thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Keeler: Ex-Nuggets coach George Karl on Kobe Bryant’s 1998 All-Star benching, and why he became a Bl

Keeler: Ex-Nuggets coach George Karl on Kobe Bryant’s 1998 All-Star benching, and why he became a Black Mamba fan

“ Kobe thought I kept him on the bench because I wanted Michael ( Jordan ) to win the MVP , ” the former Nuggets coach recalled Monday .
The bench in question was at Madison Square Garden , in the 1998 NBA All-Star Game .
The Black Mamba was only 19 then , making his first all-star appearance , and had 18 points through three quarters for Karl ’ s West squad .
Jordan finished with 23 for the victorious East and was selected as the game ’ s MVP .
“ And that was the game where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get out of the way , he wanted to go 1-on-1 and isolate , ” Karl said of Bryant , the 41-year-old basketball icon who perished , along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven others , in a helicopter crash Sunday .
“ And a couple players came to me and said , ‘ I don ’ t want to play.
’ David Robinson was older at that time , Karl Malone was older at that time.
” Malone took umbrage to the teenage phenom waving off his screens , but Kobe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never healed .
Last September , during an appearance on the Knuckleheads podcast with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles , Bryant said that the decision made by Karl , who would later steer Denver to nine straight playoff berths from 2005-13 , never stopped eating at him .
“ Later in years ( that ) became my motivation against Denver , to never let them win a playoff series because he didn ’ t play me the whole fourth quarter of that game , ” Bryant said in 2019 .
“ So when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoffs , it was like , ‘ Hold on — you ’ re never , you will never , beat me in the playoffs.
’ ” And they didn ’ t .
Bryant ’ s Lakers eliminated Karl and the Nuggets three times during that eight-season run — in 2008 , 2009 and 2012 .
The 2009 tussle in the Western conference finals , which Bryant ’ s Lakers won in six games , still stings .
“ Some of them weren ’ t fair , ” Karl said of the matchups .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( our ) coach would ’ ve drawn up a play to get the ball in-bounds a couple times , we might ’ ve won that series.
” Karl , now 68 , didn ’ t know the Mamba well — not nearly as well as Jordan , his fellow North Carolina Tar Heel .
But in the last dozen years , their respective circles , and families , intertwined .
Karl ’ s son Coby played with Bryant on the Lakers in 2007-08 and is in his fourth season coaching that franchise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news of Sunday ’ s crash , and the nine lives it cut tragically short , hit even closer to home .
“ It ’ s helped to talk about it , ” Karl said .
“ But I can ’ t deny that , when I found out about it , I was numb .
And the haunting thing to me was , I have a 15-year-old daughter , and if that happened to me with my daughter — I would die for my daughter , but I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Madison Square Garden Kobe , was complex , impudent and driven like a ’ 73 Econoline .
But what impressed Karl in retrospect — even more than his talents , grit , grind and utter ruthlessness in the clutch — was Bryant ’ s growth , on and off the court .
The way the lessons , even the painful ones , stuck .
“ In every aspect of his life , he evolved into a better person because of it , ” Karl said .
“ And I think he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of players .
And a lot of women ’ s players , I think , he went out of his way to be ( a mentor to ) .
And I admired him for all that stuff .
“ After 36 hours of thinking about it , the kindest thing I ’ d say about him is he made the game better .
I ’ ve always said of players , I love basketball players who made other players better .
In the end , the game is better because he played 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
”

Kobe Bryant never forgave. George Karl never forgot.
“Kobe thought I kept him on the bench because I wanted Michael (Jordan) to win the MVP,” the former Nuggets coach recalled Monday.
The bench in question was at Madison Square Garden, in the 1998 NBA All-Star Game. The Black Mamba was only 19 then, making his first all-star appearance, and had 18 points through three quarters for Karl’s West squad. Jordan finished with 23 for the victorious East and was selected as the game’s MVP.
“And that was the game where I think Kobe, he was telling guys to get out of the way, he wanted to go 1-on-1 and isolate,” Karl said of Bryant, the 41-year-old basketball icon who perished, along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven others, in a helicopter crash Sunday. “And a couple players came to me and said, ‘I don’t want to play.’ David Robinson was older at that time, Karl Malone was older at that time.”
Malone took umbrage to the teenage phenom waving off his screens, but Kobe smelled a conspiracy afoot.
The wound never healed. Last September, during an appearance on the Knuckleheads podcast with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, Bryant said that the decision made by Karl, who would later steer Denver to nine straight playoff berths from 2005-13, never stopped eating at him.
“Later in years (that) became my motivation against Denver, to never let them win a playoff series because he didn’t play me the whole fourth quarter of that game,” Bryant said in 2019. “So when we played the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, it was like, ‘Hold on — you’re never, you will never, beat me in the playoffs.’”
And they didn’t. Bryant’s Lakers eliminated Karl and the Nuggets three times during that eight-season run — in 2008, 2009 and 2012. The 2009 tussle in the Western conference finals, which Bryant’s Lakers won in six games, still stings.
“Some of them weren’t fair,” Karl said of the matchups. “The one in 2008-09, if (our) coach would’ve drawn up a play to get the ball in-bounds a couple times, we might’ve won that series.”
Karl, now 68, didn’t know the Mamba well — not nearly as well as Jordan, his fellow North Carolina Tar Heel. But in the last dozen years, their respective circles, and families, intertwined. Karl’s son Coby played with Bryant on the Lakers in 2007-08 and is in his fourth season coaching that franchise’s D-League club.
Which made the news of Sunday’s crash, and the nine lives it cut tragically short, hit even closer to home.
“It’s helped to talk about it,” Karl said.
“But I can’t deny that, when I found out about it, I was numb. And the haunting thing to me was, I have a 15-year-old daughter, and if that happened to me with my daughter — I would die for my daughter, but I don’t want her to die.”
Young Kobe, Madison Square Garden Kobe, was complex, impudent and driven like a ’73 Econoline. But what impressed Karl in retrospect — even more than his talents, grit, grind and utter ruthlessness in the clutch — was Bryant’s growth, on and off the court.
The way the lessons, even the painful ones, stuck.
“In every aspect of his life, he evolved into a better person because of it,” Karl said. “And I think he was turning into a mentor for a lot of players. And a lot of women’s players, I think, he went out of his way to be (a mentor to). And I admired him for all that stuff.
“After 36 hours of thinking about it, the kindest thing I’d say about him is he made the game better. I’ve always said of players, I love basketball players who made other players better. In the end, the game is better because he played 20 years of basketball at a very high level.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--China counts 106 coronavirus deaths as the U.S. and others move to evacuate

BEIJING — China on Tuesday reported 25 more deaths from a new viral disease , raising the total to at least 106 , as the U.S. government prepared to fly Americans out of the city at the center of the outbreak .
The total includes the first death in Beijing , the Chinese capital , on Monday and 24 new deaths in Hubei province , where illnesses from the newly identified coronavirus first surfaced in December , the government announced .
The U.S. Consulate in Wuhan , where authorities cut off most access Jan. 22 in an effort to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its diplomats and some other Americans out of the city .
Japan , France and Mongolia and other governments also were preparing evacuations .
China ’ s increasingly drastic containment efforts began with the suspension of plane , train and bus links to Wuhan , a city of 11 million people in central China .
That lockdown has expanded to 17 cities with more than 50 million people in the most far-reaching disease-control measures ever imposed .
China extended the Lunar New Year holiday , the country ’ s busiest travel season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public at home and reduce the risk infection will spread .
U.S. health officials expanded their recommendation for people to avoid non-essential travel to any part of China , rather than just Wuhan and other areas most affected by the outbreak .
Mongolia closed its vast border with China , and Hong Kong and Malaysia are barring visitors from Hubei province .
Chinese travel agencies were ordered to cancel group tours nationwide .
There were 1,771 new cases confirmed on Monday , raising the national total to 4,515 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in serious condition .
Also Tuesday , the Education Ministry canceled English-proficiency and other tests for students to apply to foreign universities were canceled .
Public schools and universities have been ordered to postpone reopening following the Lunar New Year holiday until further notice .
Stock markets around the world were down sharply Monday as investors worried the outbreak could hurt the global economy .
More than 45 cases have been confirmed elsewhere in the world .
Almost all involve Chinese tourists or people who visited Wuhan .
Sri Lanka confirmed its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed in the United States , Thailand , Taiwan , Japan , South Korea , Vietnam , Singapore , Malaysia , Nepal , France , Canada and Australia .
As of Monday , there were five Americans diagnosed with the virus in Washington state , Chicago , Southern California and Arizona , all of whom had recently traveled to central China .
Health officials said they had no evidence the virus was spreading in the United States and they believe the risk to Americans remains low .
China also reported eight cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The epidemic has revived memories of the SARS outbreak that originated in China and killed nearly 800 people .
Then , Chinese authorities were criticized for reacting slowly and failing to disclose information .
The government has responded more aggressively to the latest outbreak .
Wuhan is building two hospitals , one with 1,500 beds and another with 1,000 , for the growing number of patients .
The first is scheduled to be finished next week .
The virus is from the coronavirus family that includes the common cold but also more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Respiratory Syndrome .
The new virus causes cold- and flu-like symptoms , including cough and fever , and in more severe cases , shortness of breath and pneumonia .
The virus is thought to have spread to people from wild animals sold at a market in Wuhan .
On Sunday , authorities banned trade in wild animals and urged people to stop eating meat from them .

BEIJING — China on Tuesday reported 25 more deaths from a new viral disease, raising the total to at least 106, as the U.S. government prepared to fly Americans out of the city at the center of the outbreak.
The total includes the first death in Beijing, the Chinese capital, on Monday and 24 new deaths in Hubei province, where illnesses from the newly identified coronavirus first surfaced in December, the government announced.
The U.S. Consulate in Wuhan, where authorities cut off most access Jan. 22 in an effort to contain the disease, was preparing to fly its diplomats and some other Americans out of the city. Japan, France and Mongolia and other governments also were preparing evacuations.
China’s increasingly drastic containment efforts began with the suspension of plane, train and bus links to Wuhan, a city of 11 million people in central China. That lockdown has expanded to 17 cities with more than 50 million people in the most far-reaching disease-control measures ever imposed.
China extended the Lunar New Year holiday, the country’s busiest travel season, by three days to Sunday to keep the public at home and reduce the risk infection will spread.
U.S. health officials expanded their recommendation for people to avoid non-essential travel to any part of China, rather than just Wuhan and other areas most affected by the outbreak. Mongolia closed its vast border with China, and Hong Kong and Malaysia are barring visitors from Hubei province. Chinese travel agencies were ordered to cancel group tours nationwide.
There were 1,771 new cases confirmed on Monday, raising the national total to 4,515, according to the National Health Commission. It said 976 were in serious condition.
Also Tuesday, the Education Ministry canceled English-proficiency and other tests for students to apply to foreign universities were canceled. Public schools and universities have been ordered to postpone reopening following the Lunar New Year holiday until further notice.
Stock markets around the world were down sharply Monday as investors worried the outbreak could hurt the global economy.
More than 45 cases have been confirmed elsewhere in the world. Almost all involve Chinese tourists or people who visited Wuhan.
Sri Lanka confirmed its first case Monday. Infections also have been confirmed in the United States, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, France, Canada and Australia.
As of Monday, there were five Americans diagnosed with the virus in Washington state, Chicago, Southern California and Arizona, all of whom had recently traveled to central China. Health officials said they had no evidence the virus was spreading in the United States and they believe the risk to Americans remains low.
China also reported eight cases in Hong Kong and five in Macao.
The epidemic has revived memories of the SARS outbreak that originated in China and killed nearly 800 people. Then, Chinese authorities were criticized for reacting slowly and failing to disclose information. The government has responded more aggressively to the latest outbreak.
Wuhan is building two hospitals, one with 1,500 beds and another with 1,000, for the growing number of patients. The first is scheduled to be finished next week.
The virus is from the coronavirus family that includes the common cold but also more severe illnesses like SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. The new virus causes cold- and flu-like symptoms, including cough and fever, and in more severe cases, shortness of breath and pneumonia.
The virus is thought to have spread to people from wild animals sold at a market in Wuhan. On Sunday, authorities banned trade in wild animals and urged people to stop eating meat from them.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Scientists at CU create living concrete that can reproduce on its own

For centuries , builders have been making concrete roughly the same way : by mixing hard materials like sand with various binders , and hoping it stays fixed and rigid for a long time to come .
Now , an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Colorado , Boulder , has created a rather different kind of concrete — one that is alive and can even reproduce .
Minerals in the new material are deposited not by chemistry but by cyanobacteria , a common class of microbes that capture energy through photosynthesis .
The photosynthetic process absorbs carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of regular concrete , which spews huge amounts of that greenhouse gas .
Photosynthetic bacteria also give the concrete another unusual feature : a green color .
“ It really does look like a Frankenstein material , ” said Wil Srubar , a structural engineer and the head of the research project .
( The green color fades as the material dries . )
Other researchers have worked on incorporating biology into concrete , especially concrete that can heal its own cracks .
A major advantage of the new material , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding bacteria to regular concrete — an inhospitable environment — their process is oriented around bacteria : enlisting them to build the concrete , and keeping them alive so they make more later on .
The new concrete , described in the journal Matter , “ represents a new and exciting class of low-carbon , designer construction materials , ” said Andrea Hamilton , a concrete expert at the University of Strathclyde , in Scotland .
To build the living concrete , the researchers first tried putting cyanobacteria in a mixture of warm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microbes eagerly absorbed light and began producing calcium carbonate , gradually cementing the sand particles together .
But the process was slow — and DARPA , the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the project ’ s funder , wanted the construction to go very quickly .
Necessity , happily , birthed invention .
Srubar had previously worked with gelatin , a food ingredient that , when dissolved in water and cooled , forms special bonds between its molecules .
Importantly , it can be used at moderate temperatures that are gentle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strengthen the matrix being built by the cyanobacteria , and the team was intrigued .
The researchers bought Knox brand gelatin at a local supermarket and dissolved it in the solution with the bacteria .
When they poured the mixture into molds and cooled it in a refrigerator , the gelatin formed its bonds — “ just like when you make Jell-O , ” Srubar said .
The gelatin provided more structure , and worked with the bacteria to help the living concrete grow stronger and faster .
After about a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shape of whatever molds the group used , including 2-inch cubes , shoe box-size blocks and truss pieces with struts and cutouts .
Individual 2-inch cubes were strong enough for a person to stand on , although the material is weak compared to most conventional concretes .
Blocks about the size of a shoe box showed potential for doing real construction .
“ The first time we made a big structure using this system , we didn ’ t know if it was going to work , scaling up from this little-bitty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Chelsea Heveran , a former postdoc with the group — now an engineer at Montana State University — and the lead author of the study .
“ We took it out of the mold and held it — it was a beautiful , bright green and said ‘ DARPA ’ on the side.
” ( The mold featured the name of the project ’ s funder . )
“ It was the first time we had the scale we were envisioning , and that was really exciting.
” When the group brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with officials from DARPA , they were impressed , Srubar said : “ Everyone wanted one on their desk.
” Stored in relatively dry air at room temperature , the blocks reach their maximum strength over the course of days , and the bacteria gradually begin to die out .
But even after a few weeks , the blocks are still alive ; when again exposed to high temperature and humidity , many of the bacterial cells perk back up .
The group can take one block , cut it with a diamond-tipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm beaker with more raw materials , pour it in a mold , and begin concrete formation anew .
Each block could thus spawn three new generations , yielding eight descendant blocks .
The Department of Defense is interested in using the reproductive ability of these “ LBMs ” — living building materials — to aid construction in remote or austere environments .
“ Out in the desert , you don ’ t want to have to truck in lots of materials , ” Srubar said .
The blocks also have the advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common materials .
Most concrete requires virgin sand that comes from rivers , lakes and oceans , which is running short worldwide , largely because of the enormous demand for concrete .
The new living material is not so picky .
“ We ’ re not pigeonholed into using some particular kind of sand , ” Srubar said .
“ We could use waste materials like ground glass or recycled concrete.
” The research team is working to make the material more practical by making the concrete stronger ; increasing the bacteria ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials so they can be flat-packed and easily assembled , like slabs of drywall ; and finding a different kind of cyanobacteria that doesn ’ t require the addition of a gel .
Eventually , Srubar said , the tools of synthetic biology could dramatically expand the realm of possibilities : for instance , building materials that can detect and respond to toxic chemicals , or that light up to reveal structural damage .
Living concrete might help in environments harsher than even the driest deserts : other planets , like Mars .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to carry building materials to space , ” Srubar said .
“ We ’ ll bring biology with us .
”

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

For centuries, builders have been making concrete roughly the same way: by mixing hard materials like sand with various binders, and hoping it stays fixed and rigid for a long time to come.
Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder, has created a rather different kind of concrete — one that is alive and can even reproduce.
Minerals in the new material are deposited not by chemistry but by cyanobacteria, a common class of microbes that capture energy through photosynthesis. The photosynthetic process absorbs carbon dioxide, in stark contrast to the production of regular concrete, which spews huge amounts of that greenhouse gas.
Photosynthetic bacteria also give the concrete another unusual feature: a green color. “It really does look like a Frankenstein material,” said Wil Srubar, a structural engineer and the head of the research project. (The green color fades as the material dries.)
Other researchers have worked on incorporating biology into concrete, especially concrete that can heal its own cracks. A major advantage of the new material, its creators say, is that instead of adding bacteria to regular concrete — an inhospitable environment — their process is oriented around bacteria: enlisting them to build the concrete, and keeping them alive so they make more later on.
The new concrete, described in the journal Matter, “represents a new and exciting class of low-carbon, designer construction materials,” said Andrea Hamilton, a concrete expert at the University of Strathclyde, in Scotland.
To build the living concrete, the researchers first tried putting cyanobacteria in a mixture of warm water, sand and nutrients. The microbes eagerly absorbed light and began producing calcium carbonate, gradually cementing the sand particles together. But the process was slow — and DARPA, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the project’s funder, wanted the construction to go very quickly. Necessity, happily, birthed invention.
Srubar had previously worked with gelatin, a food ingredient that, when dissolved in water and cooled, forms special bonds between its molecules. Importantly, it can be used at moderate temperatures that are gentle on bacteria. He suggested adding gelatin to strengthen the matrix being built by the cyanobacteria, and the team was intrigued.
The researchers bought Knox brand gelatin at a local supermarket and dissolved it in the solution with the bacteria. When they poured the mixture into molds and cooled it in a refrigerator, the gelatin formed its bonds — “just like when you make Jell-O,” Srubar said. The gelatin provided more structure, and worked with the bacteria to help the living concrete grow stronger and faster.
After about a day, the mixture formed concrete blocks in the shape of whatever molds the group used, including 2-inch cubes, shoe box-size blocks and truss pieces with struts and cutouts. Individual 2-inch cubes were strong enough for a person to stand on, although the material is weak compared to most conventional concretes. Blocks about the size of a shoe box showed potential for doing real construction.
“The first time we made a big structure using this system, we didn’t know if it was going to work, scaling up from this little-bitty thing to this big brick,” said Chelsea Heveran, a former postdoc with the group — now an engineer at Montana State University — and the lead author of the study. “We took it out of the mold and held it — it was a beautiful, bright green and said ‘DARPA’ on the side.” (The mold featured the name of the project’s funder.) “It was the first time we had the scale we were envisioning, and that was really exciting.”
When the group brought small samples to a regular review meeting with officials from DARPA, they were impressed, Srubar said: “Everyone wanted one on their desk.”
Stored in relatively dry air at room temperature, the blocks reach their maximum strength over the course of days, and the bacteria gradually begin to die out. But even after a few weeks, the blocks are still alive; when again exposed to high temperature and humidity, many of the bacterial cells perk back up.
The group can take one block, cut it with a diamond-tipped saw, place half back in a warm beaker with more raw materials, pour it in a mold, and begin concrete formation anew. Each block could thus spawn three new generations, yielding eight descendant blocks.
The Department of Defense is interested in using the reproductive ability of these “LBMs” — living building materials — to aid construction in remote or austere environments. “Out in the desert, you don’t want to have to truck in lots of materials,” Srubar said.
The blocks also have the advantage of being made from a variety of common materials. Most concrete requires virgin sand that comes from rivers, lakes and oceans, which is running short worldwide, largely because of the enormous demand for concrete. The new living material is not so picky.
“We’re not pigeonholed into using some particular kind of sand,” Srubar said. “We could use waste materials like ground glass or recycled concrete.”
The research team is working to make the material more practical by making the concrete stronger; increasing the bacteria’s resistance to dehydration; reconfiguring the materials so they can be flat-packed and easily assembled, like slabs of drywall; and finding a different kind of cyanobacteria that doesn’t require the addition of a gel.
Eventually, Srubar said, the tools of synthetic biology could dramatically expand the realm of possibilities: for instance, building materials that can detect and respond to toxic chemicals, or that light up to reveal structural damage. Living concrete might help in environments harsher than even the driest deserts: other planets, like Mars.
“There’s no way we’re going to carry building materials to space,” Srubar said. “We’ll bring biology with us.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Nanda: Africa is rising, but can the continent’s countries capitalize?

In this era of shifting trends in international trade and investment , Africa is now receiving the attention it richly deserves but rarely gets .
The continent is often an afterthought in the eyes of policymakers .
There is a valid reason : the euphoria of several African countries in the 1970s soon disappeared through dysfunction , corruption and ethnic strife .
In May 2000 , The Economist had called Africa “ the hopeless continent ” in a feature story .
Last Monday , speaking at the U.K.-Africa Investment Summit in London , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new start in our business partnership.
” He told the conference delegates , “ More than half the world ’ s fastest .
.
.
growing economies are in Africa .
Two-thirds of African economies are expanding faster than the global average .
Africa is the future and the UK has a huge and active role to play in that future.
” In addition to Johnson , several British ministers — the foreign secretary , the international development secretary , the trade secretary , and the investment secretary — as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The U.K. Government ’ s Development Finance Institution committed $ 2.6 billion worth of investments over the next two years .
Britain ’ s two-way trade with Africa last year was $ 46 billion .
Japan , Russia , and China have held similar recent events , attended by even larger numbers of African presidents and prime ministers .
China ’ s presence is huge , with its state-owned companies and almost 10,000 private companies operating on the African continent , and the two-way trade stands at $ 208 billion .
The European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by the U.S. , China , and India .
Last Monday was also the first day of the 2020 World Economic Forum , an annual meeting of some of the most powerful global leaders in politics and business , at the ski resort of Davos , in the Swiss Alps .
A large number of African leaders were present , including a delegation of 50 South Africans .
Attention was focused on several critical African issues — institutions , renewable energy , agriculture and innovation , security , growth , and regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davos Friends of Africa Growth Platform community , aimed at mobilizing the global community to undertake collective action for a business-led initiative to create 100 million jobs by 2025 , which Africa desperately needs .
Although the United States does not have Africa on its front burner , the Corporate Council on Africa , a leading U.S. business association whose mission is to connect businesses between the U.S. and Africa , has hosted U.S.-Africa Business Summits since 1997 .
And numerous U.S. businesses are seriously considering trade and investment opportunities in Africa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ depiction of Africa as a hopeless continent , now the mantra is that of “ Africa rising.
” With a population that will exceed two billion by 2050 and eight of the world ’ s 15 fastest growing economies , Africa is becoming a more attractive investment destination .
Several countries are undertaking reforms , including Ethiopia , led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed , who was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for ending the long-running conflict with neighboring Eritrea .
Although many countries in Africa suffer from poverty and face enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carroll , a University of Denver Law graduate and a leading expert on Africa trade , investment , and technology , is hopeful .
He notes the fastest-growing middle class in the world , with huge potential to grow the labor force throughout Africa , and African commodities that are heavily in demand .
Will “ rising Africa ” become a reality ?
African leaders need to undertake reforms , such as improving schools , increasing employment , curbing corruption , building institutions , and ensuring good governance .
Carroll recommends allocating funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introducing automation and artificial intelligence in order to make it happen .
Obviously , human resources are essential and hence the building of human capacity must be a priority .
Ultimately , much will depend on how African leaders meet the present challenges , as well as those on the horizon .
Ved Nanda is director of the Ved Nanda Center for International Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law .
He welcomes comments at vnanda @ law.du.edu .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for how to submit by email or mail .

In this era of shifting trends in international trade and investment, Africa is now receiving the attention it richly deserves but rarely gets. The continent is often an afterthought in the eyes of policymakers. There is a valid reason: the euphoria of several African countries in the 1970s soon disappeared through dysfunction, corruption and ethnic strife. In May 2000, The Economist had called Africa “the hopeless continent” in a feature story.
Last Monday, speaking at the U.K.-Africa Investment Summit in London, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed 16 leaders from 21 African countries “to a new start in our business partnership.” He told the conference delegates, “More than half the world’s fastest . . . growing economies are in Africa. Two-thirds of African economies are expanding faster than the global average. Africa is the future and the UK has a huge and active role to play in that future.”
In addition to Johnson, several British ministers — the foreign secretary, the international development secretary, the trade secretary, and the investment secretary — as well as Prince Harry, were in attendance. The U.K. Government’s Development Finance Institution committed $2.6 billion worth of investments over the next two years. Britain’s two-way trade with Africa last year was $46 billion.
Japan, Russia, and China have held similar recent events, attended by even larger numbers of African presidents and prime ministers. China’s presence is huge, with its state-owned companies and almost 10,000 private companies operating on the African continent, and the two-way trade stands at $208 billion. The European Union exports the most to Africa, followed by the U.S., China, and India.
Last Monday was also the first day of the 2020 World Economic Forum, an annual meeting of some of the most powerful global leaders in politics and business, at the ski resort of Davos, in the Swiss Alps. A large number of African leaders were present, including a delegation of 50 South Africans. Attention was focused on several critical African issues — institutions, renewable energy, agriculture and innovation, security, growth, and regional cooperation. The economic forum launched the Davos Friends of Africa Growth Platform community, aimed at mobilizing the global community to undertake collective action for a business-led initiative to create 100 million jobs by 2025, which Africa desperately needs.
Although the United States does not have Africa on its front burner, the Corporate Council on Africa, a leading U.S. business association whose mission is to connect businesses between the U.S. and Africa, has hosted U.S.-Africa Business Summits since 1997. And numerous U.S. businesses are seriously considering trade and investment opportunities in Africa.
Contrasted with The Economist’s 2000 depiction of Africa as a hopeless continent, now the mantra is that of “Africa rising.” With a population that will exceed two billion by 2050 and eight of the world’s 15 fastest growing economies, Africa is becoming a more attractive investment destination. Several countries are undertaking reforms, including Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for ending the long-running conflict with neighboring Eritrea.
Although many countries in Africa suffer from poverty and face enormous challenges, especially climate change, Anthony Carroll, a University of Denver Law graduate and a leading expert on Africa trade, investment, and technology, is hopeful. He notes the fastest-growing middle class in the world, with huge potential to grow the labor force throughout Africa, and African commodities that are heavily in demand.
Will “rising Africa” become a reality? African leaders need to undertake reforms, such as improving schools, increasing employment, curbing corruption, building institutions, and ensuring good governance. Carroll recommends allocating funding properly, pursuing technological advancements, and introducing automation and artificial intelligence in order to make it happen. Obviously, human resources are essential and hence the building of human capacity must be a priority.
Ultimately, much will depend on how African leaders meet the present challenges, as well as those on the horizon.
Ved Nanda is director of the Ved Nanda Center for International Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He welcomes comments at vnanda@law.du.edu.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Woman found dead in University Park area identified, death deemed domestic-violence homicide

A woman who was found dead in the University Park area of Denver has been identified and her death is @ @ @ @ @ a domestic-violence homicide .
The body of Karen Morales , 38 , was found on @ @ @ @ @ of South University Boulevard where she was pronounced dead on the scene .
The Denver @ @ @ @ @ identified her on Monday .
“ An autopsy was completed and the cause and manner @ @ @ @ @ , ” the coroner ’ s office said in a news release .
Police have @ @ @ @ @ , as a suspect in Morales ’ death .
Garcia is being held on suspicion @ @ @ @ @ said .
An investigation is ongoing .

A woman who was found dead in the University Park area of Denver has been identified and her death is being investigated by police as a domestic-violence homicide.
The body of Karen Morales, 38, was found on Thursday in the 2500 block of South University Boulevard where she was pronounced dead on the scene. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner identified her on Monday. “An autopsy was completed and the cause and manner of death is pending investigation,” the coroner’s office said in a news release.
Police have arrested Thomas Garcia, 38, as a suspect in Morales’ death.
Update: This incident is being investigated as a domestic violence-related homicide. The victim is an adult female. The offender, Thomas Garcia (05/04/1981), is being held for investigation of first degree murder.
No additional information is available. https://t.co/q1VfPko6mz — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) January 24, 2020
Garcia is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said. An investigation is ongoing.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Kelsey Berreth murder case: Fiancé Patrick Frazee appeals his conviction

Patrick Frazee , sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his fiancée , Kelsey Berreth , has filed a notice of appeal in an attempt to overturn the conviction .
Frazee was convicted in November in Teller County of multiple counts of first-degree murder and of tampering with a decease human body and sentenced to life in prison without parole .
The Colorado State Public Defender ’ s Office filed the notice on Jan. 6 on Frazee ’ s behalf .
The notice does not spell out grounds on which the appeal will be based .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurse who was the key witness in Frazee ’ s murder trial , will be sentenced for her role in the case .
She faces up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to tampering with evidence .
Kenney , who had an on-again , off-again relationship with Frazee , testified that he admitted to killing Berreth in his fiancée ’ s Woodland Park condo .
Kenney later cleaned the bloody crime scene and watched Frazee burn Berreth ’ s body in a plastic tote on his ranch .
Berreth ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November , the jury deliberated for less than four hours before finding Frazee guilty .

Patrick Frazee, sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his fiancée, Kelsey Berreth, has filed a notice of appeal in an attempt to overturn the conviction.
Frazee was convicted in November in Teller County of multiple counts of first-degree murder and of tampering with a decease human body and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Colorado State Public Defender’s Office filed the notice on Jan. 6 on Frazee’s behalf.
The notice does not spell out grounds on which the appeal will be based.
On Tuesday, Krystal Lee Kenney, an Idaho nurse who was the key witness in Frazee’s murder trial, will be sentenced for her role in the case. She faces up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to tampering with evidence.
Kenney, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Frazee, testified that he admitted to killing Berreth in his fiancée’s Woodland Park condo. Kenney later cleaned the bloody crime scene and watched Frazee burn Berreth’s body in a plastic tote on his ranch. Berreth’s remains have not been found.
In November, the jury deliberated for less than four hours before finding Frazee guilty.


thedenverpost--2020-01-29--Slain woman, 67, identified in Aurora shooting

A 67-year-old woman slain in Aurora Monday has been identified as Mae Rose Garth , according to the Arapahoe County @ @ @ @ @ Garth was shot to death , according to the coroner ’ s office .
The @ @ @ @ @ a.m. in the 600 block of North Potomac Street , according to Aurora police .
@ @ @ @ @ to Garth was taken into custody at the scene and held for questioning .
Police @ @ @ @ @ , who has not been identified , a person of interest and declined to say @ @ @ @ @ Garth .
Police did not immediately respond Tuesday to questions about whether the man remained @ @ @ @ @ were working with a district attorney to file charges .

A 67-year-old woman who was shot dead in Aurora on Monday has been identified and her 41-year-old son has been arrested as a suspect in her death.
The woman was identified as Mae Rose Garth, according to the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
Garth was shot to death, according to the coroner’s office. The incident was reported around 9:20 a.m. in the 600 block of North Potomac Street, according to Aurora police.
On Tuesday evening, police announced that Tyrone Garth, her son, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder.
Story updated at 5:53 p.m., Jan. 29, 2020, to correct the spelling of the suspect’s name.


thedenverpost--2020-01-29--Editorial: Cory Gardner’s road to redemption

In March we wrote that Sen. Cory Gardner “ could still prove to be a great senator for Colorado , a man who puts his state and his principles above party and politics .
It ’ s a rare person these days who can take that road.
” The road to redemption is before Gardner now in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump .
Will Colorado ’ s native son stand for what is right ?
Will he rise above the party machinery and the right-wing talk radio that are exerting maximum pressure on Republicans to not foil their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years ?
If ever there was a time for Gardner to forsake Trump loyalists and special interests , this is the moment .
He should remember that his power actually flows from the voters of Colorado who elevated him to this high office .
It wasn ’ t the conservative base who chose him to be a senator from Colorado , but the swing voters in the middle who tipped the scales in his favor against an incumbent Democrat .
Gardner should listen to what those constituents are saying .
Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened our republic and our democracy from within .
Any remaining shadow of a doubt that could have been cast in defense of Trump ’ s elaborate and months-long scheme has been washed away by former national security adviser John Bolton .
Bolton has written in a draft of his new book that Trump personally and directly told him before he resigned that he was withholding millions of dollars of aid to Ukraine until the government launched an investigation of Democrats , including former Vice President Joe Biden .
Republicans can argue all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misdeeds when executing their foreign policy objectives , but Trump ’ s defenders can not escape the fact that there isn ’ t another example to be brought forward .
Except for maybe that time President Richard Nixon ordered operatives to violate U.S. laws in pursuit of dirt on his opponents .
The Senate never got the chance to impeach Nixon ; he did the right thing and resigned .
Trump will never resign .
It ’ s up to men and women of conscience to show the president the door out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this will never be tolerated in America .
The president spent months exerting pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation .
Gardner has proved his conservative credentials , perhaps to a fault .
We were appalled when he voted to allow the president to redirect billions of dollars Congress had appropriated to build a wall along America ’ s southern border with Mexico .
Congress , with that single vote , handed over the legislative branch ’ s highest authority — the power of the purse — to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardner would vote to cut Medicaid funding to states , especially with a poorly crafted directive that left it unclear how deep the cuts would be and who would be affected .
Americans relying on federal health insurance panicked , rightfully so , as they wondered out loud in public if they ’ d lose access to health care .
But Coloradans respect and reward bravery .
The West has made us gritty and hard .
We want freedom and peace , not tyranny and hatred .
Coloradans are not angry spewers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters who split our ballots between parties as needed .
And Democrats have laid the facts at our feet .
Trump has abused the power of his office , and he must be removed .
Call more witnesses if you must , but impeachment is a part of our Constitution and it ’ s time to exercise it .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

In March we wrote that Sen. Cory Gardner “could still prove to be a great senator for Colorado, a man who puts his state and his principles above party and politics. It’s a rare person these days who can take that road.”
The road to redemption is before Gardner now in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Will Colorado’s native son stand for what is right? Will he rise above the party machinery and the right-wing talk radio that are exerting maximum pressure on Republicans to not foil their best chance at maintaining power for another four years?
If ever there was a time for Gardner to forsake Trump loyalists and special interests, this is the moment. He should remember that his power actually flows from the voters of Colorado who elevated him to this high office. It wasn’t the conservative base who chose him to be a senator from Colorado, but the swing voters in the middle who tipped the scales in his favor against an incumbent Democrat. Gardner should listen to what those constituents are saying.
Trump has abused the power of his office and threatened our republic and our democracy from within. Any remaining shadow of a doubt that could have been cast in defense of Trump’s elaborate and months-long scheme has been washed away by former national security adviser John Bolton.
Bolton has written in a draft of his new book that Trump personally and directly told him before he resigned that he was withholding millions of dollars of aid to Ukraine until the government launched an investigation of Democrats, including former Vice President Joe Biden.
Republicans can argue all day that other presidents have done similar misdeeds when executing their foreign policy objectives, but Trump’s defenders cannot escape the fact that there isn’t another example to be brought forward.
Except for maybe that time President Richard Nixon ordered operatives to violate U.S. laws in pursuit of dirt on his opponents. The Senate never got the chance to impeach Nixon; he did the right thing and resigned.
Trump will never resign. It’s up to men and women of conscience to show the president the door out of the Oval Office with a clear message that this will never be tolerated in America. The president spent months exerting pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation.
Gardner has proved his conservative credentials, perhaps to a fault. We were appalled when he voted to allow the president to redirect billions of dollars Congress had appropriated to build a wall along America’s southern border with Mexico. Congress, with that single vote, handed over the legislative branch’s highest authority — the power of the purse — to the executive branch.
We were astounded that Gardner would vote to cut Medicaid funding to states, especially with a poorly crafted directive that left it unclear how deep the cuts would be and who would be affected. Americans relying on federal health insurance panicked, rightfully so, as they wondered out loud in public if they’d lose access to health care.
But Coloradans respect and reward bravery. The West has made us gritty and hard. We want freedom and peace, not tyranny and hatred. Coloradans are not angry spewers of venom. We are factual and analytical voters who split our ballots between parties as needed.
And Democrats have laid the facts at our feet. Trump has abused the power of his office, and he must be removed. Call more witnesses if you must, but impeachment is a part of our Constitution and it’s time to exercise it.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Owner of Airbnb home in Denver’s Washington Park surrenders license after shooting

Two Denver homeowners surrendered their short-term rental licenses this month after separate parties at their homes ended in reports of gunfire , city documents show .
In both cases large groups rented the homes and threw parties , documents from Denver ’ s Department of Excise and Licenses allege .
Neither incident resulted in injuries .
Madeline Philley surrendered her short-term rental license for her Washington Park home Monday , an agreement with the department shows .
The move pre-empted a late February hearing that had been scheduled for Philley to defend her license .
The case began on Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s home on South Madison Street before midnight , finding six pistol shell casings in the street , a department report says .
There , two women told the officers they were staying at the home and had thrown a party .
They did not know who had fired the shots , and others at the home were “ uncooperative ” with police .
But one neighbor reported that he saw a group of loud people in the street get into two cars , the documents say .
They then “ started shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south on Madison .
Other neighbors told police that many parties have been thrown at the Airbnb rental , hosting a lot of different people “ coming and leaving at all hours of the day , ” the documents say .
In surrendering her short-term rental license , Philley also agreed not to obtain another for at least a year , said department spokesperson Eric Escudero .
Earlier this month Shannon Baker also surrendered her license , Escudero said .
Baker had been scheduled to defend the license for her Capitol Hill home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reported as many as 60 people partying inside .
Callers reported hearing as many as eight gunshots outside the party on East 12th Avenue , documents say .
An assault was also reported three hours later .
Jerimiah Stone sat on the corner of East 12th and Washington streets Tuesday afternoon , half a block from Baker ’ s home .
He said he ’ s troubled by the prospect of large parties and shootings in homes rented through sites like AirBnB , but he ’ s unsure how property owners can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might become problematic , Stone said , but they also add to Denver ’ s economy .
While an increasing number of people have surrendered their short-term rental licenses in the last year , only one license has been revoked by the department .
Attempts to reach Baker and Philley were unsuccessful .

Two Denver homeowners surrendered their short-term rental licenses this month after separate parties at their homes ended in reports of gunfire, city documents show.
In both cases large groups rented the homes and threw parties, documents from Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses allege. Neither incident resulted in injuries.
Madeline Philley surrendered her short-term rental license for her Washington Park home Monday, an agreement with the department shows. The move pre-empted a late February hearing that had been scheduled for Philley to defend her license.
The case began on Nov. 10 when police arrived at Philley’s home on South Madison Street before midnight, finding six pistol shell casings in the street, a department report says. There, two women told the officers they were staying at the home and had thrown a party. They did not know who had fired the shots, and others at the home were “uncooperative” with police.
But one neighbor reported that he saw a group of loud people in the street get into two cars, the documents say. They then “started shooting in an unknown direction” before fleeing south on Madison.
Other neighbors told police that many parties have been thrown at the Airbnb rental, hosting a lot of different people “coming and leaving at all hours of the day,” the documents say.
In surrendering her short-term rental license, Philley also agreed not to obtain another for at least a year, said department spokesperson Eric Escudero.
Earlier this month Shannon Baker also surrendered her license, Escudero said. Baker had been scheduled to defend the license for her Capitol Hill home after police arrived there on Nov. 1 and reported as many as 60 people partying inside.
Callers reported hearing as many as eight gunshots outside the party on East 12th Avenue, documents say. An assault was also reported three hours later.
Jerimiah Stone sat on the corner of East 12th and Washington streets Tuesday afternoon, half a block from Baker’s home. He said he’s troubled by the prospect of large parties and shootings in homes rented through sites like AirBnB, but he’s unsure how property owners can safeguard against those incidents.
Some rentals might become problematic, Stone said, but they also add to Denver’s economy.
While an increasing number of people have surrendered their short-term rental licenses in the last year, only one license has been revoked by the department.
Attempts to reach Baker and Philley were unsuccessful.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Man charged with beating his grandmother to death in Westminster

A 24-year-old man was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder in connection with the beating death of his grandmother in December @ @ @ @ @ Attorney ’ s Office said in a news release .
John Power Swenson appeared Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ , according to the news release .
On Dec. 9 , Westminster police officers responded @ @ @ @ @ the East Bay Senior Housing complex at 3720 68th Avenue , where they found Linda @ @ @ @ @ a pool of blood on the bedroom floor .
Swenson had been arrested on suspicion @ @ @ @ @ , trespassing , theft , obstructing a peace officer , resisting arrest , attempted robbery @ @ @ @ @ back to January 2018 , according to court records obtained by Denver7 .

A 24-year-old man was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder in connection with the beating death of his grandmother in December, the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
John Power Swenson appeared Tuesday in Adams County District Court, according to the news release.
On Dec. 9, Westminster police officers responded to a welfare check at the East Bay Senior Housing complex at 3720 68th Avenue, where they found Linda Shomberg, 75, in a pool of blood on the bedroom floor.
Swenson had been arrested on suspicion of burglary, first-degree assault, trespassing, theft, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, attempted robbery, among other charges dating back to January 2018, according to court records obtained by Denver7.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--CDOT: Avoid I-225 southbound during Tuesday rush hour

A crash on Interstate 225 southbound near Iliff Avenue has closed the interstate and motorists should avoid the highway during @ @ @ @ @ hour .
Traffic along southbound I-225 is being diverted off the highway at 6th Avenue @ @ @ @ @ release from the Colorado Department of Transportation .
However , CDOT and the Aurora Police @ @ @ @ @ find an alternate route home because secondary roads such as 6th Avenue are not designed @ @ @ @ @ volume of traffic .
The crash investigation and clean up is expected to last through @ @ @ @ @ said .

A crash on Interstate 225 southbound near Iliff Avenue closed the interstate Tuesday afternoon backing up rush-hour traffic before the wreckage was cleared.
Traffic along southbound I-225 was diverted off the highway at 6th Avenue, according to a news release from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
CDOT, just before 5 p.m., said the collision was cleared out and the highway reopened.
A police investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. There were no immediate reports of injuries.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Audit shows Colorado oil, gas producers lax in filling out over 50,000 mandated reports in two-year

Audit shows Colorado oil, gas producers lax in filling out over 50,000 mandated reports in two-year period

Over two years , more than 50,000 required monthly oil and gas well production reports weren ’ t turned in or were incomplete , which meant the state of Colorado wasn ’ t getting a complete picture of the taxes owed by the industry , according to a state audit released Tuesday .
The state auditor ’ s report , which reviewed activities from 2016-18 , found that of the 420 operators actively producing oil and gas , 316 of them turned in 1,209 incomplete required monthly well reports and/or failed to submit as many as 50,055 well reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are based on the amount of oil and gas produced .
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation did not verify that oil and gas operators were properly maintaining and calibrating equipment used to measure the accuracy of the reporting of oil and gas production , the audit said .
If the COGCC had imposed the maximum $ 200 daily fine for each well , the state would have received as much as $ 308 million , the auditor calculated .
COGCC Director Jeff Robbins , who took over the agency in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and implementing the audit ’ s recommendations .
Eight of the 11 operators in the audit ’ s sample did not submit oil and gas withholding statements with their severance tax returns .
The statements are used to identify mineral interest owners who haven ’ t filed severance taxes .
The Department of Revenue didn ’ t always use complete production data when auditing oil and gas severance taxes to verify production amounts reported on tax returns , according to the audit .
After exemptions and tax credits are applied , Colorado ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % on oil and gas , the lowest out of nine states in the region , according to the audit .
For coal , the effective rate is 0.62 % Severance taxes are levied on oil , gas , coal and other nonrenewable minerals that are “ severed ” from the earth .
The revenue goes to both the state and local governments .
“ This audit shows how oil and gas operators have failed to pay millions in tax revenue to the state , local governments , and their communities , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tout their contributions to the state , ” House Speaker KC Becker , D-Boulder , said in a statement .
Becker was one of the main sponsors of a bill approved last year to overhaul how oil and gas is regulated .
State agencies are writing new rules to carry out Senate Bill 181 ’ s mandate to prioritize public health , safety and the environment .
She requested the audit , the first of severance taxes since 2006 .
“ It ’ s just really frustrating that it took an audit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Denver Post .
“ Some of these same issues were brought up in 2006.
” Becker said it is “ wild ” that more than 50,000 required monthly reports by operators were incomplete or not submitted during the two-year period .
She said it ’ s too early to say what kind of legislation might be proposed to address some of the problems highlighted in the audit , but “ there are a lot of things we could be doing better.
” Dan Haley , president and CEO of the Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization , said in a statement that the audit highlights “ several flawed processes within multiple states agencies ” that prevent the collection of accurate information .
Asked if the COGA considers it a problem that some operators submitted incomplete or no reports , the organization said there is a lot of speculation in the report .
Industry representatives would be willing to talk to regulators about how they want to approach the issue , the COGA said .
“ Assuming state elected leaders are looking for substantive conversations on this issue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as some of their comments today indicate , we ’ re open to having conversations as one of the state ’ s largest taxpayers , ” said Haley , adding that the industry contributes about $ 1 billion in local and state taxes annually .
Colorado ’ s stated severance tax rate ranges from 2 % to 5 % .
Producers are allowed to deduct the costs of getting the product to market and to deduct 87.5 percent of the amount paid in property taxes , or ad valorem , on what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credits , Colorado ’ s effective severance tax on oil and gas was the lowest in the region from 2016 through 2018 , the audit found .
Utah was the second-lowest at 0.72 % .
Wyoming ’ s rate was 4.95 % and New Mexico ’ s was 4.06 % .
“ We only get one time to tax this as a state , and we don ’ t do a good job , ” said Matt Samelson , an environmental attorney .
However , Samelson said adjusting the tax rate could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Bill of Rights , or TABOR .
The constitutional amendment requires voter approval of tax increases and limits the tax dollars government can keep , based on a formula .
Industry representatives defend the system , saying that unlike in other states , oil and gas companies in Colorado pay most of their taxes at the local level , where the money supports a variety of services , including education , roads and social services .
Robbins said the COGCC staff learned of the audit ’ s findings about a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including using an automated system to ensure that operators are submitting well reports and that the reports are accurate .
Inspectors will also be checking equipment at well sites to make sure it is accurately measuring the oil and gas .
The COGCC agreed with the audit ’ s findings , said Robbins .
In the past , the agency has focused on safety and responding to spills and other environmental problems and wasn ’ t aware of how much the Department of Revenue relied on the production information gathered by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robbins said the $ 308 million cited as lost revenue because of incomplete or missing wells reports “ is not really a for-real number.
” “ That ’ s not the way this agency or any agency uses its enforcement authority , ” Robbins said .
“ We use it to bring operators into compliance .
We wouldn ’ t immediately jump to full-on penalties .
”

Over three years, more than 50,000 required monthly oil and gas well production reports weren’t turned in or were incomplete, which meant the state of Colorado wasn’t getting a complete picture of the taxes owed by the industry, according to a state audit released Tuesday.
The state auditor’s report, which reviewed activities from 2016-18, found that of the 420 operators actively producing oil and gas, 316 of them turned in 1,209 incomplete required monthly well reports and/or failed to submit as many as 50,055 well reports. That matters because the taxes operators pay are based on gross income tied to oil and gas production.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission did not verify that oil and gas operators were properly maintaining and calibrating equipment used to measure the accuracy of the reporting of oil and gas production, the audit said.
If the COGCC had imposed the maximum $200 daily fine for each well, the state would have received as much as $308 million, the auditor calculated.
COGCC Director Jeff Robbins, who took over the agency in 2019, said his staff has started making improvements and implementing the audit’s recommendations.
The Revenue Department has also started following through on the audit’s recommendations, spokesman Dan Carr said. He stressed that the COGCC reports aren’t the sole source of information the department uses to determine what taxes are owed.
“It’s not what we use to determine gross revenue,” Carr said.
Eight of the 11 operators in the audit’s sample did not submit oil and gas withholding statements with their severance tax returns. The statements are used to identify mineral interest owners who haven’t filed severance taxes. The Department of Revenue didn’t always use complete production data when auditing oil and gas severance taxes to verify production amounts reported on tax returns, according to the audit.
After exemptions and tax credits are applied, Colorado’s effective severance tax rate is 0.54% on oil and gas, the lowest out of nine states in the region, according to the audit. For coal, the effective rate is 0.62%
Severance taxes are levied on oil, gas, coal and other nonrenewable minerals that are “severed” from the earth. The revenue goes to both the state and local governments.
“This audit shows how oil and gas operators have failed to pay millions in tax revenue to the state, local governments, and their communities, all the while running expensive television ads to tout their contributions to the state,” House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, said in a statement.
Becker was one of the main sponsors of a bill approved last year to overhaul how oil and gas is regulated. State agencies are writing new rules to carry out Senate Bill 181’s mandate to prioritize public health, safety and the environment. She requested the audit, the first of severance taxes since 2006.
“It’s just really frustrating that it took an audit to figure all this out,” Becker told The Denver Post. “Some of these same issues were brought up in 2006.”
Becker said it is “wild” that more than 50,000 required monthly reports by operators were incomplete or not submitted during the two-year period. She said it’s too early to say what kind of legislation might be proposed to address some of the problems highlighted in the audit, but “there are a lot of things we could be doing better.”
Dan Haley, president and CEO of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, a trade organization, said in a statement that the audit highlights “several flawed processes within multiple states agencies” that prevent the collection of accurate information.
Asked if the COGA considers it a problem that some operators submitted incomplete or no reports, the organization said there is a lot of speculation in the report. Industry representatives would be willing to talk to regulators about how they want to approach the issue, the COGA said.
“Assuming state elected leaders are looking for substantive conversations on this issue, and not just scoring political points, as some of their comments today indicate, we’re open to having conversations as one of the state’s largest taxpayers,” said Haley, adding that the industry contributes about $1 billion in local and state taxes annually.
Colorado’s stated severance tax rate ranges from 2% to 5%. Producers are allowed to deduct the costs of getting the product to market and to deduct 87.5 percent of the amount paid in property taxes, or ad valorem, on what they produce.
After the deductions and tax credits, Colorado’s effective severance tax on oil and gas was the lowest in the region from 2016 through 2018, the audit found. Utah was the second-lowest at 0.72%. Wyoming’s rate was 4.95% and New Mexico’s was 4.06%.
“We only get one time to tax this as a state, and we don’t do a good job,” said Matt Samelson, an environmental attorney.
However, Samelson said adjusting the tax rate could be difficult because of Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR. The constitutional amendment requires voter approval of tax increases and limits the tax dollars government can keep, based on a formula.
Industry representatives defend the system, saying that unlike in other states, oil and gas companies in Colorado pay most of their taxes at the local level, where the money supports a variety of services, including education, roads and social services.
Robbins said the COGCC staff learned of the audit’s findings about a month ago and has already started making improvements, including using an automated system to ensure that operators are submitting well reports and that the reports are accurate. Inspectors will also be checking equipment at well sites to make sure it is accurately measuring the oil and gas.
The COGCC agreed with the audit’s findings, said Robbins. In the past, the agency has focused on safety and responding to spills and other environmental problems and wasn’t aware of how much the Department of Revenue relied on the production information gathered by the COGCC, he said.
However, Robbins said the $308 million cited as lost revenue because of incomplete or missing wells reports “is not really a for-real number.”
“That’s not the way this agency or any agency uses its enforcement authority,” Robbins said. “We use it to bring operators into compliance. We wouldn’t immediately jump to full-on penalties.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Goldberg: The Bernie juggernaut

Goldberg: The Bernie juggernaut

A half-hour before a Bernie Sanders rally Saturday night in Iowa , a line snaked around the nearly 900-seat Ames City Auditorium , but no one else was being let in : The theater was full .
Inside , the Grammy-winning indie rock band Portugal .
The Man was playing .
Rows of people were assembled on risers behind the musicians , waving Bernie signs .
Sanders fans , most of them young , crowded the aisles ; The Iowa State Daily reported that 1,400 people had crammed into the auditorium , with another 400 in an overflow room .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy unique to social movements on the rise .
Sanders has a reputation for focusing on class to the exclusion of all else ; as David Frum put it in The Atlantic , “ ‘ Left but not woke ’ is the Bernie Sanders brand.
” On the ground in Iowa , however , it is not the brand of his campaign .
Sanders isn ’ t just running the most economically left campaign ; he ’ s running the most unapologetically left campaign , period .
And it ’ s surging , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Iowa and New Hampshire .
It ’ s no longer far-fetched to think that he could be the Democratic nominee .
When the band was done , three indigenous women took the stage to pay respects to the Native Americans forced off the land that became Iowa .
Filmmaker Michael Moore came on and described Donald Trump as the endpoint of a country founded “ on genocide and built on the backs of slaves.
” ( The next day , at a campaign stop in Perry , Moore called women ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gender apartheid.
” ) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke , saying , “ I ’ m here because Sen. Sanders has actually committed to breaking up ICE.
” There are no moral or intellectual comparisons between Sanders and Trump , but there are structural similarities between the Sanders campaign and the one Trump ran in 2016 .
Trump thrilled conservatives with his unembarrassed embrace of far-right figures disdained by mainstream Republicans .
He inspired alienated men on the internet to mobilize behind him .
Party elites wanted to stop him , but his solid core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fractured field .
The parallels with Sanders are obvious .
He ’ s running a campaign steeped in the ethos of an anti-establishment left , and benefiting from elite Democrats ’ failure to coalesce around someone else .
He has an enormous online following , with legions of trolls intimidating Democrats who seem to stand in their way .
An outsider who long refused to join the party whose nomination he ’ s seeking , he appeals to people who distrust most political institutions , the mainstream media very much included .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s something to be said for aping some of his strategies .
But the Sanders juggernaut still scares me .
As Ezra Klein recently pointed out in The New York Times , the brute demographics of American politics make Democrats more electorally dependent on centrists than Republicans are .
Right now , several polls show Sanders beating Trump , and a few show him beating Trump in some swing states by more than anyone else .
Still , I ’ m terrified that those numbers won ’ t survive endless attack ads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will most likely be spots showing the 1985 Sandinista rally Sanders attended in Nicaragua , with the crowd chanting , “ Here There and Everywhere/ The Yankee Will Die.
” The country will see Sanders , speaking after a trip to the Soviet Union , effusively praising its state-sponsored culture .
The economic inequities that Sanders rails against are very real , but most Americans — including most Democrats — say the economy is good , and a fortune would be spent to convince them that Sanders would crash it .
Socialism may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but polls suggest that it ’ s still anathema to the old .
But Sanders supporters have plenty of reasons to discount these anxieties .
Polls are on their side .
Their movement feels exhilarating , the fulfillment of their most fervent political hopes in view .
Centrist predictions about which candidates are viable have failed over and over again .
“ We keep hearing this argument about electability , or nominating safe candidates , and we keep losing , ” said Derek Eadon , a 36-year-old former chairman of the Iowa Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eadon , who was previously with Julián Castro ’ s campaign , didn ’ t take Sanders seriously in 2016 .
Two things changed since then .
A painful nerve disease forced Eadon to become intimate with the absurdist horror of America ’ s health care system .
And he said he saw Sanders expanding the electorate .
“ His ability to keep bringing in new people , and people that have not been involved before , is just such a strength electorally , ” said Eadon .
This is the paradox helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more he attracts people who are heedless of traditional electability concerns , the more electable he looks .
Last week , Dalhi Myers , a conservative-leaning African American elected official in South Carolina , switched her support from Joe Biden to Sanders .
Despite her affection for Biden , Myers , a member of the Richland County Council , had grown concerned by what she saw as an absence of grassroots enthusiasm for him .
“ I look at the Sanders campaign and what they ’ re doing to motivate people on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she told me .
No one knows if all this excitement will translate into the votes Democrats need .
And no one knows if Democrats can win without it .
Michelle Goldberg has been a New York Times opinion columnist since 2017 .
She is the author of several books about politics , religion and women ’ s rights , and was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2018 for reporting on workplace sexual harassment issues .
To send a letter to the editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

A half-hour before a Bernie Sanders rally Saturday night in Iowa, a line snaked around the nearly 900-seat Ames City Auditorium, but no one else was being let in: The theater was full.
Inside, the Grammy-winning indie rock band Portugal. The Man was playing. Rows of people were assembled on risers behind the musicians, waving Bernie signs. Sanders fans, most of them young, crowded the aisles; The Iowa State Daily reported that 1,400 people had crammed into the auditorium, with another 400 in an overflow room. The air buzzed with the intoxicating collective energy unique to social movements on the rise.
Sanders has a reputation for focusing on class to the exclusion of all else; as David Frum put it in The Atlantic, “ ‘Left but not woke’ is the Bernie Sanders brand.” On the ground in Iowa, however, it is not the brand of his campaign. Sanders isn’t just running the most economically left campaign; he’s running the most unapologetically left campaign, period. And it’s surging, with Sanders leading in recent polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire.
It’s no longer far-fetched to think that he could be the Democratic nominee.
When the band was done, three indigenous women took the stage to pay respects to the Native Americans forced off the land that became Iowa. Filmmaker Michael Moore came on and described Donald Trump as the endpoint of a country founded “on genocide and built on the backs of slaves.” (The next day, at a campaign stop in Perry, Moore called women’s underrepresentation in Congress a form of “gender apartheid.”) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke, saying, “I’m here because Sen. Sanders has actually committed to breaking up ICE.”
There are no moral or intellectual comparisons between Sanders and Trump, but there are structural similarities between the Sanders campaign and the one Trump ran in 2016. Trump thrilled conservatives with his unembarrassed embrace of far-right figures disdained by mainstream Republicans. He inspired alienated men on the internet to mobilize behind him. Party elites wanted to stop him, but his solid core of support allowed him to romp through a fractured field.
The parallels with Sanders are obvious. He’s running a campaign steeped in the ethos of an anti-establishment left, and benefiting from elite Democrats’ failure to coalesce around someone else. He has an enormous online following, with legions of trolls intimidating Democrats who seem to stand in their way. An outsider who long refused to join the party whose nomination he’s seeking, he appeals to people who distrust most political institutions, the mainstream media very much included.
Obviously, Trump won, so there’s something to be said for aping some of his strategies. But the Sanders juggernaut still scares me. As Ezra Klein recently pointed out in The New York Times, the brute demographics of American politics make Democrats more electorally dependent on centrists than Republicans are.
Right now, several polls show Sanders beating Trump, and a few show him beating Trump in some swing states by more than anyone else. Still, I’m terrified that those numbers won’t survive endless attack ads about Sanders’ radical past.
There will most likely be spots showing the 1985 Sandinista rally Sanders attended in Nicaragua, with the crowd chanting, “Here There and Everywhere/ The Yankee Will Die.” The country will see Sanders, speaking after a trip to the Soviet Union, effusively praising its state-sponsored culture.
The economic inequities that Sanders rails against are very real, but most Americans — including most Democrats — say the economy is good, and a fortune would be spent to convince them that Sanders would crash it. Socialism may be newly current among the young, but polls suggest that it’s still anathema to the old.
But Sanders supporters have plenty of reasons to discount these anxieties. Polls are on their side. Their movement feels exhilarating, the fulfillment of their most fervent political hopes in view. Centrist predictions about which candidates are viable have failed over and over again.
“We keep hearing this argument about electability, or nominating safe candidates, and we keep losing,” said Derek Eadon, a 36-year-old former chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party who endorsed Sanders this month.
Eadon, who was previously with Julián Castro’s campaign, didn’t take Sanders seriously in 2016. Two things changed since then. A painful nerve disease forced Eadon to become intimate with the absurdist horror of America’s health care system. And he said he saw Sanders expanding the electorate. “His ability to keep bringing in new people, and people that have not been involved before, is just such a strength electorally,” said Eadon.
This is the paradox helping to fuel Sanders’ rise: The more he attracts people who are heedless of traditional electability concerns, the more electable he looks.
Last week, Dalhi Myers, a conservative-leaning African American elected official in South Carolina, switched her support from Joe Biden to Sanders. Despite her affection for Biden, Myers, a member of the Richland County Council, had grown concerned by what she saw as an absence of grassroots enthusiasm for him. “I look at the Sanders campaign and what they’re doing to motivate people on the ground, and it’s working,” she told me.
No one knows if all this excitement will translate into the votes Democrats need. And no one knows if Democrats can win without it.
Michelle Goldberg has been a New York Times opinion columnist since 2017. She is the author of several books about politics, religion and women’s rights, and was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2018 for reporting on workplace sexual harassment issues.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Cory Gardner noncommittal on subpoenaing John Bolton in impeachment trial

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner remained noncommittal Tuesday on whether former national security adviser John Bolton should be subpoenaed in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump .
The Yuma Republican , one of 100 senators who will likely decide whether to subpoena Bolton this week , said he is reviewing trial testimony and the law .
He did not say if he would like to see Bolton or any other witnesses testify .
“ I have approached every aspect of this grave constitutional duty with the respect and attention required by law , and with the seriousness our oath requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Denver Post .
“ Now that the House and defense have closed their arguments , I will continue to closely review the law and evidence presented to the Senate , including testimony from the impeachment witnesses.
” Gardner said his focus is now on the questions he will ask of trial participants .
Senators will have up to 16 hours Wednesday and Thursday to ask questions of the prosecution and defense .
Increased calls for Bolton to be called follow the leak of details from the former national security adviser ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine to compel that Eastern European ally to investigate the Bidens , as impeachment prosecutors have alleged .
“ Let ’ s bring Bolton in , let ’ s have questions and cross-examination , and let ’ s make sure people have the full picture of what has happened , ” said Rep. Jason Crow , an Aurora Democrat and prosecutor in the impeachment trial , during a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning .
The approval of 51 senators will be needed to subpoena Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote later this week .
The 47 Senate Democrats and independents in favor of subpoenaing him have sought the support of four Senate Republicans to reach that magic number of 51 .
Throughout January , Gardner has faced pressure to be one of those four Republicans but has never indicated he will be .
Complicating matters is Bolton ’ s political action committee , which has spent millions of dollars in recent years supporting Republicans .
The PAC donated $ 10,000 to Gardner ’ s 2020 re-election campaign last fall .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting Senator Gardner ’ s re-election , including President Trump , and the Bolton PAC supports Senator Gardner because of his commitment to a strong foreign policy , ” said Gardner ’ s campaign spokesman , Jerrod Dobkin .
“ All of Senator Gardner ’ s supporters know what ’ s at stake in this election and are standing with him in his fight to defeat the far-left , radical proposals his opponents are campaigning on.
” Majority Forward , a nonprofit affiliated with a Democratic political action committee , is now broadcasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Republicans for the Rule of Law also has an ad calling for him to subpoena Bolton , and has a billboard in south Denver saying the same .
On Wednesday afternoon , liberal activists will gather on the steps on the Colorado Capitol to urge Gardner to vote for witnesses .
Quinnipiac University released a national poll Tuesday that showed 75 % of registered voters , including 49 % of Republicans , believe the impeachment trial should have witnesses .
The poll of 1,905 voters was conducted Jan. 22-27 and had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardner has said that commenting on the mechanics of the trial would violate his oath to be an impartial juror , even as other senators , Democrat and Republican , have freely stated their opinions on witnesses .
Sen. Michael Bennet , a Denver Democrat , believes Bolton should testify .
“ The real problem here is that House Democrats didn ’ t do their job , ” Rep. Ken Buck , a Windsor Republican , said Tuesday on Fox Business .
“ They didn ’ t go to court , they didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , we don ’ t know exactly what ’ s going to be said if Senate witnesses are called.
” “ If the Senate does call witnesses , they should not do a one-for-one trade on witnesses , ” Buck said , referring to a proposal to let Republicans subpoena one witness , such as Hunter Biden , for each witness Democrats subpoena , such as Bolton .
Buck believes Republicans were not allowed enough witnesses during the House ’ s impeachment investigation .
Crow opposes a so-called witness swap , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to decide .
He accused White House lawyers of trying to “ smear ” Hunter Biden and his father , Joe Biden , a top Democratic presidential contender , by focusing on the younger Biden ’ s position with Burisma , a Ukrainian gas company .
“ It ’ s well established that the Burisma allegations are Russian propaganda , ” Crow told reporters Tuesday , “ and I think it ’ s really important this not become a political circus or a way for the president to advance his political agenda .
@

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner remained noncommittal Tuesday on whether former national security adviser John Bolton should be subpoenaed in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
The Yuma Republican, one of 100 senators who will likely decide whether to subpoena Bolton this week, said he is reviewing trial testimony and the law. He did not say if he would like to see Bolton or any other witnesses testify.
“I have approached every aspect of this grave constitutional duty with the respect and attention required by law, and with the seriousness our oath requires,” Gardner said in a statement to The Denver Post. “Now that the House and defense have closed their arguments, I will continue to closely review the law and evidence presented to the Senate, including testimony from the impeachment witnesses.”
Gardner said his focus is now on the questions he will ask of trial participants. Senators will have up to 16 hours Wednesday and Thursday to ask questions of the prosecution and defense.
Increased calls for Bolton to be called follow the leak of details from the former national security adviser’s upcoming book, in which he writes that Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine to compel that Eastern European ally to investigate the Bidens, as impeachment prosecutors have alleged.
“Let’s bring Bolton in, let’s have questions and cross-examination, and let’s make sure people have the full picture of what has happened,” said Rep. Jason Crow, an Aurora Democrat and prosecutor in the impeachment trial, during a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning.
The approval of 51 senators will be needed to subpoena Bolton if the matter comes up for a vote later this week. The 47 Senate Democrats and independents in favor of subpoenaing him have sought the support of four Senate Republicans to reach that magic number of 51.
Throughout January, Gardner has faced pressure to be one of those four Republicans but has never indicated he will be.
Complicating matters is Bolton’s political action committee, which has spent millions of dollars in recent years supporting Republicans. The PAC donated $10,000 to Gardner’s 2020 re-election campaign last fall.
“There’s a broad coalition of people supporting Senator Gardner’s re-election, including President Trump, and the Bolton PAC supports Senator Gardner because of his commitment to a strong foreign policy,” said Gardner’s campaign spokesman, Jerrod Dobkin. “All of Senator Gardner’s supporters know what’s at stake in this election and are standing with him in his fight to defeat the far-left, radical proposals his opponents are campaigning on.”
Majority Forward, a nonprofit affiliated with a Democratic political action committee, is now broadcasting two ads that criticize Gardner on impeachment. Republicans for the Rule of Law also has an ad calling for him to subpoena Bolton, and has a billboard in south Denver saying the same. On Wednesday afternoon, liberal activists will gather on the steps on the Colorado Capitol to urge Gardner to vote for witnesses.
Quinnipiac University released a national poll Tuesday that showed 75% of registered voters, including 49% of Republicans, believe the impeachment trial should have witnesses. The poll of 1,905 voters was conducted Jan. 22-27 and had a margin of error of 2.3%.
Gardner has said that commenting on the mechanics of the trial would violate his oath to be an impartial juror, even as other senators, Democrat and Republican, have freely stated their opinions on witnesses. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Denver Democrat, believes Bolton should testify.
“The real problem here is that House Democrats didn’t do their job,” Rep. Ken Buck, a Windsor Republican, said Tuesday on Fox Business. “They didn’t go to court, they didn’t force witnesses into the House. So, we don’t know exactly what’s going to be said if Senate witnesses are called.”
“If the Senate does call witnesses, they should not do a one-for-one trade on witnesses,” Buck said, referring to a proposal to let Republicans subpoena one witness, such as Hunter Biden, for each witness Democrats subpoena, such as Bolton. Buck believes Republicans were not allowed enough witnesses during the House’s impeachment investigation.
Crow opposes a so-called witness swap, but acknowledges the matter is for senators to decide. He accused White House lawyers of trying to “smear” Hunter Biden and his father, Joe Biden, a top Democratic presidential contender, by focusing on the younger Biden’s position with Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.
“It’s well established that the Burisma allegations are Russian propaganda,” Crow told reporters Tuesday, “and I think it’s really important this not become a political circus or a way for the president to advance his political agenda.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-28--Broncos hire Mike Shula as quarterbacks coach

The Broncos ’ fifth quarterbacks coach in as many years will be Mike Shula , who was hired on Tuesday .
Shula follows new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur from the New York Giants .
Shula , who interviewed with the Broncos last week , was the Giants ’ offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach the last two years , but did not call the plays .
“ Mike is a well-respected coach around the league , especially when it comes to developing quarterbacks , ” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said in a statement .
“ The familiarity he has with Pat [ Shurmur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s most impressive is Mike ’ s proven track record coaching quarterbacks at many different stages of their careers .
We ’ re fortunate to add someone with his depth of experience , coaching ability and unique perspective to our staff.
” Shula ’ s hiring leaves the Broncos with two openings : Outside linebackers coach ( Brandon Staley left to become the Los Angeles Rams ’ defensive coordinator ) and director of football administration ( Mike Sullivan ’ s contract was not renewed ) .
Shula , 54 , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL ’ s all-time winningest coach ( 328 wins ) .
Mike Shula started his coaching career in 1988 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he has been with six NFL teams .
He also spent four years as Alabama ’ s head coach ( 2003-06 , going 26-23 before NCAA sanctions prior to his arrival dropped his record to 10-23 ) .
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Brandon Allen is a restricted free agent .
Shula started at quarterback for Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick by Tampa Bay .
Shula coached for Tampa Bay ( offensive assistant , 1988-90 ) , Miami ( coaching assistant under his father , 1991-92 ) , Chicago ( tight ends , 1993-96 ) , Miami ( quarterbacks , 2000-02 ) , Jacksonville ( quarterbacks , 2007-10 ) , Carolina ( quarterbacks , 2011-12 and offensive coordinator , 2013-17 ) and the Giants .
In Carolina , Shula coached Cam Newton in 2011 when he won Offensive Rookie of the Year and was the Panthers ’ play caller in 2015 when Newton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Super Bowl .

The Broncos’ fifth quarterbacks coach in as many years will be Mike Shula, who was hired on Tuesday. Shula follows new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur from the New York Giants.
Shula, who interviewed with the Broncos last week, was the Giants’ offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach the last two years, but did not call the plays.
“Mike is a well-respected coach around the league, especially when it comes to developing quarterbacks,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said in a statement. “The familiarity he has with Pat [Shurmur] is an added bonus, but what’s most impressive is Mike’s proven track record coaching quarterbacks at many different stages of their careers. We’re fortunate to add someone with his depth of experience, coaching ability and unique perspective to our staff.”
Shula’s hiring leaves the Broncos with two openings: Outside linebackers coach (Brandon Staley left to become the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator) and director of football administration (Mike Sullivan’s contract was not renewed).
Shula, 54, is the son of Don Shula, the NFL’s all-time winningest coach (328 wins).
Mike Shula started his coaching career in 1988 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he has been with six NFL teams. He also spent four years as Alabama’s head coach (2003-06, going 26-23 before NCAA sanctions prior to his arrival dropped his record to 10-23).
The Broncos’ three quarterbacks under contract are veteran Joe Flacco, presumed 2020 starter Drew Lock and Brett Rypien. Brandon Allen is a restricted free agent.
Shula started at quarterback for Alabama from 1984-86 and was a 12th round pick by Tampa Bay.
Shula coached for Tampa Bay (offensive assistant, 1988-90), Miami (coaching assistant under his father, 1991-92), Chicago (tight ends, 1993-96), Miami (quarterbacks, 2000-02), Jacksonville (quarterbacks, 2007-10), Carolina (quarterbacks, 2011-12 and offensive coordinator, 2013-17) and the Giants.
In Carolina, Shula coached Cam Newton in 2011 when he won Offensive Rookie of the Year and was the Panthers’ play caller in 2015 when Newton won MVP and lost to the Broncos in the Super Bowl.