thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Pierre Lacroix dies at 72: How the hockey world reacted to the former Avalanche GM’s death

Former Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix died Sunday .
He was 72 .
Lacroix was the @ @ @ @ @ that won the Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001 .
Here ’ s a look @ @ @ @ @ hockey reacted to his death .

Former Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix died Sunday. He was 72.
Lacroix was the architect behind the Avs teams that won the Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001.
Here’s a look at how the world of hockey reacted to his death.
Very sad to hear this! Pierre was larger than life. I’ll always remember him welcoming me to Denver in 2011 with open arms. His fingerprints are all over the Avalanche, past & present. My thoughts go out to his entire family. https://t.co/USty8MtsMC — Erik Johnson (@6ErikJohnson) December 13, 2020
I owe so much of my career to Pierre Lacroix. From drafting me, to giving a short kid from Indiana a chance to play in the NHL. Absolutely devastating news to hear of his passing. RIP sir. You always set the example, and it was easy to follow. — John-Michael Liles (@hoosierjm26) December 13, 2020
The Montreal Canadiens are saddened to learn of the passing of former Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche GM, Pierre Lacroix. Our sincere condolences go out to Pierre's family and the Avalanche organization. Pierre was a great man admired and respected by all. — Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 13, 2020
A statement from Joe Sakic regarding the passing of Pierre Lacroix. pic.twitter.com/Mu4GUVYgkY — Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 13, 2020
Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the passing of Pierre Lacroix. https://t.co/IRtyHBCXAO pic.twitter.com/eIsEsqp9fP — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 13, 2020
It’s with great sadness that I just learned the passing of Pierre Lacroix. I want to offer my condolences to his family and the @Avalanche — Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) December 13, 2020
Very saddened to hear of the passing of former #avalanche GM Pierre LaCroix. He made an annual habit of making the biggest and boldest move at the trade deadline, or before, and was truly the architect of all those elite Avs teams. Gone way too young… — Drew Goodman (@DrewGoodman42) December 13, 2020
Pierre Lacroix – former @Avalanche GM – passed away at the age of 72. He did things GM's only hope to do. He dared to be bold. He microwaved a championship team in Colorado and then sustained it for a decade. Hard to get into this Broncos game.
Sorry — Vic Lombardiᴰʳ (@VicLombardi) December 13, 2020


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Mikaela Shiffrin wins emotional World Cup giant slalom race

COURCHEVEL , France — An emotional Mikaela Shiffrin won her first World Cup ski race since the death of her father nearly a year ago .
Shiffrin protected her first-run lead in Monday ’ s giant slalom and finished 0.82 seconds ahead of Federica Brignone .
Former world champion Tessa Worley was 1.09 behind in third place in the sun-splashed French Alps .
It was Shiffrin ’ s first victory since January — one week before the death of her father .
The American skier was at first subdued after crossing the line and seeing she had secured her 67th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s name was announced over the loudspeakers at the post-race podium ceremony , she knelt in the snow and appeared to be sobbing .
She conducted a television interview minutes later and initially was unable to compose her words .
“ It ’ s pretty hard to explain .
Ninety-five percent of me felt that I couldn ’ t do it and then just a small bit of me at the right time and I was … , ” Shiffrin said , her words trailing away .
“ It ’ s crazy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the finish area by Brignone , who won the overall World Cup title last season after Shiffrin stopped racing to be with her family in Colorado .
Brignone was in third place after the morning run and had a fast second run going .
After a mistake at a left-hand turn , she slid and recovered her balance with much of her left arm scraping the snow .
Television microphones in the finish area picked up Brignone lamenting her “ stupid ” error .
Marta Bassino ’ s bid for a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skied out in her second run just before Shiffrin started .
World Cup leader Petra Vlhova crashed in the morning run in a tricky section four gates from the finish .
Shiffrin tied Marcel Hirscher for third on the all-time World Cup win list , trailing only Lindsey Vonn with 82 and Ingemar Stenmark with 86 .

COURCHEVEL, France — An emotional Mikaela Shiffrin won her first World Cup ski race since the death of her father nearly a year ago.
Shiffrin protected her first-run lead in Monday’s giant slalom and finished 0.82 seconds ahead of Federica Brignone. Former world champion Tessa Worley was 1.09 behind in third place in the sun-splashed French Alps.
It was Shiffrin’s first victory since January — one week before the death of her father.
Returning to Europe to compete this season, the American skier has spoken of her feelings of sadness and anger, and often searching for motivation. She was at first subdued Monday after crossing the line and seeing she had secured her 67th World Cup victory, tying her for third on the all-time list.
When her name was announced over the loudspeakers at the post-race podium ceremony, Shiffrin crouched in the snow and appeared to be sobbing.
She conducted a television interview minutes later and initially was unable to compose her words.
“It’s pretty hard to explain. Ninety-five percent of me felt that I couldn’t do it and then just a small bit of me at the right time and I was …,” Shiffrin said, her words trailing away. “It’s crazy to be back here.”
She was greeted in the finish area by Brignone, who won the overall World Cup title last season after Shiffrin stopped racing to be with her family in Colorado.
Brignone was in third place after the morning run and had a fast second run going. After a mistake at a left-hand turn, she slid and recovered her balance with much of her left arm scraping the snow.
Television microphones in the finish area picked up Brignone lamenting her “stupid” error.
After the race, Brignone and Worley spoke warmly of their rival.
“I think she’s really strong,” Brignone told Austrian broadcaster ORF, describing Shiffrin as “the best skier in the world. She’s technically almost perfect.”
Worley said she “just wanted to hug” Shiffrin.
“I was so, so proud and happy for her,” Worley said. “I can’t even imagine what she has been through.”
Shiffrin’s father, Jeff, was a familiar figure on the World Cup circuit, often attending and photographing his daughter’s races. Her mother, Eileen, is part of her coaching and support team and came to hug her daughter after the race.
“I definitely didn’t ski alone today,” Shiffrin told ORF. “I had a lot of strength from a lot of people. It’s a bit bittersweet.”
Marta Bassino’s bid for a third straight giant slalom victory this season ended when she skied out in her second run just before Shiffrin started.
World Cup leader Petra Vlhova went out in the morning run in a tricky section four gates from the finish.
Shiffrin tied Marcel Hirscher for third in World Cup wins, and now trails only Lindsey Vonn with 82 and Ingemar Stenmark with 86.


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Gmail, YouTube down briefly as Google suffers brief outage

NEW YORK — Google users in the U.S. , Europe , India and other parts of the world were briefly unable to access their Gmail accounts , watch YouTube videos or get to their online documents during an outage Monday .
Tens of thousands of complaints popped up around 7 a.m. Eastern along the East Coast of the U.S .
The vast majority of those people , about 90 % , could not log in , according to the site Downdetector .
The inability to sign in prevented users accessing other platforms through Google , including mobile video games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the East Coast for parents who were waking children up for school Monday .
Millions of students are relying on Google for online instruction during the pandemic , including platforms like Google Docs .
The problem appeared to cleared up just before 8 a.m. “ The problem with Gmail should be resolved for the vast majority of affected users , ” said Google ’ s parent company , Alphabet , at 7:52 a.m.. “ We will continue to work towards restoring service for the remaining affected users.
” Downdetector , which tracks website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world , but appeared especially widespread in the northeastern U.S. , Britain and other parts of Europe .
Japan , Malaysia and India also looked to be more affected .

NEW YORK — Google users in the U.S., Europe, India and other parts of the world were briefly unable to access their Gmail accounts, watch YouTube videos or get to their online documents during an outage Monday.
Tens of thousands of complaints popped up around 7 a.m. Eastern along the East Coast of the U.S. The vast majority of those people, about 90%, could not log in, according to the site Downdetector.
The inability to sign in prevented users accessing other platforms through Google, including mobile video games.
The disruption was an early jolt on the East Coast for parents who were waking children up for school Monday. Millions of students are relying on Google for online instruction during the pandemic, including platforms like Google Docs.
The problem appeared to cleared up just before 8 a.m.
“The problem with Gmail should be resolved for the vast majority of affected users,” said Google’s parent company, Alphabet, at 7:52 a.m.. “We will continue to work towards restoring service for the remaining affected users.”
Downdetector, which tracks website outages, reported the problem affected users across the world, but appeared especially widespread in the northeastern U.S., Britain and other parts of Europe. Japan, Malaysia and India also looked to be more affected.


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Denver Weather: Snow, cold and slight midweek warmup

The light snow that persisted through the weekend will continue through Tuesday .
The bitter cold temperatures that started Denver @ @ @ @ @ give way to a midweek warmup .
Monday ’ s high will hit 38 degrees @ @ @ @ @ A low of 18 degrees and a 40 % chance of snow could bring a @ @ @ @ @ area overnight .
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder , the mountains could @ @ @ @ @ along with heavy winds .
Tuesday ’ s skies will gradually become clear as the @ @ @ @ @ freezing before dropping back into the teens at night .
Wednesday and Thursday should bring @ @ @ @ @ highs in the mid-40s .
More snow could be on the way Friday .

The light snow that persisted through the weekend will continue through Tuesday.
The bitter cold temperatures that started Denver’s Monday morning should give way to a midweek warmup.
Monday’s high will hit 38 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. A low of 18 degrees and a 40% chance of snow could bring a few inches into the metro area overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, the mountains could see up to 4 inches along with heavy winds.
Tuesday’s skies will gradually become clear as the high will barely reach above freezing before dropping back into the teens at night. Wednesday and Thursday should bring a lot more sun and highs in the mid-40s. More snow could be on the way Friday.


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Why COVID-19 has made college application season even more stressful this year

On top of juggling sports , student government , charity work , a YouTube channel , her senior year course load and dual enrollment college classes during a tumultuous pandemic year , 17-year-old Naomi Barnes is the only member of her family currently employed .
During breaks at her part-time UPS job , the Manual High School senior filled out college applications , refusing to let her lifelong dreams of attending a historically Black college or university fade despite the onslaught of stressors the COVID-19 pandemic presented .
“ My community — we are just struggling to survive to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Struggling to survive is something I don ’ t want to have to keep doing .
I want to be able to set up my family and their families and make sure my kids and their kids don ’ t struggle , and I can do that by going to college.
” College application season can be stressful in a normal year .
In 2020 as the coronavirus has annihilated normalcy in most aspects of life including higher education , experts worry about the consequences of the newfound uncertainties of a traditional college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life making an already taxing application process that much harder .
Compared to last year , nearly 22 % fewer high school seniors who graduated in 2020 nationally went to college in the fall , according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center .
In Colorado , state higher education experts are concerned as preliminary data shows declining enrollment among the class of 2021 , particularly among first-generation college students , students of color and those applying to community college , said Carl Einhaus , senior director of student success and academic affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is a very significant concern , ” Einhaus said .
“ These are all student populations we have been working hard to make sure higher education is accessible to.
” Almost 89 % of top jobs in the state require some form of credential past high school , according to a new report from the state higher education department .
Cassandra Willis , a 17-year-old from Alamosa , has her eyes set on one of those top jobs .
“ I ’ ve always been that nerd who gets straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve always wanted to make a name for myself and show people that a kid from a small town can go to a big college and have a great career , ” Willis said .
“ But this year is just awkward trying to figure out all the college application stuff when everything is different.
” Willis said she and a friend made a pact to apply to colleges together so they could hold each other accountable to getting the work done and be supportive when acceptance or rejection letters arrived .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher education institutions and is especially interested in Regis University ’ s pharmacy program .
Willis said many of her peers , even those who may have considered college in the past , are burned out from the difficult pandemic year .
“ This year has taken a toll on everyone because when I talk to my classmates about college or somebody brings it up in class , a lot of them are not very not motivated to apply , ” Willis said .
Renae Bellew , senior program director with the Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and graduating Denver Public Schools students into postsecondary institutions , said students this year are in survival mode .
“ Planning for the future right now is not the priority for some students , ” Bellew said .
“ There ’ s food insecurity , housing insecurity , mental health concerns that we ’ re addressing with students , so we have to be sensitive to the realities of what our students are experiencing and adjusting the support we provide.
” Bellew said Denver Scholarship Foundation employees are used to tracking down students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classrooms to catch them in the hallway — to make sure they have the resources they need when applying to colleges .
Due to COVID-19 and the massive shift to remote learning , Bellew said those critical face-to-face interactions have been replaced with asking students to hold up financial aid forms to laptop cameras or trying to talk through confusing paperwork over the phone .
Bellew ’ s department has seen a rise in students considering a gap year in the hopes they could have a more traditional post-pandemic college experience , pondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to home .
Willis has concentrated her college search mainly to Colorado due to the pandemic .
“ If I go to school out-of-state and am so far away from my family , what if our school gets shut down and then I don ’ t really have anywhere to go and I ’ d have to book a flight and quarantine and all that sounds like a lot , ” Willis said .
“ I ’ m nervous about that .
I want to stay in Colorado or close to it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is anxious her aspiration to attend college out-of-state may be in jeopardy due to the pandemic .
The Manual High School student has applied to eight HBCUs , all outside Colorado , and intends to study business management and become an entrepreneur .
“ My main thing was getting out of state , so if I wasn ’ t able to do that , that ’ s the part that scares me , ” Barnes said .
From a college admissions standpoint , Karla Hardesty , executive director for enrollment management at Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to innovate to reach students in this trying year .
Normally , Adams State University — a smaller institution in the San Luis Valley — is able to make in-person connections and introduce the school to potential students at college fairs and inside high school classrooms , but pandemic restrictions threw a wrench into many of those plans .
Virtual is always an option , but Hardesty said the institution is aware of Zoom fatigue .
For alternative recruiting , Hardesty said Adams State has begun texting campaigns , social media outreach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with parents and families , too .
Applications at Adams State are down compared to last year , Hardesty said , but admission numbers are on the rise as the university is able to admit students faster because the state made SAT and ACT scores optional this year due to pandemic complications .
“ If a student had challenges this year academically , we ’ re certainly going to take those circumstances of this year into consideration , ” Hardesty said .
Clark Brigger , executive director of admissions at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentiments .
Applications to Colorado ’ s flagship university are actually 26 % ahead of last year , but Brigger said he understands this is a difficult time for many families .
“ We certainly understand that some students won ’ t excel in a remote learning environment and some transcripts have pass/fail grades on them , and we have to look past that passing grade to previous grades and look at sequence of courses and extrapolate , ” Brigger said .
“ We ’ ll be focusing on the entire academic record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letters of recommendation and any COVID-related statements.
” If a student or family had a recent change in financial situation due to the pandemic — or for any reason — Brigger and Hardesty urged them to call the institution ’ s financial aid department and talk it through .
“ There is money available and we ’ re certainly very understanding , ” Brigger said .
“ There are compassionate people that work with them in this process because the world is absolutely changing around everybody right now .
”

On top of juggling sports, student government, charity work, a YouTube channel, her senior year course load and dual enrollment college classes during a tumultuous pandemic year, 17-year-old Naomi Barnes is the only member of her family currently employed.
During breaks at her part-time UPS job, the Manual High School senior filled out college applications, refusing to let her lifelong dreams of attending a historically Black college or university fade despite the onslaught of stressors the COVID-19 pandemic presented.
“My community — we are just struggling to survive to be honest,” Barnes said. “Struggling to survive is something I don’t want to have to keep doing. I want to be able to set up my family and their families and make sure my kids and their kids don’t struggle, and I can do that by going to college.”
College application season can be stressful in a normal year. In 2020 as the coronavirus has annihilated normalcy in most aspects of life including higher education, experts worry about the consequences of the newfound uncertainties of a traditional college life and the added pressures of pandemic life making an already taxing application process that much harder.
Compared to last year, nearly 22% fewer high school seniors who graduated in 2020 nationally went to college in the fall, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. In Colorado, state higher education experts are concerned as preliminary data shows declining enrollment among the class of 2021, particularly among first-generation college students, students of color and those applying to community college, said Carl Einhaus, senior director of student success and academic affairs at the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
“This is a very significant concern,” Einhaus said. “These are all student populations we have been working hard to make sure higher education is accessible to.”
Almost 89% of top jobs in the state require some form of credential past high school, according to a new report from the state higher education department.
Cassandra Willis, a 17-year-old from Alamosa, has her eyes set on one of those top jobs.
“I’ve always been that nerd who gets straight A’s, and I’ve always wanted to make a name for myself and show people that a kid from a small town can go to a big college and have a great career,” Willis said. “But this year is just awkward trying to figure out all the college application stuff when everything is different.”
Willis said she and a friend made a pact to apply to colleges together so they could hold each other accountable to getting the work done and be supportive when acceptance or rejection letters arrived.
The high school senior applied to most Colorado higher education institutions and is especially interested in Regis University’s pharmacy program.
Willis said many of her peers, even those who may have considered college in the past, are burned out from the difficult pandemic year.
“This year has taken a toll on everyone because when I talk to my classmates about college or somebody brings it up in class, a lot of them are not very not motivated to apply,” Willis said.
Renae Bellew, senior program director with the Denver Scholarship Foundation, which works toward enrolling and graduating Denver Public Schools students into postsecondary institutions, said students this year are in survival mode.
“Planning for the future right now is not the priority for some students,” Bellew said. “There’s food insecurity, housing insecurity, mental health concerns that we’re addressing with students, so we have to be sensitive to the realities of what our students are experiencing and adjusting the support we provide.”
Bellew said Denver Scholarship Foundation employees are used to tracking down students in schools — even waiting outside their classrooms to catch them in the hallway — to make sure they have the resources they need when applying to colleges.
Due to COVID-19 and the massive shift to remote learning, Bellew said those critical face-to-face interactions have been replaced with asking students to hold up financial aid forms to laptop cameras or trying to talk through confusing paperwork over the phone.
Bellew’s department has seen a rise in students considering a gap year in the hopes they could have a more traditional post-pandemic college experience, pondering part-time enrollment and looking at colleges closer to home.
Willis has concentrated her college search mainly to Colorado due to the pandemic.
“If I go to school out-of-state and am so far away from my family, what if our school gets shut down and then I don’t really have anywhere to go and I’d have to book a flight and quarantine and all that sounds like a lot,” Willis said. “I’m nervous about that. I want to stay in Colorado or close to it.”
Barnes, on the other hand, is anxious her aspiration to attend college out-of-state may be in jeopardy due to the pandemic.
The Manual High School student has applied to eight HBCUs, all outside Colorado, and intends to study business management and become an entrepreneur.
“My main thing was getting out of state, so if I wasn’t able to do that, that’s the part that scares me,” Barnes said.
From a college admissions standpoint, Karla Hardesty, executive director for enrollment management at Adams State University, said higher education institutions need to innovate to reach students in this trying year.
Normally, Adams State University — a smaller institution in the San Luis Valley — is able to make in-person connections and introduce the school to potential students at college fairs and inside high school classrooms, but pandemic restrictions threw a wrench into many of those plans.
Virtual is always an option, but Hardesty said the institution is aware of Zoom fatigue. For alternative recruiting, Hardesty said Adams State has begun texting campaigns, social media outreach on platforms like Tik Tok and connecting with parents and families, too.
Applications at Adams State are down compared to last year, Hardesty said, but admission numbers are on the rise as the university is able to admit students faster because the state made SAT and ACT scores optional this year due to pandemic complications.
“If a student had challenges this year academically, we’re certainly going to take those circumstances of this year into consideration,” Hardesty said.
Clark Brigger, executive director of admissions at the University of Colorado Boulder, echoed Hardesty’s sentiments.
Applications to Colorado’s flagship university are actually 26% ahead of last year, but Brigger said he understands this is a difficult time for many families.
“We certainly understand that some students won’t excel in a remote learning environment and some transcripts have pass/fail grades on them, and we have to look past that passing grade to previous grades and look at sequence of courses and extrapolate,” Brigger said. “We’ll be focusing on the entire academic record and paying special attention to essays, letters of recommendation and any COVID-related statements.”
If a student or family had a recent change in financial situation due to the pandemic — or for any reason — Brigger and Hardesty urged them to call the institution’s financial aid department and talk it through.
“There is money available and we’re certainly very understanding,” Brigger said. “There are compassionate people that work with them in this process because the world is absolutely changing around everybody right now.”
Update 11 a.m. Dec. 14, 2020 This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Manual High School in the photo captions.


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Police associations nurture holiday giving following stormy summer and with pandemic twist

With an unprecedented backdrop — after a summer of sometimes violent protests and police clashes , and with the ongoing pandemic limiting gatherings and forcing isolation — law enforcement officers around the state are continuing the long-standing tradition of aiding their communities in the spirit of the holidays .
Among the many programs in Colorado is the Aurora Police Association ’ s “ Shop with a Cop ” event .
The Aurora program , which matches local youth with an officer for a planned shopping spree , has two phases — one at the start of the school year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ At Christmas we have the opportunity to give gifts ; this is our Christmas gift to them , ” said Lt. Bob Wesner , a past president of the association who helped start the program five years ago .
Children and teens , up to the age of 17 , receive a $ 200 Walmart gift card with the condition that they have to buy at least one outfit of clothing , Wesner said .
Volunteer officers , from Aurora and other metro area law enforcement agencies , shop with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared experience .
About 100 beneficiaries take part in each phase .
This year , because of COVID-19 concerns , the program shifts to a drive-thru experience .
The holiday Shop with Cop event was held Saturday at the department ’ s District 3 station , 23911 E. Arapahoe Road .
About a dozen association volunteers handed out the cards and a holiday gift basket to kids in passing vehicles .
“ Under the current ( COVID-19 ) circumstances , this is the best way we ’ ve found ” to carry on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation is a partner this year in “ Christmas in the City , ” to be held this Saturday at the Coors Field parking lot .
It ’ s billed as the “ Biggest drive-thru Christmas Party in Denver.
” In Arapahoe County , sheriff ’ s deputies went shopping Tuesday for toys that will be delivered to children in the Deer Trail area .
Donations of toys and gifts were gathered at the sheriff ’ s office headquarters in partnership with the county ’ s “ Partnering for the Holidays ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s office was out and about “ playing Santa ” on Wednesday with the support of “ elves ” who handed out gift cards as a way to “ pay it forward.
” A Facebook post on the Douglas County sheriff ’ s page , titled “ We are Playing Santa , ” 237 reactions , 34 comments and nine shares as of Sunday afternoon .
“ Love you guys…thank you !
” said Debbie Wagner in a comment .
“ We salute you .
Thank you all , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , in which protesters clashed with police and calls were made to defund police departments , community support for police in Aurora continues , Wesner said .
The $ 40,000 annual program is funded mostly through modest donations by grassroots contributors .
Fundraising has been up to par .
“ We thought we would have less support ” for Shop with a Cop this year , Wesner said .
“ It has been wonderful .
The community has been great in making sure kids get the things they need.
” Wesner said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , but it also helps officers as well .
“ It ’ s a pleasant relief from everyday routines that officers tend to get into during their job , ” Wesner said .
“ It ’ s a great time to show support and understand why we do the job we do .
It ’ s for community and how to reach out to them in a positive way .
Mentally , it ’ s like hitting the recharge button ; it kind of puts things in perspective.
” Aurora police this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Elijah McClain , introduced several policing policy changes , including banning carotid pressure holds .
“ Things are getting better ; it is going to take some time , ” Wesner said of policing in the city .
“ I accept the changes and look forward .
We work for the community ; it ( change ) is going to bring people together and to a better understanding .
”

With an unprecedented backdrop — after a summer of sometimes violent protests and police clashes, and with the ongoing pandemic limiting gatherings and forcing isolation — law enforcement officers around the state are continuing the long-standing tradition of aiding their communities in the spirit of the holidays.
Among the many programs in Colorado is the Aurora Police Association’s “Shop with a Cop” event. The Aurora program, which matches local youth with an officer for a planned shopping spree, has two phases — one at the start of the school year and the other heading into the holiday season.
“At Christmas we have the opportunity to give gifts; this is our Christmas gift to them,” said Lt. Bob Wesner, a past president of the association who helped start the program five years ago.
Children and teens, up to the age of 17, receive a $200 Walmart gift card with the condition that they have to buy at least one outfit of clothing, Wesner said. Volunteer officers, from Aurora and other metro area law enforcement agencies, shop with the children, offering advice while celebrating the shared experience. About 100 beneficiaries take part in each phase.
This year, because of COVID-19 concerns, the program shifts to a drive-thru experience. The holiday Shop with Cop event was held Saturday at the department’s District 3 station, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road. About a dozen association volunteers handed out the cards and a holiday gift basket to kids in passing vehicles.
“Under the current (COVID-19) circumstances, this is the best way we’ve found” to carry on, Wesner said.
The Denver Police Foundation is a partner this year in “Christmas in the City,” to be held this Saturday at the Coors Field parking lot. It’s billed as the “Biggest drive-thru Christmas Party in Denver.”
In Arapahoe County, sheriff’s deputies went shopping Tuesday for toys that will be delivered to children in the Deer Trail area. Donations of toys and gifts were gathered at the sheriff’s office headquarters in partnership with the county’s “Partnering for the Holidays” to benefit families.
Our deputies are teaming up with Deer Trail Town Hall to deliver toys this Xmas. They spent the day shopping at Walmart for the town's holiday toy drive. Drop off locations are Deer Trail Town Hall & Deer Trail School. All toys collected will go to Deer Trail families in need. pic.twitter.com/M55qqxsJ7D — Arapahoe Sheriff (@ArapahoeSO) December 8, 2020
In Douglas County, the sheriff’s office was out and about “playing Santa” on Wednesday with the support of “elves” who handed out gift cards as a way to “pay it forward.”
A Facebook post on the Douglas County sheriff’s page,titled “We are Playing Santa,” 237 reactions, 34 comments and nine shares as of Sunday afternoon.
“Love you guys…thank you!” said Debbie Wagner in a comment. “We salute you. Thank you all,” said Joni Dobbins.
After a tense summer, in which protesters clashed with police and calls were made to defund police departments, community support for police in Aurora continues, Wesner said.
The $40,000 annual program is funded mostly through modest donations by grassroots contributors. Fundraising has been up to par.
“We thought we would have less support” for Shop with a Cop this year, Wesner said. “It has been wonderful. The community has been great in making sure kids get the things they need.”
Wesner said Aurora’s two-phase program helps the children, but it also helps officers as well.
“It’s a pleasant relief from everyday routines that officers tend to get into during their job,” Wesner said. “It’s a great time to show support and understand why we do the job we do. It’s for community and how to reach out to them in a positive way. Mentally, it’s like hitting the recharge button; it kind of puts things in perspective.”
Aurora police this summer, after the August 2019 death of Elijah McClain, introduced several policing policy changes, including banning carotid pressure holds.
“Things are getting better; it is going to take some time,” Wesner said of policing in the city. “I accept the changes and look forward. We work for the community; it (change) is going to bring people together and to a better understanding.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--I-70 project: CDOT settles cost claims for $12.5 million — leaving contractors on the hook for much

I-70 project: CDOT settles cost claims for $12.5 million — leaving contractors on the hook for much more

A tentative $ 12.5 million settlement struck between the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Central 70 expansion project ’ s contracting team would resolve long-running cost disputes — while heading off the potential for substantial budget overruns .
Midway through the $ 1.2 billion Interstate 70 project , which broke ground in northeast Denver in mid-2018 , the proposed agreement with Kiewit-Meridiam Partners marks the largest cost settlement to date .
It would eat up most of the $ 20 million that remains in CDOT ’ s construction contingency fund for the project .
CDOT officials said Kiewit-Meridiam had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , through a dozen or so main claims to cover delays and cost overruns .
The deal , which still needs approval from a CDOT affiliate ’ s board in January , would resolve them all , keeping taxpayers off the hook for most of the extra costs .
But Kiewit-Meridiam would need to cover any remaining costs under its public-private partnership contract ; a settlement provision gives it an avenue to do so .
“ All in all , ( $ 12.5 million ) is less than is in the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the budget approved for this project — which for us was sort of a red line , ” said Shoshana Lew , CDOT ’ s executive director , in an interview Friday .
Most of Kiewit ’ s claims were rooted in drawn-out negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad over the design , materials and other matters in a replacement railroad bridge that crosses the freeway in a key section .
At one point , the wrangling with the railroad was the largest driver of extensive delays to the overall project , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently .
It ’ s now on track for substantial completion in February 2023 .
That ’ s still about 11 months behind the original schedule , but closer to a more recent target date .
A settlement term sheet provided by CDOT says Kiewit-Meridiam would be eligible for an extra $ 2.5 million incentive if it ’ s able to wrap up major construction by the end of 2022 .
A spokesman for Kiewit-Meridiam said the partners have made significant progress and “ look forward to delivering this important project to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget.
” “ On large , complex projects such as this one , there are processes and procedures to resolve issues that can arise , ” Matt Sanman , the spokesman , wrote in an email .
“ Working collaboratively with CDOT , Union Pacific Railroad and our other project partners , we have established terms that we believe will lead to a final agreement early next year.
” Nearly 10 miles of I-70 have been under construction between Interstate 25 in Denver and Chambers Road in Aurora .
Kiewit Construction ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanding the freeway to add a tolled express lane in each direction .
The costliest part of the project will replace an aging viaduct through the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood with a sunken , mostly open-air section .
Under its contract with CDOT ’ s High-Performance Transportation Enterprise , Kiewit-Meridiam is responsible for construction as well as three decades of maintenance and operation of the expanded highway .
CDOT ’ s total costs in the long term add up to $ 2.2 billion .
During construction , the contract puts Kiewit-Meridiam at risk for absorbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t approve , which now poses a problem .
So the settlement carries a key condition : CDOT will help the contractors secure an effective refinancing of a hefty federal loan the Kiewit team obtained through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act .
With a lower interest rate , such a move is expected to generate enough money to cover the extra costs , without resulting in higher repayment costs later on .
If the refinancing doesn ’ t pan out , however , the settlement could be off , leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nick Farber , director of CDOT ’ s HPTE affiliate .
The project team ’ s main equity partner , Paris-based Meridiam , ran into trouble this year with a similar public-private partnership deal with the state of Maryland , covering a large transit project .
Disputes over delays and costs recently resulted in the jettisoning of the major construction partner on that project , though Meridiam has retained its investor role .
But that precarious position on another high-profile project likely gave CDOT leverage in the I-70 settlement , suggested a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations .
“ They have a reputational need for this project to go well , ” the official said of Meridiam .
Though CDOT won ’ t be on the hook for Kiewit-Meridiam Partners ’ extra costs , those are likely to increase total I-70 construction expenses closer to $ 1.3 billion , up from $ 1.2 billion .

A tentative $12.5 million settlement struck between the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Central 70 expansion project’s contracting team would resolve long-running cost disputes — while heading off the potential for substantial budget overruns.
Midway through the $1.2 billion Interstate 70 project, which broke ground in northeast Denver in mid-2018, the proposed agreement with Kiewit-Meridiam Partners marks the largest cost settlement to date. It would eat up most of the $20 million that remains in CDOT’s construction contingency fund for the project.
CDOT officials said Kiewit-Meridiam had sought much more — nearly $140 million, through a dozen or so main claims to cover delays and cost overruns. The deal, which still needs approval from a CDOT affiliate’s board in January, would resolve them all, keeping taxpayers off the hook for most of the extra costs.
But Kiewit-Meridiam would need to cover any remaining costs under its public-private partnership contract; a settlement provision gives it an avenue to do so.
(Update: The settlement was finalized in September 2021 after the federal loan refinancing referenced below was successful.)
“All in all, ($12.5 million) is less than is in the project contingency, so it keeps the project within the budget approved for this project — which for us was sort of a red line,” said Shoshana Lew, CDOT’s executive director, in an interview Friday.
Most of Kiewit’s claims were rooted in drawn-out negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad over the design, materials and other matters in a replacement railroad bridge that crosses the freeway in a key section.
At one point, the wrangling with the railroad was the largest driver of extensive delays to the overall project, though the schedule has been reined in more recently. It’s now on track for substantial completion in February 2023. That’s still about 11 months behind the original schedule, but closer to a more recent target date.
A settlement term sheet provided by CDOT says Kiewit-Meridiam would be eligible for an extra $2.5 million incentive if it’s able to wrap up major construction by the end of 2022.
A spokesman for Kiewit-Meridiam said the partners have made significant progress and “look forward to delivering this important project to the public within CDOT’s timeframe and budget.”
“On large, complex projects such as this one, there are processes and procedures to resolve issues that can arise,” Matt Sanman, the spokesman, wrote in an email. “Working collaboratively with CDOT, Union Pacific Railroad and our other project partners, we have established terms that we believe will lead to a final agreement early next year.”
Nearly 10 miles of I-70 have been under construction between Interstate 25 in Denver and Chambers Road in Aurora. Kiewit Construction’s team has rebuilt some sections and is expanding the freeway to add a tolled express lane in each direction. The costliest part of the project will replace an aging viaduct through the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood with a sunken, mostly open-air section.
Under its contract with CDOT’s High-Performance Transportation Enterprise, Kiewit-Meridiam is responsible for construction as well as three decades of maintenance and operation of the expanded highway. CDOT’s total costs in the long term add up to $2.2 billion.
During construction, the contract puts Kiewit-Meridiam at risk for absorbing any unforeseen costs that CDOT doesn’t approve, which now poses a problem.
So the settlement carries a key condition: CDOT will help the contractors secure an effective refinancing of a hefty federal loan the Kiewit team obtained through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. With a lower interest rate, such a move is expected to generate enough money to cover the extra costs, without resulting in higher repayment costs later on.
If the refinancing doesn’t pan out, however, the settlement could be off, leaving the two sides to resume negotiating, said Nick Farber, director of CDOT’s HPTE affiliate.
The project team’s main equity partner, Paris-based Meridiam, ran into trouble this year with a similar public-private partnership deal with the state of Maryland, covering a large transit project. Disputes over delays and costs recently resulted in the jettisoning of the major construction partner on that project, though Meridiam has retained its investor role.
But that precarious position on another high-profile project likely gave CDOT leverage in the I-70 settlement, suggested a senior CDOT official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations.
“They have a reputational need for this project to go well,” the official said of Meridiam.
Though CDOT won’t be on the hook for Kiewit-Meridiam Partners’ extra costs, those are likely to increase total I-70 construction expenses closer to $1.3 billion, up from $1.2 billion.


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--How the 2020 Broncos can make the NFL playoffs entering Week 15

Entering Week 15 , the Broncos still have a shot a making the playoffs — albeit an incredibly slim one .
After beating the Panthers , 32-27 , on Sunday , Denver ’ s postseason hopes are still alive , though they need a lot of help .
Kansas City has clinched the AFC West , so a division title is out of the question .
And with both Indianapolis and Tennessee winning Sunday and improving to 9-3 , the Broncos ( 5-8 ) have only the No .
7 seed to contend for .
A lot of things have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to advance to the postseason for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50 .
Here ’ s a look : The Broncos need three straight victories against the Bills ( 9-3 ) , Chargers ( 4-9 ) and Raiders ( 7-6 ) to finish the year at 8-8 .
Lose any of these games and the playoff bid is officially dead .
2 .
Kansas City ( 12-1 ) , Pittsburgh ( 11-2 ) , Buffalo ( 10-3 ) , Cleveland ( 9-3 ) , Tennessee ( 9-4 ) and Indianapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If any of these teams fail to make the playoffs , it means another team has won at least nine games .
At most , the Broncos can finish the season with eight wins .
3 .
Of the remaining teams , the best record they can finish with is 8-8 .
As stated above , no other team can finish with a better record than 8-8 or else the Broncos are eliminated .
If it ’ s down to just the Broncos and another team , Denver owns the tiebreaker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ record if they win their final four games .
How the Broncos match up in tiebreaks against the remaining teams : • Dolphins : Denver would win because of the Broncos ’ Week 11 victory over Miami .
• Ravens : Denver would win as Baltimore would be 5-7 in conference play .
• Patriots : Denver would win because of the Broncos ’ Week 6 victory over New England .
• Raiders : Denver and Las Vegas would split their season meetings .
The Broncos ( 7-5 in the AFC ) would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at best , 6-6 in conference play .
How the Broncos are eliminated in Week 15 • Broncos lose to or tie the Bills .

Entering Week 15, the Broncos still have a shot a making the playoffs — albeit an incredibly slim one.
After beating the Panthers, 32-27, on Sunday, Denver’s postseason hopes are still alive, though they need a lot of help.
Kansas City has clinched the AFC West, so a division title is out of the question. And with both Indianapolis and Tennessee winning Sunday and improving to 9-3, the Broncos (5-8) have only the No. 7 seed to contend for.
A lot of things have to happen in order for the Broncos to advance to the postseason for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50. Here’s a look:
1. Denver wins out.
The Broncos need three straight victories against the Bills (9-3), Chargers (4-9) and Raiders (7-6) to finish the year at 8-8. Lose any of these games and the playoff bid is officially dead.
2. Kansas City (12-1), Pittsburgh (11-2), Buffalo (10-3), Cleveland (9-3), Tennessee (9-4) and Indianapolis (9-4) must make the playoffs.
If any of these teams fail to make the playoffs, it means another team has won at least nine games. At most, the Broncos can finish the season with eight wins.
3. Of the remaining teams, the best record they can finish with is 8-8.
As stated above, no other team can finish with a better record than 8-8 or else the Broncos are eliminated.
4. Win the tiebreaker.
If it’s down to just the Broncos and another team, Denver owns the tiebreaker. The Broncos would have a 7-5 conference record if they win their final four games.
How the Broncos match up in tiebreaks against the remaining teams:
Dolphins (8-5): Denver would win because of the Broncos’ Week 11 victory over Miami.
Denver would win because of the Broncos’ Week 11 victory over Miami. Ravens (8-5): Denver would win as Baltimore would be 5-7 in conference play.
Denver would win as Baltimore would be 5-7 in conference play. Patriots (6-7): Denver would win because of the Broncos’ Week 6 victory over New England.
Denver would win because of the Broncos’ Week 6 victory over New England. Raiders (7-6): Denver and Las Vegas would split their season meetings. The Broncos (7-5 in the AFC) would win as Las Vegas would be, at best, 6-6 in conference play.
How the Broncos are eliminated in Week 15


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Broncos Q-and-A: What was key to quarterback Drew Lock’s high completion rate

Question : What was the key to quarterback Drew Lock completing 77.8 % ( 21 of 27 ) of his passes in Sunday ’ s win at Carolina ?
Lock ’ s completion rate was the second-best of his career , behind the Houston win last year ( 22 of 27 , 81.5 % ) .
On passes that didn ’ t travel past the line of scrimmage , Lock was 10 of 11 for 77 yards .
The screen game is finally making an appearance for the Broncos .
Running back Melvin Gordon had a 20-yard gain and tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screens .
On Fumagalli ’ s play , which set up receiver Tim Patrick ’ s two-yard touchdown catch , left tackle Calvin Anderson and center Lloyd Cushenberry had downfield blocks .
On Gordon ’ s play , which came one snap before receiver KJ Hamler ’ s 49-yard touchdown catch , right guard Netane Muti and left guard Dalton Risner had big blocks and Gordon broke a downfield tackle .
Lock was 3 of 3 for 118 yards and two touchdowns on attempts that traveled at least 16 “ air ” yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 83-yard punt return touchdown was the first for the Broncos in five years .
What went right ?
The hang time of 4.76 yards and distance of 56 yards allowed Spencer to avoid a fair catch .
The key to a long return is making the first man miss and Spencer made gunner Trenton Cannon miss at the 16-yard line .
Broncos blocker P.J .
Locke then avoided running into Spencer , who darted left and then up the field .
The final three blocks were by Kevin Toliver ( on JJ Jansen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zylstra ) and Royce Freeman ( on punter Joseph Charlton ) .
Q : Agree or disagree with coach Vic Fangio ’ s decision to go for two with a 25-10 lead ?
Kicker Brandon McManus ’ point-after attempt was good , but a Panthers penalty gave Fangio the option the point off the board when Carolina was penalized for offsides .
Fangio sent the offense back on the field for a two-point try from the 1-yard line .
Lock threw incomplete .
A successful play and the Broncos would have led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get Fangio ’ s rationale .
But our rub is by kicking the extra point , a 16-point lead would have required Carolina to make two two-point conversions .
Q : Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 15 consecutive passes during a stretch of the second half .
What wasn ’ t the Broncos ’ defense doing well ?
• How the 2020 Broncos can make the NFL playoffs entering Week 15 • Kiszla : How mad-bomber Drew Lock learned to love the checkdown and made art ( instead of a mess ) for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No problem for Broncos , thanks to Troy Fumagalli and Nick Vannett .
• Broncos have new stars break out in Week 14 victory over Carolina Panthers A : The Broncos wanted to prevent the big play so they started playing off coverage and not blitzing .
Bridgewater ’ s streak started at the 3:35 mark of the third quarter and Carolina trailing by 25-10 .
The Panthers had completions of 12 , zero , nine , 19 , 17 and one yards on a nine-play drive .
The Broncos rushed four on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the Panthers ’ next drive ( trailing 25-17 ) , Bridgewater had completions of two , 14 , eight , 23 , 16 , zero and four yards .
The Broncos mixed up their pressures slightly , using one three-man and five-man rush apiece .
Jumping ahead to the final drive , Fangio called a five-man rush to start the drive .
Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb dusted tight end Ian Thomas to pressure Bridgewater and defensive end Dre ’ Mont Jones cleaned up for the sack .
On third- and fourth-and-8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressures — inside linebacker Josey Jewell had a knockdown on a throwaway on third down and the Panthers gained a yard on fourth down to end their hopes .

Question: What was the key to quarterback Drew Lock completing 77.8% (21-of-27) of his passes in Sunday’s win at Carolina?
Answer: Short passes that turned into long gains.
Lock’s completion rate was the second-best of his career, behind the Houston win last year (22-of-27, 81.5%). On passes that didn’t travel past the line of scrimmage, Lock was 10-of-11 for 77 yards.
The screen game is finally making an appearance for the Broncos. Running back Melvin Gordon had a 20-yard gain and tight end Troy Fumagalli a 29-yard gain on screens. On Fumagalli’s play, which set up receiver Tim Patrick’s two-yard touchdown catch, left tackle Calvin Anderson and center Lloyd Cushenberry had downfield blocks.
On Gordon’s play, which came one snap before receiver KJ Hamler’s 49-yard touchdown catch, right guard Netane Muti and left guard Dalton Risner had big blocks and Gordon broke a downfield tackle.
Lock was 3-of-3 for 118 yards and two touchdowns on attempts that traveled at least 16 “air” yards.
Q: Diontae Spencer’s 83-yard punt return touchdown was the first for the Broncos in five years. What went right?
A: Everything.
The hang time of 4.76 yards and distance of 56 yards allowed Spencer to avoid a fair catch. The key to a long return is making the first man miss and Spencer made gunner Trenton Cannon miss at the 16-yard line.
Broncos blocker P.J. Locke then avoided running into Spencer, who darted left and then up the field. The final three blocks were by Kevin Toliver (on JJ Jansen), Austin Calitro (on Brandon Zylstra) and Royce Freeman (on punter Joseph Charlton).
Q: Agree or disagree with coach Vic Fangio’s decision to go for two with a 25-10 lead?
A: Disagree.
Kicker Brandon McManus’ point-after attempt was good, but a Panthers penalty gave Fangio the option to take the point off the board when Carolina was penalized for offsides. Fangio sent the offense back on the field for a two-point try from the 1-yard line. Lock threw incomplete.
A successful play and the Broncos would have led by three possessions (27-10). We get Fangio’s rationale.
But our rub is by kicking the extra point, a 16-point lead would have required Carolina to make two two-point conversions just to tie.
Q: Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 15 consecutive passes during a stretch of the second half. What wasn’t the Broncos’ defense doing well?
A: The Broncos wanted to prevent the big play so they started playing off coverage and not blitzing.
Bridgewater’s streak started at the 3:35 mark of the third quarter and Carolina trailing by 25-10. The Panthers had completions of 12, zero, nine, 19, 17 and one yards on a nine-play drive. The Broncos rushed four on all six of Bridgewater’s drop-backs.
On the Panthers’ next drive (trailing 25-17), Bridgewater had completions of two, 14, eight, 23, 16, zero and four yards. The Broncos mixed up their pressures slightly, using one three-man and five-man rush apiece.
Jumping ahead to the final drive, Fangio called a five-man rush to start. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb dusted tight end Ian Thomas to pressure Bridgewater and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones cleaned up for the sack. On third- and fourth-and-8, Fangio dialed up two more five-man pressures — inside linebacker Josey Jewell had a knockdown on a throwaway on third down and the Panthers gained a yard on fourth down to end their hopes.


thedenverpost--2020-12-14--Ask Amy: Partner needs man-boy to grow up

Dear Amy : I am a 35-year-old woman .
I am eight years older than “ Steve , ” my boyfriend of 2-1/2 years .
Steve and I seem like a great fit together except he owes me quite a bit of money and seems hesitant to pay me back .
We decided to split our shared expenses , like food , travel and rent and because I end up managing most of the details of our life , his bill is creeping higher and higher .
When he has offered to keep track of expenses , he has fumbled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it becomes my job again .
I don ’ t earn a lot of money , but I am very good at saving it .
I treat him to a meal out here and there , but I can ’ t really afford to pay for both of us all the time .
Often if we are out , there will be an issue with his card , or he doesn ’ t have any cash , so it goes onto his “ bill.
” I ’ ve told him a few times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in a more timely manner .
He will reimburse me part of what he owes me , but then months go by before he pays me again .
I don ’ t think I ’ m doing him a favor if I pay for his life .
He works and does have enough to pay for his expenses .
His parents are wealthy and pay for his phone bill , car insurance , online accounts , and manage his bank account for him .
I have been on my own since my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to find an effective way to address this issue .
What can I do ?
I don ’ t want to be a nag Dear Mama : If “ Steve ” wants to become a functioning adult , then you can try to inspire him to approach this important issue not as his loan officer , but as his partner .
At the very least , you two should commit to a weekly meeting to review your joint expenses and settle up .
You might agree to the concept of “ paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an equal amount toward your joint expenses and then drawing down that amount .
You should also look at lifestyle choices and changes you can make in order to afford your expenses .
I appreciate the work of Dave Ramsey ( Daveramsey.com ) , whose radio show , podcast , and books feature a lot of good advice , as well as inspiring stories of people who have busted their debt and changed entrenched habits .
( Avail yourselves of the FREE resources on his commercial site . )
The real question is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain an overgrown man-boy who is reliant on his parents and his girlfriend to pay his way , then you should take a hard look at the relationship .
Dear Amy : I ’ ve been married to my husband for 15 years .
I love his family .
His brother has had some ups and downs in the past .
He got married last spring .
I couldn ’ t be happier for him and his new wife , but their choice of how to share news is in poor taste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his engagement last year via text message .
We also found out they were rescheduling their wedding via text .
Last month we found out they were expecting their first child — once again via text .
I believe my brother-and-law and his new wife could at least give us a call to share this news .
The rest of my husband ’ s family says , “ That ’ s their style.
” They say the message matters more than the way it is conveyed .
To me it feels disrespectful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call family members with life-changing news , whether it be joyous or sorrowful .
I ’ m extremely frustrated and sad .
This has created a rift .
I ’ m at a loss .
Dear Luddite : Yes , it feels good to be contacted in a more “ personal ” way with big news , but these people are not obligated to behave the way you were raised .
I agree with your in-laws about this , and if you let your judgment about them create a rift in the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outweighs theirs .
Dear Amy : “ Would Like Equality ” was trying to figure out how to get his date to pay for her share of the bill .
When the wait staff first arrives at the table , he should — in hearing shot of his date — tell the wait staff they want separate checks .

Dear Amy: I am a 35-year-old woman. I am eight years older than “Steve,” my boyfriend of 2-1/2 years.
Steve and I seem like a great fit together except he owes me quite a bit of money and seems hesitant to pay me back.
We decided to split our shared expenses, like food, travel and rent and because I end up managing most of the details of our life, his bill is creeping higher and higher.
When he has offered to keep track of expenses, he has fumbled the ball and lost track, so it becomes my job again.
I don’t earn a lot of money, but I am very good at saving it.
I treat him to a meal out here and there, but I can’t really afford to pay for both of us all the time. Often if we are out, there will be an issue with his card, or he doesn’t have any cash, so it goes onto his “bill.”
I’ve told him a few times I would like him to pay me back in a more timely manner.
He will reimburse me part of what he owes me, but then months go by before he pays me again.
I don’t think I’m doing him a favor if I pay for his life. He works and does have enough to pay for his expenses.
His parents are wealthy and pay for his phone bill, car insurance, online accounts, and manage his bank account for him.
I have been on my own since my early 20s. I love him and need to find an effective way to address this issue. What can I do? I don’t want to be a nag
— Sugar Mama
Dear Mama: If “Steve” wants to become a functioning adult, then you can try to inspire him to approach this important issue not as his loan officer, but as his partner.
At the very least, you two should commit to a weekly meeting to review your joint expenses and settle up. You might agree to the concept of “paying yourselves first,” by each contributing an equal amount toward your joint expenses and then drawing down that amount. You should also look at lifestyle choices and changes you can make in order to afford your expenses.
I appreciate the work of Dave Ramsey (Daveramsey.com), whose radio show, podcast, and books feature a lot of good advice, as well as inspiring stories of people who have busted their debt and changed entrenched habits. (Avail yourselves of the FREE resources on his commercial site.)
The real question is one of motivation. If Steve wants to remain an overgrown man-boy who is reliant on his parents and his girlfriend to pay his way, then you should take a hard look at the relationship.
Dear Amy: I’ve been married to my husband for 15 years. I love his family.
His brother has had some ups and downs in the past. He got married last spring. I couldn’t be happier for him and his new wife, but their choice of how to share news is in poor taste.
My husband and I found out about his engagement last year via text message. We also found out they were rescheduling their wedding via text.
Last month we found out they were expecting their first child — once again via text.
I believe my brother-and-law and his new wife could at least give us a call to share this news.
The rest of my husband’s family says, “That’s their style.” They say the message matters more than the way it is conveyed.
To me it feels disrespectful and flippant. I was raised to call family members with life-changing news, whether it be joyous or sorrowful.
I’m extremely frustrated and sad. This has created a rift. I’m at a loss.
— Luddite in Nebraska
Dear Luddite: Yes, it feels good to be contacted in a more “personal” way with big news, but these people are not obligated to behave the way you were raised. I agree with your in-laws about this, and if you let your judgment about them create a rift in the family, then your own poor taste far outweighs theirs.
Dear Amy: “Would Like Equality” was trying to figure out how to get his date to pay for her share of the bill.
When the wait staff first arrives at the table, he should — in hearing shot of his date — tell the wait staff they want separate checks.
— Karen
Dear Karen: Absolutely. Thank you.
(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--2020-12-14--First Colorado health care workers to receive COVID-19 vaccine Monday

Colorado will receive its initial shipment of Pfizer ’ s COVID-19 vaccine Monday morning and the first doses to be administered in the state will go to frontline health care workers later in the day , Gov .
Jared Polis ’ office said Sunday night .
Polis and other state officials are scheduled to accept delivery of the first vaccine shipment Monday morning at a location that has not been publicly identified .
The first people to be vaccinated in Colorado will be frontline health care workers during an event in Fort Collins with Polis on Monday afternoon , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following federal regulatory approval Friday night , Colorado is due to receive 46,800 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in the first shipment .
Next week , state health officials expect to receive 95,600 doses of Moderna ’ s vaccine , provided it , too , receives emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
State officials last week released a list of 156 hospitals , medical sites and county health departments across Colorado that will receive portions of the initial Pfizer and Moderna shipments .
Colorado expects to spend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vaccine distribution plan , inoculating health care workers who are in contact with COVID-19 patients , staff and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities , and first responders such as police , firefighters , EMS workers and correctional staff .
Phase 2 of the vaccine destruction , in the spring , will cover people 65 and older , those with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk from the virus , essential workers and more .
Phase 3 is scheduled follow in the summer and include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .

Colorado will receive its initial shipment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine Monday morning and the first doses to be administered in the state will go to frontline health care workers later in the day, Gov. Jared Polis’ office said Sunday night.
Polis and other state officials are scheduled to accept delivery of the first vaccine shipment Monday morning at a location that has not been publicly identified. The first people to be vaccinated in Colorado will be frontline health care workers during an event in Fort Collins with Polis on Monday afternoon, according to the governor’s office.
Following federal regulatory approval Friday night, Colorado is due to receive 46,800 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in the first shipment. Next week, state health officials expect to receive 95,600 doses of Moderna’s vaccine, provided it, too, receives emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
State officials last week released a list of 156 hospitals, medical sites and county health departments across Colorado that will receive portions of the initial Pfizer and Moderna shipments.
Colorado expects to spend the winter on Phase 1 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, inoculating health care workers who are in contact with COVID-19 patients, staff and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and first responders such as police, firefighters, EMS workers and correctional staff.
Phase 2 of the vaccine destruction, in the spring, will cover people 65 and older, those with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk from the virus, essential workers and more. Phase 3 is scheduled follow in the summer and include Coloradans aged 18 to 64 without high-risk conditions.


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Keeler: Larry Scott is Grinch that stole CU’s Christmas. And Pac-12 can’t stop kicking Buffs fans in

Keeler: Larry Scott is Grinch that stole CU’s Christmas. And Pac-12 can’t stop kicking Buffs fans in the teeth.

First , we ’ d do the fun part : Telling Larry Scott where he can shove his Merlot .
Oh , we all know what we ’ d do , if we were Colorado athletic director Rick George .
After hanging up on Larry , we ’ d be on the phone with CSU Rams athletic director Joe Parker , trying to make the 2020 Rocky Mountain Showdown happen .
Wouldn ’ t matter where .
And here ’ s the cool part : We ’ d sweeten the pot .
We ’ d turn the final shout in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into something substantial .
No fans allowed in the stands ?
Fine .
We ’ d call up local businesses and set up drop spots for non-perishable food items .
We ’ d use the game as a launch point for charitable competition between Buffs faithful and Rams faithful .
CU fan ?
Drop your creamed corn in the Buffs bucket .
CSU fan ?
Toss your soup in the Rams tin .
Or make it toys , if you like .
Same principle .
Same point .
In 1918 , the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumpster fire , a tussle between unbeaten Georgia Tech and unbeaten Pitt at old Forbes Field was played as a benefit to the United War Work Fund .
Proceeds were earmarked for U.S. soldiers who ’ d be returning home after World War I .
Why couldn ’ t we do that here ?
We ’ d go out on a high note .
We ’ d give the people what they want .
We ’ d also give those in need an extra holiday present at the end of 2020 .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teeth .
We sure as heck wouldn ’ t take this malarkey lying down .
Not after CU had another game called off , Saturday ’ s head-scratcher against the Ducks .
And we wouldn ’ t drag our football team — players , equipment , the entire road show — out to Los Angeles on Thursday unless we were dang certain that we ’ d either be playing USC or battling Oregon for the Pac-12 title at the end of the week .
“ Our student-athletes have done all that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and procedures to ensure we were able to play every game on our schedule , ” George said in a statement released by CU Monday evening .
“ We are disappointed to have another game canceled .
We are not considering any non-conference opponents for this weekend.
” And , on the Showdown front , that was pretty much … that .
The Buffs could use a breather , but it sure smells like another golden opportunity missed .
Another shot to the kisser .
Not that you blame the Rams , necessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency non-conference games were designed to hose every non-Pac-12 party in question : Pac-12 home games only , Pac-12 controls the TV , Pac-12 controls the testing .
Of all the minor miracles over the past seven weeks , San Diego State gracing Folsom Field on about 40 hours ’ notice has to be right up there .
I ’ m not sure how much you blame George , either , at least in the short term .
The Buffs signed their heirs away to the Pac-12 long before he got here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day .
Yeah , the money ’ s good .
The alumni parties in L.A. and San Francisco and Phoenix bring in more juice , rake in more dosh , than the shindigs in Kansas City , Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth ever could .
Some business decisions are no-brainers .
Until you realize , too late , the long-term cost of selling your soul .
The Buffs are the redheaded stepchildren of the redheaded stepchildren of the Power 5 .
CU ’ s been yanked around by the Pac-12 more times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mall Santa .
First , the league decreed that coach Karl Dorrell ’ s 4-1 Buffs had to play Oregon at USC this Saturday .
CU was designated as the South ’ s “ stand-by ” team for the 2020 title game , just as the Ducks ( 3-2 ) were for the North in case Washington produced another COVID-19 scare .
A weird and expensive way to make sure Fox got a TV game on Friday night , but whatever .
One problem : No one at the league announced what would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to bail and the Ducks got promoted to the Big Show .
The league made CU its Plan B .
When I asked a Pac-12 spokesperson Monday morning via email what the Buffs ’ Plan B was , he replied that the league , at the moment , didn ’ t have one for them .
A short while later , the Huskies — sure enough — had to back out , starting the musical chairs anew .
Oregon got pushed up .
CU got left without a team .
And a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule another game for this weekend , ” the spokesperson continued , “ but in all cases would need to sub in for USC in the ( championship ) game if USC were unable to play.
” So , basically , you can find someone .
Or we ’ ll find you someone .
But in case we need you Thursday at the last minute , be ready to drop everything and play the Ducks for all the Fiestas .
Who does this ?
Who says this ?
What league treats its teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Or even its bad ones ?
If the SEC , Big Ten or ACC lose a title game participant , that title game is null and void , and drive home safe .
We learned a few things Monday .
One , the Pac-12 is more desperate for television scratch than we thought .
But we knew that .
Second , that it doesn ’ t give two flips about Dorrell , the Buffs , or CU fans .
Deep down , we already knew that , too .

First, we’d do the fun part: Telling Larry Scott where he can shove his Merlot.
Oh, we all know what we’d do, if we were Colorado athletic director Rick George. After hanging up on Larry, we’d be on the phone with CSU Rams athletic director Joe Parker, trying to make the 2020 Rocky Mountain Showdown happen. Wouldn’t matter where.
And here’s the cool part: We’d sweeten the pot. We’d turn the final shout in the strangest, saddest autumn on record into something substantial.
No fans allowed in the stands? Fine. We’d call up local businesses and set up drop spots for non-perishable food items. We’d use the game as a launch point for charitable competition between Buffs faithful and Rams faithful.
CU fan? Drop your creamed corn in the Buffs bucket. CSU fan? Toss your soup in the Rams tin. Or make it toys, if you like. Same principle. Same point.
In 1918, the last college football season that remotely resembled this dumpster fire, a tussle between unbeaten Georgia Tech and unbeaten Pitt at old Forbes Field was played as a benefit to the United War Work Fund. Proceeds were earmarked for U.S. soldiers who’d be returning home after World War I.
Why couldn’t we do that here? We’d go out on a high note. We’d give the people what they want. We’d also give those in need an extra holiday present at the end of 2020. As opposed to one more kick in the teeth.
We sure as heck wouldn’t take this malarkey lying down. Not after CU had another game called off, Saturday’s head-scratcher against the Ducks. And we wouldn’t drag our football team — players, equipment, the entire road show — out to Los Angeles on Thursday unless we were dang certain that we’d either be playing USC or battling Oregon for the Pac-12 title at the end of the week.
“Our student-athletes have done all that we have asked of them in following our protocols and procedures to ensure we were able to play every game on our schedule,” George said in a statement released by CU Monday evening. “We are disappointed to have another game canceled. We are not considering any non-conference opponents for this weekend.”
And, on the Showdown front, that was pretty much … that. The Buffs could use a breather, but it sure smells like another golden opportunity missed. Another shot to the kisser.
Not that you blame the Rams, necessarily. The Pac-12’s conditions for emergency non-conference games were designed to hose every non-Pac-12 party in question: Pac-12 home games only, Pac-12 controls the TV, Pac-12 controls the testing. Of all the minor miracles over the past seven weeks, San Diego State gracing Folsom Field on about 40 hours’ notice has to be right up there.
I’m not sure how much you blame George, either, at least in the short term. The Buffs signed their heirs away to the Pac-12 long before he got here, a Faustian pact that gets worse by the day. Yeah, the money’s good. The alumni parties in L.A. and San Francisco and Phoenix bring in more juice, rake in more dosh, than the shindigs in Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth ever could.
Some business decisions are no-brainers. Until you realize, too late, the long-term cost of selling your soul.
The Buffs are the redheaded stepchildren of the redheaded stepchildren of the Power 5. CU’s been yanked around by the Pac-12 more times than the fake beard on a shopping mall Santa.
First, the league decreed that coach Karl Dorrell’s 4-1 Buffs had to play Oregon at USC this Saturday. CU was designated as the South’s “stand-by” team for the 2020 title game, just as the Ducks (3-2) were for the North in case Washington produced another COVID-19 scare. A weird and expensive way to make sure Fox got a TV game on Friday night, but whatever.
One problem: No one at the league announced what would happen to the Buffs if the Huskies had to bail and the Ducks got promoted to the Big Show.
The league made CU its Plan B. When I asked a Pac-12 spokesperson Monday morning via email what the Buffs’ Plan B was, he replied that the league, at the moment, didn’t have one for them.
A short while later, the Huskies — sure enough — had to back out, starting the musical chairs anew. Oregon got pushed up. CU got left without a team. And a seat.
“They can still potentially schedule another game for this weekend,” the spokesperson continued, “but in all cases would need to sub in for USC in the (championship) game if USC were unable to play.”
So, basically, you can find someone. Or we’ll find you someone. But in case we need you Thursday at the last minute, be ready to drop everything and play the Ducks for all the Fiestas.
Who does this? Who says this? What league treats its teams — its good teams — this way? Or even its bad ones? If the SEC, Big Ten or ACC lose a title game participant, that title game is null and void, and drive home safe.
We learned a few things Monday. One, the Pac-12 is more desperate for television scratch than we thought. But we knew that. Second, that it doesn’t give two flips about Dorrell, the Buffs, or CU fans. Deep down, we already knew that, too.


thedenverpost--2020-12-15--Biden aims to unify divided nation: “Democracy prevailed”

WILMINGTON , Del .
— President-elect Joe Biden told Americans on Monday that “ democracy prevailed ” as electors nationwide cast votes affirming his victory in last month ’ s election , saying the country ’ s governing principles withstood being “ pushed , tested , threatened ” by repeated , baseless claims of fraud championed by President Donald Trump .
In a speech from his longtime home of Wilmington , Delaware , Biden aimed to guide Americans past the tumult of the campaign and Trump ’ s refusal to accept defeat .
“ If anyone didn ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What beats deep in the hearts of the American people is this : democracy , ” Biden said .
“ The right to be heard .
To have your vote counted .
To choose the leaders of this nation .
To govern ourselves.
” After garnering a record of more than 81 million votes , Biden is still trying to build momentum as he prepares to assume the presidency on Jan. 20 .
That ’ s been complicated by Trump refusing to concede while instead pursuing legal challenges that have been roundly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the justices at the Supreme Court .
In his most forceful language to date , Biden noted that he received 7-plus million more votes than Trump and that the 306 electoral votes that secured his victory was the same number Trump got when winning the presidency four years ago .
He added that , in 2016 , Trump called his Electoral College win “ a landslide.
” “ By his own standards , these numbers represent a clear victory then , and I respectfully suggest they do so now , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case that the Supreme Court unanimously rejected “ tried to wipe out votes of more than 20 million Americans in other states and hand the presidency to a president who lost the Electoral College , lost the popular vote and lost each and every one of the states whose votes they were trying to reverse.
” Biden said that while Trump ’ s actions threatened core democratic norms , the institutions that protect the rights of Americans didn ’ t crumble .
“ In America , politicians don ’ t take power — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the president-elect said .
“ The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago .
And we now know that nothing — not even a pandemic — or an abuse of power — can extinguish that flame.
” The fact that he had to even give such a speech shortly after electors voted to make him the president — a usually routine and even mundane step — shows how extraordinary the post-election period has been , with Trump trying to thwart Biden at every turn .
Despite that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his presidential campaign , pledging to be “ a president for all Americans ” who will “ work just as hard for those of you who didn ’ t vote for me as I will for those who did.
” “ Now it is time to turn the page as we ’ ve done throughout our history , ” he said .
“ To unite .
To heal.
” He said that was the only way the country could overcome the worst health crisis in more than a century , saying that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to work together , give each other a chance and lower the temperature.
” Whether his message of unity will have any effect remains to be seen .
Top Republicans have mostly continued to back Trump and his unsubstantiated claims of a rigged election and , even once Biden takes power , are unlikely to give him any of the traditional honeymoon period .
Biden recalled that one of his jobs as vice president four years ago was to formally recognize Trump ’ s electoral victory in the Senate after 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same process to occur this time — saluting the small number of GOP senators who have acknowledged his victory .
But there are many other leading Republicans who have continued to side with Trump .
And after losing dozens of legal challenges on the state and federal level , Trump is expected to push forward with new litigation this week .
Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani says he expects five more lawsuits at the state level .
Even after he takes the White House , Biden faces a narrowly divided Senate .
Next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide which party controls the chamber .
There ’ s also a thinned Democratic majority in the House as the GOP picked up seats even as Trump lost .
Meanwhile , Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is set to hold a hearing Wednesday on election “ irregularities.
” Johnson has questioned why Congress wasn ’ t informed that the taxes of Biden ’ s son Hunter were under federal investigation during Trump ’ s impeachment trial last year .
The president was acquitted in a Senate trial that centered on Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on whether he abused his office by seeking an investigation into the Bidens .
Hunter Biden served on the board of directors of a Ukrainian energy company .
The younger Biden said in a statement last week that he just recently learned that he was under investigation .
He also said he committed no wrongdoing .
Biden ’ s deputy chief of staff , Jen O ’ Malley Dillon downplayed the notion that the investigation could hamper Biden ’ s ability to pursue his agenda .
“ The president-elect himself has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s family , ” O ’ Malley Dillon said .
“ It is about the American people ’ s families .
And I think we ’ re going to continue to stay focused on the issues that are impacting their daily lives .
”

WILMINGTON, Del. — President-elect Joe Biden told Americans on Monday that “democracy prevailed” as electors nationwide cast votes affirming his victory in last month’s election, saying the country’s governing principles withstood being “pushed, tested, threatened” by repeated, baseless claims of fraud championed by President Donald Trump.
In a speech from his longtime home of Wilmington, Delaware, Biden aimed to guide Americans past the tumult of the campaign and Trump’s refusal to accept defeat.
“If anyone didn’t know it before, we know it now. What beats deep in the hearts of the American people is this: democracy,” Biden said. “The right to be heard. To have your vote counted. To choose the leaders of this nation. To govern ourselves.”
After garnering a record of more than 81 million votes, Biden is still trying to build momentum as he prepares to assume the presidency on Jan. 20. That’s been complicated by Trump refusing to concede while instead pursuing legal challenges that have been roundly rejected by judges across the political spectrum, including the justices at the Supreme Court.
In his most forceful language to date, Biden noted that he received 7-plus million more votes than Trump and that the 306 electoral votes that secured his victory was the same number Trump got when winning the presidency four years ago. He added that, in 2016, Trump called his Electoral College win “a landslide.”
“By his own standards, these numbers represent a clear victory then, and I respectfully suggest they do so now,” Biden said.
He said the Trump-backed case that the Supreme Court unanimously rejected “tried to wipe out votes of more than 20 million Americans in other states and hand the presidency to a president who lost the Electoral College, lost the popular vote and lost each and every one of the states whose votes they were trying to reverse.”
Biden said that while Trump’s actions threatened core democratic norms, the institutions that protect the rights of Americans didn’t crumble.
“In America, politicians don’t take power — the people grant it to them,” the president-elect said. “The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know that nothing — not even a pandemic — or an abuse of power — can extinguish that flame.”
The fact that he had to even give such a speech shortly after electors voted to make him the president — a usually routine and even mundane step — shows how extraordinary the post-election period has been, with Trump trying to thwart Biden at every turn.
Despite that, Biden struck a familiar theme of his presidential campaign, pledging to be “a president for all Americans” who will “work just as hard for those of you who didn’t vote for me as I will for those who did.”
“Now it is time to turn the page as we’ve done throughout our history,” he said. “To unite. To heal.”
He said that was the only way the country could overcome the worst health crisis in more than a century, saying that in the face of the pandemic, “we need to work together, give each other a chance and lower the temperature.”
Whether his message of unity will have any effect remains to be seen. Top Republicans have mostly continued to back Trump and his unsubstantiated claims of a rigged election and, even once Biden takes power, are unlikely to give him any of the traditional honeymoon period.
Biden recalled that one of his jobs as vice president four years ago was to formally recognize Trump’s electoral victory in the Senate after 2016, and he said he expected the same process to occur this time — saluting the small number of GOP senators who have acknowledged his victory. But there are many other leading Republicans who have continued to side with Trump.
And after losing dozens of legal challenges on the state and federal level, Trump is expected to push forward with new litigation this week. Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani says he expects five more lawsuits at the state level.
Even after he takes the White House, Biden faces a narrowly divided Senate. Next month’s runoff elections in Georgia will decide which party controls the chamber. There’s also a thinned Democratic majority in the House as the GOP picked up seats even as Trump lost.
Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is set to hold a hearing Wednesday on election “irregularities.” Johnson has questioned why Congress wasn’t informed that the taxes of Biden’s son Hunter were under federal investigation during Trump’s impeachment trial last year.
The president was acquitted in a Senate trial that centered on Trump’s dealings with Ukraine’s president and on whether he abused his office by seeking an investigation into the Bidens. Hunter Biden served on the board of directors of a Ukrainian energy company.
The younger Biden said in a statement last week that he just recently learned that he was under investigation. He also said he committed no wrongdoing.
Biden’s deputy chief of staff, Jen O’Malley Dillon downplayed the notion that the investigation could hamper Biden’s ability to pursue his agenda.
“The president-elect himself has said this is not about his family or Donald Trump’s family,” O’Malley Dillon said. “It is about the American people’s families. And I think we’re going to continue to stay focused on the issues that are impacting their daily lives.”