for the virus, a number state officials hope to greatly increase in the coming weeks as the state ramps up testing, in part by opening at least 42 community testing sites.
State officials are tracking 157 outbreaks at nursing homes, prisons and factories in Colorado, including an outbreak at an Aurora veterans’ home that has killed two residents and infected 14 residents and staff members.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Colorado outbreaks: 1,600 senior residents and 1,400 staff have coronavirus

More than one in five known cases of the new coronavirus in Colorado are related to housing for older people or those with disabilities , with more than 1,600 residents and 1,400 staff members believed to have gotten COVID-19 .
The state ’ s outbreak figures include a variety of facilities , such as assisted-living facilities , group homes and some senior communities .
The vast majority of the cases are in nursing homes , however , with 1,312 confirmed or probable cases among residents and 1,183 among staff .
It ’ s not clear how many residents and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Altogether , Colorado had 14,758 confirmed cases of the virus and 766 deaths attributed to it as of Wednesday afternoon .
That was an increase of 442 cases and 30 deaths compared to the previous day , though it ’ s possible that some of the deaths had happened earlier and reporting was delayed .
Officials with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said the list of cases associated with residential facilities isn ’ t comprehensive , because there could be other cases in facilities without confirmed outbreaks .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 130 residential care facilities in addition to several jails and prisons , food-processing plants and retail stores .
State officials also cautioned that residents and staff in facilities with outbreaks are more likely to be tested than the general public , increasing the odds that cases will be found .
Cases among residents increased by 414 compared to last week , and staff cases went up by 334 .
The health care locations with known outbreaks reported 433 resident deaths , up from 323 a week earlier .
The number of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among people living in facilities account for more than half of the state ’ s total .
The growth in fatalities appeared to be slowing at some of the health facilities that were hit hardest , with no new coronavirus-related deaths reported at Centennial Healthcare Center , Juniper Village , Laurel Manor and Winslow Court in the last week .
Other facilities continued to see an increased death toll , however , with Eben Ezer Lutheran Community and Parkview Care Center ’ s reported deaths rising sharply over the past week .
Facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Fairacres Manor , Greeley : 40 cases , 14 deaths ( two more cases and two more deaths ) • Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center , Brush : 31 cases , 12 deaths ( 24 more cases and 11 more deaths ) • Holly Heights Nursing Care Center , Denver : 22 cases , 12 deaths ( 13 more cases and 11 more deaths ) • Columbine North Shore , Loveland : 30 cases , 11 deaths ( lower than last week : 12 cases and three deaths reclassified as not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care Community , Denver : 21 cases , 11 deaths ( three more cases , two more deaths ) • Parkview Care Center , Denver : 24 cases , 10 deaths ( 18 more cases and seven more deaths ) • MorningStar at Mountain Shadows , Colorado Springs : 23 cases , 10 deaths ( two cases reclassified as non-coronavirus , 1 more death ) Additional cases will almost certainly be found .
A few hours before the latest data were released Wednesday afternoon , the Colorado Department of Human Services confirmed two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others had tested positive at the state-run Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons .
Seven staff members at the Aurora facility also tested positive .
Those cases weren ’ t included in the outbreaks data released Wednesday afternoon .
Denver also saw its first confirmed clusters outside of health care facilities , according to the outbreak data .
A bakery at an unspecified Denver location owned by King Soopers had 25 cases , United Ground Express at Denver International Airport reported 14 positive tests , and New Genesis Transitional Living , a homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely had the virus .
Outbreaks were also reported in jails in Adams , Arapahoe and Weld counties , as well as at Sterling Correctional Facility , which has the highest number of cases of any residential facility in the state .
Food processing plants continued to be hotspots , with outbreaks reported in five meat-processing plants and five other facilities making food for people or pets .
One , Leprino Foods , reported 80 cases at its Fort Morgan facility after testing all employees .
The facility shut down for cleaning and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a negative test required before employees can return , a spokeswoman said .
One of the largest recorded outbreaks in the state is at the JBS beef plant in Greeley , which has 245 confirmed cases among employees , according to state data .
Five local JBS employees have died , including four who worked in the plant .
The meatpacking industry as a whole has been hard hit by the novel coronavirus , and President Donald Trump on Tuesday took executive action to order meat plants to stay open , classifying them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain .
Gov .
Jared Polis spoke with Vice President Mike Pence Wednesday about that order , Polis said , and asked that the federal government send not only masks and personal protective equipment to plants , as already promised , but also testing supplies .
“ It ’ s much better for both the workers and for our food security to just remove the 5 to 10 % of workers who might be positive from the workforce , rather than have to close the entire plant for an extended period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I will not let any executive order stand in the way of us protecting people in Colorado and also managing the reliability of the food supply which is also an important economic engine of our state .
”

More than one in five known cases of the new coronavirus in Colorado are related to housing for older people or those with disabilities, with more than 1,600 residents and 1,400 staff members believed to have gotten COVID-19.
The state’s outbreak figures include a variety of facilities, such as assisted-living facilities, group homes and some senior communities. The vast majority of the cases are in nursing homes, however, with 1,312 confirmed or probable cases among residents and 1,183 among staff. It’s not clear how many residents and staff members are still sick or have recovered.
Altogether, Colorado had 14,758 confirmed cases of the virus and 766 deaths attributed to it as of Wednesday afternoon. That was an increase of 442 cases and 30 deaths compared to the previous day, though it’s possible that some of the deaths had happened earlier and reporting was delayed.
Officials with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said the list of cases associated with residential facilities isn’t comprehensive, because there could be other cases in facilities without confirmed outbreaks. As of Wednesday, outbreaks have been identified in 130 residential care facilities in addition to several jails and prisons, food-processing plants and retail stores.
State officials also cautioned that residents and staff in facilities with outbreaks are more likely to be tested than the general public, increasing the odds that cases will be found.
Cases among residents increased by 414 compared to last week, and staff cases went up by 334.
Death toll continues to grow
The health care locations with known outbreaks reported 433 resident deaths, up from 323 a week earlier. The number of staff deaths held steady at one. Deaths among people living in facilities account for more than half of the state’s total.
The growth in fatalities appeared to be slowing at some of the health facilities that were hit hardest, with no new coronavirus-related deaths reported at Centennial Healthcare Center, Juniper Village, Laurel Manor and Winslow Court in the last week. Other facilities continued to see an increased death toll, however, with Eben Ezer Lutheran Community and Parkview Care Center’s reported deaths rising sharply over the past week.
Facilities with the most deaths among residents were:
Cherry Creek Nursing Center, Aurora: 68 cases, 25 deaths (one additional death compared to a week earlier)
Centennial Healthcare Center, Greeley: 38 cases, 19 deaths (no change reported)
Fairacres Manor, Greeley: 40 cases, 14 deaths (two more cases and two more deaths)
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Brush: 31 cases, 12 deaths (24 more cases and 11 more deaths)
Holly Heights Nursing Care Center, Denver: 22 cases, 12 deaths (13 more cases and 11 more deaths)
Columbine North Shore, Loveland: 30 cases, 11 deaths (lower than last week: 12 cases and three deaths reclassified as not coronavirus-related)
Amberwood Court Rehabilitation and Care Community, Denver: 21 cases, 11 deaths (three more cases, two more deaths)
Juniper Village, Aurora: 36 cases, 10 deaths (no change reported)
Winslow Court, Colorado Springs: 27 cases, 10 deaths (four more cases)
Laurel Manor, Colorado Springs: 24 cases, 10 deaths (seven more cases)
Parkview Care Center, Denver: 24 cases, 10 deaths (18 more cases and seven more deaths)
MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, Colorado Springs: 23 cases, 10 deaths (two cases reclassified as non-coronavirus, 1 more death)
Additional cases will almost certainly be found. A few hours before the latest data were released Wednesday afternoon, the Colorado Department of Human Services confirmed two residents had died of COVID-19 and seven others had tested positive at the state-run Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons. Seven staff members at the Aurora facility also tested positive. Those cases weren’t included in the outbreaks data released Wednesday afternoon.
Outbreaks in food processing, other industries
Denver also saw its first confirmed clusters outside of health care facilities, according to the outbreak data. A bakery at an unspecified Denver location owned by King Soopers had 25 cases, United Ground Express at Denver International Airport reported 14 positive tests, and New Genesis Transitional Living, a homeless shelter, said 10 people staying there likely had the virus.
Outbreaks were also reported in jails in Adams, Arapahoe and Weld counties, as well as at Sterling Correctional Facility, which has the highest number of cases of any residential facility in the state.
Food processing plants continued to be hotspots, with outbreaks reported in five meat-processing plants and five other facilities making food for people or pets. One, Leprino Foods, reported 80 cases at its Fort Morgan facility after testing all employees. The facility shut down for cleaning and will partially reopen next week, with a negative test required before employees can return, a spokeswoman said.
One of the largest recorded outbreaks in the state is at the JBS beef plant in Greeley, which has 245 confirmed cases among employees, according to state data. Five local JBS employees have died, including four who worked in the plant.
The meatpacking industry as a whole has been hard hit by the novel coronavirus, and President Donald Trump on Tuesday took executive action to order meat plants to stay open, classifying them as critical to the national food supply chain.
Gov. Jared Polis spoke with Vice President Mike Pence Wednesday about that order, Polis said, and asked that the federal government send not only masks and personal protective equipment to plants, as already promised, but also testing supplies.
“It’s much better for both the workers and for our food security to just remove the 5 to 10% of workers who might be positive from the workforce, rather than have to close the entire plant for an extended period of time,” Polis said, adding later, “I will not let any executive order stand in the way of us protecting people in Colorado and also managing the reliability of the food supply which is also an important economic engine of our state.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Rockies’ Larry Walker must wait a year for induction into Hall of Fame

Larry Walker will always be a member National Baseball Hall of Fame , he ’ ll just have to wait another year to give his speech in Cooperstown , N.Y. , and be officially inducted .
The Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that its board of directors voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Hall of Fame induction weekend events as a result of health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic .
Walker , the first Rockies player to be elected to the Hall of Fame , was on board with the decision .
“ I think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It ’ s hard to imagine going ahead with the ceremony when they are expecting 80,000 people or so people .
And with social distancing laws , it would be a difficult situation .
“ It ’ s too hard to predict what things will be like come July 26 and so much has to be done in order for HOF weekend to happen.
” Walker , as usual , looked on the bright side .
“ So I now have 15 months to prepare my speech , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take away the thrill and honor of it all.
” Walker was originally scheduled to be inducted July 26 in Cooperstown .
The Class of 2020 — Derek Jeter , Marvin Miller , Ted Simmons and Walker — will now be inducted on July 25 , 2021 , alongside any new members elected as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2021 .
The awards presentation on July 24 , 2021 will recognize the Hall of Fame ’ s 2020 and 2021 award winners , including 2020 J.G .
Taylor Spink Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frick Award winner Hawk Harrelson and the winner of the 2020 Buck O ’ Neil Lifetime Achievement Award , David Montgomery .
“ Induction weekend is a celebration of our National Pastime and its greatest legends , and while we are disappointed to cancel this incredibly special event , the board of directors ’ overriding concern is the health and well-being of our new inductees , our Hall of Fame members , our wonderful fans and the hundreds of staff it takes to present the weekend ’ s events in all of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum , said in a statement .
“ We care deeply about every single person who visits Cooperstown.
” Hall of Famer Joe Morgan , vice chairman of the board of directors , added : “ It was a very difficult decision , but with so many unknowns facing the world , the board felt strongly that this was the right decision .
Our Class of 2020 electees should enjoy the same wonderful experience that I did when I was elected , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Next summer ’ s induction ceremony will be the first since 1949 to combine multiple classes of electees .
The first four classes of Hall of Fame members , elected from 1936-39 , were all enshrined on June 12 , 1939 , the day of the museum ’ s formal opening .
The classes of 1946 and 1947 were inducted together in 1947 , and the classes of 1948 and 1949 were inducted together in 1949 .

Larry Walker will always be a member National Baseball Hall of Fame, he’ll just have to wait another year to give his speech in Cooperstown, N.Y., and be officially inducted.
The Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that its board of directors voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Hall of Fame induction weekend events as a result of health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walker, the first Rockies player to be elected to the Hall of Fame, was on board with the decision.
“I think it’s the correct move,” Walker said. “It’s hard to imagine going ahead with the ceremony when they are expecting 80,000 people or so people. And with social distancing laws, it would be a difficult situation.
“It’s too hard to predict what things will be like come July 26 and so much has to be done in order for HOF weekend to happen.”
Walker, as usual, looked on the bright side.
“So I now have 15 months to prepare my speech,” he said. “It doesn’t take away the thrill and honor of it all.”
Walker was originally scheduled to be inducted July 26 in Cooperstown.
The Class of 2020 — Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Walker — will now be inducted on July 25, 2021, alongside any new members elected as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2021. The awards presentation on July 24, 2021 will recognize the Hall of Fame’s 2020 and 2021 award winners, including 2020 J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Nick Cafardo, 2020 Ford C. Frick Award winner Hawk Harrelson and the winner of the 2020 Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award, David Montgomery.
“Induction weekend is a celebration of our National Pastime and its greatest legends, and while we are disappointed to cancel this incredibly special event, the board of directors’ overriding concern is the health and well-being of our new inductees, our Hall of Fame members, our wonderful fans and the hundreds of staff it takes to present the weekend’s events in all of its many facets,” Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a statement. “We care deeply about every single person who visits Cooperstown.”
Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, vice chairman of the board of directors, added: “It was a very difficult decision, but with so many unknowns facing the world, the board felt strongly that this was the right decision. Our Class of 2020 electees should enjoy the same wonderful experience that I did when I was elected, and they will have that opportunity next summer.”
Next summer’s induction ceremony will be the first since 1949 to combine multiple classes of electees. The first four classes of Hall of Fame members, elected from 1936-39, were all enshrined on June 12, 1939, the day of the museum’s formal opening. The classes of 1946 and 1947 were inducted together in 1947, and the classes of 1948 and 1949 were inducted together in 1949.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Broncos remaining flexible on season tickets, putting priority on partnership relations amid coronav

Broncos remaining flexible on season tickets, putting priority on partnership relations amid coronavirus pandemic

With the coronavirus pandemic forcing businesses of all sizes to adjust , the Broncos are also remaining flexible .
The uncertainly regarding sporting events in 2020 presents specific challenges for the franchise , especially in regards to season tickets and sales partnerships .
But so far , the Broncos have been able to ward off disruption in both of those areas .
The Broncos are at a 95 % renewal rate for the team ’ s approximately 60,000 general season tickets , with the first payment deadline , March 12 , coming just before the pandemic hit Colorado .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the team , means the Broncos are likely to finish right around last year ’ s 99 % renewal rate .
“ We ’ ve been flexible with our season-ticket holders on an individual basis , ” said Clark Wray , the Broncos ’ senior director of ticket strategy and analytics .
“ Certainly , if there is someone who is struggling to make a payment , we have been working with ticket holders.
” An email sent to season ticket holders April 2 assured fans that if “ a game is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is played under conditions that prohibit fans from attending , season-ticket members will receive a refund or account credit of the season-ticket purchase price for any impacted games.
” On Wednesday , the NFL reiterated its intention to release the 2020 regular season schedule by May 9 , with kickoff still set for Sept. 10 .
Those within Broncos sales are also proceeding as if the season will open on schedule .
From a partnerships perspective , the team created “ Broncos Boost , ” which aims to keep the team connected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Broncos have about 130 corporate partnerships , a combination of national entities and local ones such as Children ’ s Hospital Colorado , UCHealth and Arrow Electronics .
“ We felt like that ’ s where we needed to focus our efforts — staying connected , offering support and virtual experiences , ” said Sandy Young , the team ’ s senior director of partnership marketing .
“ We ’ re trying to be thoughtful in how we can engage the people we deal with on a day-to-day basis and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaching into the rest of their employee bases.
” That includes mailing out draft hats to partners , letting them participate in Q & A ’ s with ex-Denver stars like Steve Atwater and Jake Plummer , and an upcoming “ Inside the Draft ” virtual event .
Amid all the adjusting , Broncos director of premium sales Danny Pietrafeso said “ there ’ s a resounding emphasis on hope ” within the organization .
“ We know we ’ re an incredible binder to this community , ” Pietrafeso said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter which way we shake it , and with that — and with this unique window — it ’ s caused people to be more hopeful than ever , that ( the season ) is something we can all look forward to.
” The Broncos announced in January that they wouldn ’ t raise season-ticket prices for the third time in four years .
The team ’ s average ticket price in 2019 was $ 103.06 , ranked 17th in the NFL .
The current pandemic isn ’ t likely to dent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , either : There are about 80,000 people on the wait list .

With the coronavirus pandemic forcing businesses of all sizes to adjust, the Broncos are also remaining flexible.
The uncertainly regarding sporting events in 2020 presents specific challenges for the franchise, especially in regards to season tickets and sales partnerships. But so far, the Broncos have been able to ward off disruption in both of those areas.
The Broncos are at a 95% renewal rate for the team’s approximately 60,000 general season tickets, with the first payment deadline, March 12, coming just before the pandemic hit Colorado. That timing, in conjunction with refund assurances from the team, means the Broncos are likely to finish right around last year’s 99% renewal rate.
“We’ve been flexible with our season-ticket holders on an individual basis,” said Clark Wray, the Broncos’ senior director of ticket strategy and analytics. “Certainly, if there is someone who is struggling to make a payment, we have been working with ticket holders.”
An email sent to season ticket holders April 2 assured fans that if “a game is canceled and cannot be rescheduled or is played under conditions that prohibit fans from attending, season-ticket members will receive a refund or account credit of the season-ticket purchase price for any impacted games.”
On Wednesday, the NFL reiterated its intention to release the 2020 regular season schedule by May 9, with kickoff still set for Sept. 10. Those within Broncos sales are also proceeding as if the season will open on schedule.
From a partnerships perspective, the team created “Broncos Boost,” which aims to keep the team connected with clients and provide resources during the pandemic. The Broncos have about 130 corporate partnerships, a combination of national entities and local ones such as Children’s Hospital Colorado, UCHealth and Arrow Electronics.
“We felt like that’s where we needed to focus our efforts — staying connected, offering support and virtual experiences,” said Sandy Young, the team’s senior director of partnership marketing. “We’re trying to be thoughtful in how we can engage the people we deal with on a day-to-day basis and those decision-makers. But we’re also reaching into the rest of their employee bases.”
That includes mailing out draft hats to partners, letting them participate in Q&A’s with ex-Denver stars like Steve Atwater and Jake Plummer, and an upcoming “Inside the Draft” virtual event.
Amid all the adjusting, Broncos director of premium sales Danny Pietrafeso said “there’s a resounding emphasis on hope” within the organization.
“We know we’re an incredible binder to this community,” Pietrafeso said. “What we represent is escapism, no matter which way we shake it, and with that — and with this unique window — it’s caused people to be more hopeful than ever, that (the season) is something we can all look forward to.”
The Broncos announced in January that they wouldn’t raise season-ticket prices for the third time in four years. The team’s average ticket price in 2019 was $103.06, ranked 17th in the NFL. The current pandemic isn’t likely to dent the team’s swell of season-ticket holders, either: There are about 80,000 people on the wait list.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Altitude TV pushes forward in lawsuit against Comcast as court considers motion to dismiss antitrust

Altitude TV pushes forward in lawsuit against Comcast as court considers motion to dismiss antitrust case

The global pandemic and indefinite postponement of major sports have not deterred Altitude TV and its antitrust lawsuit against Comcast .
Altitude and Comcast filed a joint status report in Colorado federal court this week to state positions on how the case should proceed while a judge considers a motion to dismiss .
As the regional sports network and cable giant enters the eighth month of their carriage rights stalemate , Altitude argued both sides should begin discovery ( sharing requested evidence ) starting in May .
Comcast requested a six-week extension of the court ’ s temporary pause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
It claims Comcast plans to monopolize sports programming in Colorado with unreasonable business terms that would force Altitude out of business .
Comcast argues Altitude ’ s claims are a baseless negotiation tactic to bring Avalanche and Nuggets games back to the carrier ’ s platform at financial terms that don ’ t match an evolving media marketplace .
The regional sports network went dark on Comcast in September .
Then sports as a whole stopped indefinitely in early-March when the coronavirus shuttered leagues around the globe .
Altitude has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replays of previous games , remote studio shows and more — but is broadcast only on DirecTV , as Comcast and Dish Network remain unable to reach contract agreements with the network .
In its latest joint court filing , Altitude said that starting discovery now would not endanger public health or violate state social-distancing requirements as it can be “ conducted entirely from home.
” It also reinforces that the temporary suspension of NHL and NBA games does not “ lessen Altitude ’ s interest in proceeding expeditiously in this case.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovery terms in May , followed by a June 30 deadline to address the next steps .
Comcast responded that the indefinite postponement of NHL and NBA games “ diminishes any interest in Altitude claims ( or could ) claim ” to have in moving the case along quickly .
Comcast also said it is in the court ’ s best interest to rule on its motion to dismiss before lifting the pause on discovery .
It added that the pandemic might limit availability for some requested materials as those working from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during ordinary times.
” Comcast requested the court suspend any discovery until at least June 11 .
The coronavirus may continue to keep the Avalanche and Nuggets sidelined in Colorado , but a legal solution to the Comcast-Altitude dispute — pending the court ’ s decision on a motion to dismiss — appears even less imminent .

The global pandemic and indefinite postponement of major sports have not deterred Altitude TV and its antitrust lawsuit against Comcast.
Altitude and Comcast filed a joint status report in Colorado federal court this week to state positions on how the case should proceed while a judge considers a motion to dismiss. As the regional sports network and cable giant enters the eighth month of their carriage rights stalemate, Altitude argued both sides should begin discovery (sharing requested evidence) starting in May. Comcast requested a six-week extension of the court’s temporary pause of discovery.
Altitude filed its antitrust lawsuit in November. It claims Comcast plans to monopolize sports programming in Colorado with unreasonable business terms that would force Altitude out of business. Comcast argues Altitude’s claims are a baseless negotiation tactic to bring Avalanche and Nuggets games back to the carrier’s platform at financial terms that don’t match an evolving media marketplace.
The regional sports network went dark on Comcast in September. Then sports as a whole stopped indefinitely in early-March when the coronavirus shuttered leagues around the globe.
Altitude has resumed television programming in the pandemic with replays of previous games, remote studio shows and more — but is broadcast only on DirecTV, as Comcast and Dish Network remain unable to reach contract agreements with the network.
In its latest joint court filing, Altitude said that starting discovery now would not endanger public health or violate state social-distancing requirements as it can be “conducted entirely from home.” It also reinforces that the temporary suspension of NHL and NBA games does not “lessen Altitude’s interest in proceeding expeditiously in this case.” Altitude laid out a timeline for negotiating discovery terms in May, followed by a June 30 deadline to address the next steps.
Comcast responded that the indefinite postponement of NHL and NBA games “diminishes any interest in Altitude claims (or could) claim” to have in moving the case along quickly. Comcast also said it is in the court’s best interest to rule on its motion to dismiss before lifting the pause on discovery. It added that the pandemic might limit availability for some requested materials as those working from home “may lack access to their files during ordinary times.” Comcast requested the court suspend any discovery until at least June 11.
The coronavirus may continue to keep the Avalanche and Nuggets sidelined in Colorado, but a legal solution to the Comcast-Altitude dispute — pending the court’s decision on a motion to dismiss — appears even less imminent.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Denver’s high temperature on Thursday will be close to record heat

The heat is on in Denver and a near-record high temperature is expected on Thursday .
Skies will be mostly sunny in the city and the high temperature should sizzle to about 88 degrees , according to the National Weather Service .
The record high temperature in Denver on April 30 is 90 degrees set in 1992 .
The record is also the hottest temperature for the entire month of April in the city .
The normal high temperature for Denver on April 30 is 66 degrees , according to the weather service .
Mostly cloudy skies in Denver on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly , the overnight low will drop to 55 degrees .
Friday , however , will be another hot day in Denver with a high temperature of 84 degrees .
There ’ s a 10 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the city and winds will gust to 18 mph , the weather service said .
Colorado ’ s heat means that rivers and streams will be quickly rising because of accelerated snow melt in the mountains .
There is no significant flooding expected in the short-term forecast , but some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising to nearly to top of their banks .
Areas to watch closely include : Elkhead Creek , upper Elk River , upper Slater Fork , and other streams in the upper Yampa Basin , the weather service said .
Anyone near or on waterways should be aware of changing conditions and use caution .
The weather in Denver will cool off this weekend with a high temperature of 78 on Saturday and Sunday .
There ’ s a 40 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Saturday , with just a @ @ @ @ @

The heat is on in Denver and a near-record high temperature is expected on Thursday.
Skies will be mostly sunny in the city and the high temperature should sizzle to about 88 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The record high temperature in Denver on April 30 is 90 degrees set in 1992. The record is also the hottest temperature for the entire month of April in the city.
The normal high temperature for Denver on April 30 is 66 degrees, according to the weather service.
Mostly cloudy skies in Denver on Thursday night will help cool things down quickly, the overnight low will drop to 55 degrees.
Friday, however, will be another hot day in Denver with a high temperature of 84 degrees. There’s a 10% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the city and winds will gust to 18 mph, the weather service said.
Colorado’s heat means that rivers and streams will be quickly rising because of accelerated snow melt in the mountains. There is no significant flooding expected in the short-term forecast, but some areas of northwestern Colorado will see waterways rising to nearly to top of their banks.
Areas to watch closely include: Elkhead Creek, upper Elk River, upper Slater Fork, and other streams in the upper Yampa Basin, the weather service said. Anyone near or on waterways should be aware of changing conditions and use caution.
The weather in Denver will cool off this weekend with a high temperature of 78 on Saturday and Sunday. There’s a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, with just a slight chance on Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-04-30--Avs Mailbag: Colorado continues to build from prospects, injured players getting healthy, NHL season

Avs Mailbag: Colorado continues to build from prospects, injured players getting healthy, NHL season update and more

Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers responds to questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season .
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag .
When the NHL resumes , will the Loveland Express be up and running ?
In other words will the Eagles be playing so players could get ice time , get in rehab work , work to get out of a slump , replace injured players etc .
Or will the Avs just have extra healthy scratch players with an enlarged roster ?
Good question , Gregory .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AHL resuming if/when the NHL does .
Nothing ’ s official about that , and NHL teams can expand beyond 23 players for the playoffs , but the NHL and AHL are a close-knit bunch and I suspect they ’ ll come back together .
On the other hand , perhaps AHL clubs argue that they aren ’ t making any money playing before empty arenas .
Huge difference in the television revenue with the two leagues .
In Colorado , I know Eagles owner Martin Lind wants to finish the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , the Avalanche wants its top prospects to finish the season in Loveland as well .
I think Alex Pietrangelo is a better bet than Taylor Hall .
Look at Hall ’ s numbers from this season and ask why Arizona is not offering seven or eight for him .
Do you know what Joe Sakic ’ s thinking ?
Thanks .
I ’ m not sure what your question is about .
Perhaps you ’ ve been reading other media types who have suggested the Avs are interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that won ’ t happen .
Colorado isn ’ t interested in either .
The Avs will continue to build from their prospects , not free agency .
They love their top-six forwards and don ’ t have room for another right-shot defenseman , with Connor Timmins set to come up and join Cale Makar and Erik Johnson on the right side .
Mike , I know everyone is hunkered down and there are no team activities but are teams allowed to work with the injured players ?
And has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those injured players ?
Thanks and here ’ s hoping we ’ re back to hockey real soon .
Dan , the team is very tight-lipped ; they ’ re treating this like the offseason , with no players or coaches available outside their in-house cheerleaders .
But you can bet all the previously injured players are ready to go , including Colin Wilson who hasn ’ t played since October .
Last week I drove past the Avs ’ practice facility in Centennial and their gated parking lot wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think players are meeting much with trainers , etc .
At the stadium game at Air Force Academy I noticed the benches were opposite of that at the Pepsi Center .
Anyone know why ?
Interesting .
I didn ’ t realize that .
Perhaps the home team had a choice .
Hi Mike , saw your story on Jared Bedmar talking about getting his team ready in two weeks when and if the season returns .
Do you see the NHL jumping right into playoffs , or finishing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just don ’ t see hockey being played all summer and having a few weeks of an offseason before the 2020-21 season starts .
What are you hearing ?
I ’ m hearing the NHL wants to complete the regular season , allowing the Avs to play their final 12 games before the playoffs .
But I ’ m also hearing the league could get everyone to reach 76 games or so and then go into the playoffs .
But , no , I don ’ t see the NHL going straight into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question .
Mike , I know players are still working out on their own , but with rinks closed how out of skating shape will we see players when hockey returns ?
Players will need 1-2 weeks to get back into hockey shape , beginning with captain ’ s skates ( players only ) .
Jared Bednar says he needs 10 days to two weeks to get his team ready .
This isn ’ t baseball .
We don ’ t need three weeks of spring training to get arms ready .
Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season .
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers responds to questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.
When the NHL resumes, will the Loveland Express be up and running? In other words will the Eagles be playing so players could get ice time, get in rehab work, work to get out of a slump, replace injured players etc? Or will the Avs just have extra healthy scratch players with an enlarged roster?
— Gregory Weiss, Denver
Good question, Gregory. At this point, all signs point towards the AHL resuming if/when the NHL does. Nothing’s official about that, and NHL teams can expand beyond 23 players for the playoffs, but the NHL and AHL are a close-knit bunch and I suspect they’ll come back together. On the other hand, perhaps AHL clubs argue that they aren’t making any money playing before empty arenas. There’s a huge difference in the television revenue with the two leagues. In Colorado, I know Eagles owner Martin Lind wants to finish the season; he told me that. And, of course, the Avalanche wants its top prospects to finish the season in Loveland as well.
I think Alex Pietrangelo is a better bet than Taylor Hall. Look at Hall’s numbers from this season and ask why Arizona is not offering seven or eight for him. Do you know what Joe Sakic’s thinking?
— Neal Creswell, Morrison
I’m not sure what your question is about. Perhaps you’ve been reading other media types who have suggested the Avs are interested in pending unrestricted free agents Hall and Pietrangelo. But that won’t happen. Colorado isn’t interested in either. The Avs will continue to build from their prospects, not free agency. They love their top-six forwards and don’t have room for another right-shot defenseman, with Connor Timmins set to come up and join Cale Makar and Erik Johnson on the right side.
Mike, I know everyone is hunkered down and there are no team activities but are teams allowed to work with the injured players? And has the team made any announcements about the status of those injured players? Thanks and here’s hoping we’re back to hockey real soon.
— Dan Rish, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dan, the team is very tight-lipped; they’re treating this like the offseason, with no players or coaches available outside their in-house crew. But you can bet all the previously injured players are ready to go, including Colin Wilson, who hasn’t played since October. Last week I drove past the Avs’ practice facility in Centennial and their gated parking lot wasn’t even locked at the time. I don’t think players are meeting much with trainers, etc.
At the stadium game at Air Force Academy I noticed the benches were opposite of that at the Pepsi Center. Anyone know why?
— Scott, Littleton
Interesting. I didn’t realize that. Perhaps the home team had a choice.
Hi Mike, saw your story on Jared Bedmar talking about getting his team ready in two weeks when and if the season returns. Do you see the NHL jumping right into playoffs, or finishing the season and adjusting playoff schedules? I just don’t see hockey being played all summer and having a few weeks of an offseason before the 2020-21 season starts. What are you hearing?
— Bennie, Aurora
I’m hearing the NHL wants to complete the regular season, allowing the Avs to play their final 12 games before the playoffs. But I’m also hearing the league could get everyone to reach 76 games or so and then go into the playoffs. But, no, I don’t see the NHL going straight into the playoffs whatsoever. Thanks for your question.
Mike, I know players are still working out on their own, but with rinks closed how out of skating shape will we see players when hockey returns?
— Tony, Littleton
Players will need 1-2 weeks to get back into hockey shape, beginning with captain’s skates (players only). Jared Bednar says he needs 10 days to two weeks to get his team ready. This isn’t baseball. We don’t need three weeks of spring training to get arms ready.
Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers responds to questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.