thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Ask Amy: Future bride doesn’t want to marry in-laws

Dear Amy : I am getting married in August to an incredible guy .
He ’ s kind , patient , hardworking , fun-loving , and we have a common picture of our future .
The only problem is his family .
His parents frequently lie to each other and then confide in their children about it .
They are bigoted toward LGBTQ people , and people of color .
They spend money carelessly , are in huge amounts of debt , and then ask us for money .
They were horrified when I told them I ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ married .
I am an opinionated woman .
I speak my mind openly ( and thoughtfully ) .
I am perfectly capable of standing up for myself and for others , and I have done so on many occasions .
They don ’ t value this .
In the past , when I speak my mind ( in a manner deemed calm and respectful by myself , my fiancé , and my therapist ) , it leads to his mother and sister crying for weeks and then calling my fiancé to tell him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , she will end the call quickly if she finds out I am in the room .
My fiance and I are on the same page .
We have our own household with its own values .
But I worry a lot about having to deal with all of this for the rest of my life .
Are difficult in-laws a good enough reason to not get married or to hold off getting married ?
Or does everybody go through this ?
After all , this is not my fiancé ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within his control .
Am I just getting cold feet ?
Dear Cold Feet : Having cold feet — no matter the underlying reasons — would be a legitimate justification to hold off on getting married .
When you marry someone , you sidle into your spouse ’ s family system — for better ( often ) , but also for worse .
Even if you have relatively little to do with your partner ’ s family — it sounds as if you and your fiancé have enough contact with them that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them ) .
This is a test of your ability to tolerate people you don ’ t respect , and behavior you don ’ t like .
My suggestion is that you figure out how not to care so much about what they think and how they behave , unless their behavior is directed specifically toward you .
Given your own strong and outspoken nature , I wonder if you are capable of detaching to this extent .
It is also vital that you and your fiancé be on the same page regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests for bailouts .
This will likely get more intense as they age .
This is a topic you and your fiancé should discuss at length in your premarital counseling sessions .
Of the two of you , he ’ s the one I truly worry about .
If things continue as they are , he is going to feel trapped between two cyclones .
Dear Amy : I ’ ve noticed that my mom seems to be much more tired and stressed out lately than she usually is .
I desperately want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know how .
Dear Worried : This is a really stressful time for everyone – you included .
You can ask your mom if there are some household chores you could take on , like clearing the table and doing the dishes after dinner , scouring the bathtub , watering the plants , and taking care of your pets ( if you have them ) .
Your mom is probably like most moms – and she doesn ’ t want you to worry about her .
You doing well in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friendships ) will help her a lot , because knowing you are OK is probably her first priority .
And kind gestures like bringing her a cup of her favorite tea and leaving her a note on the kitchen table ( telling her how much you appreciate her ) , will make her feel really loved and taken care of .
This will help with her stress .
Dear Amy : “ Paul ” wrote to you , expressing his reluctance to give out his phone number to the receptionist when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greeter when he is waiting for a table at a restaurant .
Paul should realize that his phone number could be crucial in the current pandemic fight .
Phone numbers can be used for “ contact tracing , ” if there is an outbreak .
Dear Reader : I ’ ve been reading about how useful our phones will become in terms of tracking the COVID virus .
Thank you .

Dear Amy: I am getting married in August to an incredible guy. He’s kind, patient, hardworking, fun-loving, and we have a common picture of our future. The only problem is his family.
His parents frequently lie to each other and then confide in their children about it. They are bigoted toward LGBTQ people, and people of color. They spend money carelessly, are in huge amounts of debt, and then ask us for money. They were horrified when I told them I’d be keeping my own name when we got married.
I am an opinionated woman. I speak my mind openly (and thoughtfully). I am perfectly capable of standing up for myself and for others, and I have done so on many occasions. They don’t value this.
In the past, when I speak my mind (in a manner deemed calm and respectful by myself, my fiancé, and my therapist), it leads to his mother and sister crying for weeks and then calling my fiancé to tell him about it. Whenever his mother calls him, she will end the call quickly if she finds out I am in the room.
My fiance and I are on the same page. We have our own household with its own values. But I worry a lot about having to deal with all of this for the rest of my life.
Are difficult in-laws a good enough reason to not get married or to hold off getting married? Or does everybody go through this? After all, this is not my fiancé’s fault, and their behavior is not within his control. Am I just getting cold feet?
— Cold Feet
Dear Cold Feet: Having cold feet — no matter the underlying reasons — would be a legitimate justification to hold off on getting married.
When you marry someone, you sidle into your spouse’s family system — for better (often), but also for worse.
Even if you have relatively little to do with your partner’s family — it sounds as if you and your fiancé have enough contact with them that they continually upset you (and you, them).
This is a test of your ability to tolerate people you don’t respect, and behavior you don’t like. My suggestion is that you figure out how not to care so much about what they think and how they behave, unless their behavior is directed specifically toward you. Given your own strong and outspoken nature, I wonder if you are capable of detaching to this extent.
It is also vital that you and your fiancé be on the same page regarding their debt, money trouble, and requests for bailouts. This will likely get more intense as they age.
This is a topic you and your fiancé should discuss at length in your premarital counseling sessions. Of the two of you, he’s the one I truly worry about. If things continue as they are, he is going to feel trapped between two cyclones.
Dear Amy: I’ve noticed that my mom seems to be much more tired and stressed out lately than she usually is.
I desperately want to help her, but I don’t know how.
Any suggestions?
— Worried 12-year-old
Dear Worried: This is a really stressful time for everyone – you included. You can ask your mom if there are some household chores you could take on, like clearing the table and doing the dishes after dinner, scouring the bathtub, watering the plants, and taking care of your pets (if you have them).
Your mom is probably like most moms – and she doesn’t want you to worry about her. You doing well in your own life (school, activities, and friendships) will help her a lot, because knowing you are OK is probably her first priority.
And kind gestures like bringing her a cup of her favorite tea and leaving her a note on the kitchen table (telling her how much you appreciate her), will make her feel really loved and taken care of. This will help with her stress.
Dear Amy: “Paul” wrote to you, expressing his reluctance to give out his phone number to the receptionist when he gets his hair cut, or to the greeter when he is waiting for a table at a restaurant.
Paul should realize that his phone number could be crucial in the current pandemic fight. Phone numbers can be used for “contact tracing,” if there is an outbreak.
— Avid Reader
Dear Reader: I’ve been reading about how useful our phones will become in terms of tracking the COVID virus. Thank you.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Denver police investigating auto-pedestrian collision at 48th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in Denver on Monday night and taken to a hospital , police say @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s injuries are unknown , according to police .
The injury crash occured @ @ @ @ @ Boulevard , police say .
Both directions of Colorado are closed at 48th .

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in Denver on Monday night and taken to a hospital, police say. The extent of the man’s injuries are unknown, according to police.
The injury crash occured at 48th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, police say. Both directions of Colorado are closed at 48th.
This is a developing story.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit fails on first rocket launch attempt

LOS ANGELES — Richard Branson ’ s Virgin Orbit failed Monday in its first test launch of a new rocket carried aloft by a Boeing 747 and released over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California .
The inaugural launch had appeared to be going well until moments after the rocket was dropped from beneath the left wing of the jumbo jet dubbed Cosmic Girl .
“ We ’ ve confirmed a clean release from the aircraft .
However , the mission terminated shortly into the flight .
Cosmic Girl and our flight crew are safe and returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its official Twitter commentary on the launch .
There was no immediate word on what went wrong with the rocket , which carried a test satellite .
Will Pomerantz , Virgin Orbit ’ s vice president for special projects , commented during a preflight briefing Saturday that about half of first rocket launches fail .
“ History is not terribly kind , necessarily , to maiden flights , ” he said .
Chief Executive Officer Dan Hart said during the briefing that there had been numerous tests , discussions and introspection to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In the end the questions are always , has everything been thought about and are there any gaps or seams , and those are the questions you only learn when you commit to flight , ” Hart said .
The highly modified jumbo jet took off from Mojave Air and Space Por t in the desert north of Los Angeles and flew out just beyond the Channel Islands , where the drop occurred .
The rocket was supposed to fall for a few seconds before the first of its two stages ignited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South Pole for insertion of its demonstration payload into a low Earth orbit .
The purpose of the flight was to gather data on every step of the launch process rather than to have a useful satellite in orbit ; the demonstration payload was described as an inert mass and the intended orbit was very low to avoid contributing to the problem of space junk .
The attempt followed five years of development of the 70-foot-long ( 21.3 meter ) LauncherOne rocket .
How long the setback will affect the company was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional rockets under construction in its factory .
“ The team ’ s already hard at work digging into the data , and we ’ re eager to hop into our next big test ASAP , ” the company tweeted .
“ Thankfully , instead of waiting until after our 1st flight to tackle our 2nd rocket , we ’ ve already completed a ton of work to get us back in the air and keep moving forward.
” A successful launch by Virgin Orbit would have marked a dramatic step in getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent most employees home earlier this year while work spaces , procedures and mission control were adjusted .
Virgin Orbit is targeting the market for launching satellites ranging in size from toasters to household refrigerators .
The time is right for the small satellite launch market , Hart said on Saturday .
Technology advancements have enabled satellites much smaller than traditional payloads to do “ real work ” in space , typically from low Earth orbit , and for markets ranging from commercial to national security , he said .
While other companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market and builders of big rockets like SpaceX can carry them into orbit in a ride-share arrangement with large satellites , Virgin Orbit ’ s air launch system based on the aviation industry ’ s workhorse 747 is intended to put a satellite up when and where a customer needs it , Hart said .
“ We can fly to space from any place that can host a 747 , which is almost any place , ” he said .
Virgin Orbit says it has dozens of missions on the books for customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Air Force .
Internationally , it is working on plans for launches from the United Kingdom and Japan .
Hart did not provide a specific dollar value for the missions it has on the books but characterized it as “ hundreds of millions.
” Air launch technology dates back decades , including use by X-15 rocket planes in the 1950s and ’ 60s .
For satellites the method is currently in use by what is now Northrop Grumman ’ s Pegasus rocket program , which has had several dozen launches since 1990 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach , California , began as a sister company of Virgin Galactic but has since separated .
Virgin Galactic is preparing to begin flights carrying passengers into the lower reaches of space from southern New Mexico .

LOS ANGELES — Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit failed Monday in its first test launch of a new rocket carried aloft by a Boeing 747 and released over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California.
The inaugural launch had appeared to be going well until moments after the rocket was dropped from beneath the left wing of the jumbo jet dubbed Cosmic Girl.
“We’ve confirmed a clean release from the aircraft. However, the mission terminated shortly into the flight. Cosmic Girl and our flight crew are safe and returning to base,” Virgin Orbit said in its official Twitter commentary on the launch.
There was no immediate word on what went wrong with the rocket, which carried a test satellite.
Will Pomerantz, Virgin Orbit’s vice president for special projects, commented during a preflight briefing Saturday that about half of first rocket launches fail.
“History is not terribly kind, necessarily, to maiden flights,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer Dan Hart said during the briefing that there had been numerous tests, discussions and introspection to verify that the system was ready.
“In the end the questions are always, has everything been thought about and are there any gaps or seams, and those are the questions you only learn when you commit to flight,” Hart said.
The highly modified jumbo jet took off from Mojave Air and Space Por t in the desert north of Los Angeles and flew out just beyond the Channel Islands, where the drop occurred.
The rocket was supposed to fall for a few seconds before the first of its two stages ignited and hurtled it down the coast toward the South Pole for insertion of its demonstration payload into a low Earth orbit.
The purpose of the flight was to gather data on every step of the launch process rather than to have a useful satellite in orbit; the demonstration payload was described as an inert mass and the intended orbit was very low to avoid contributing to the problem of space junk.
The attempt followed five years of development of the 70-foot-long (21.3 meter) LauncherOne rocket.
How long the setback will affect the company was not immediately clear. It has six additional rockets under construction in its factory.
“The team’s already hard at work digging into the data, and we’re eager to hop into our next big test ASAP,” the company tweeted. “Thankfully, instead of waiting until after our 1st flight to tackle our 2nd rocket, we’ve already completed a ton of work to get us back in the air and keep moving forward.”
A successful launch by Virgin Orbit would have marked a dramatic step in getting back on track after the coronavirus pandemic sent most employees home earlier this year while work spaces, procedures and mission control were adjusted.
Virgin Orbit is targeting the market for launching satellites ranging in size from toasters to household refrigerators.
The time is right for the small satellite launch market, Hart said on Saturday.
Technology advancements have enabled satellites much smaller than traditional payloads to do “real work” in space, typically from low Earth orbit, and for markets ranging from commercial to national security, he said.
While other companies are developing rockets for the small satellite market and builders of big rockets like SpaceX can carry them into orbit in a ride-share arrangement with large satellites, Virgin Orbit’s air launch system based on the aviation industry’s workhorse 747 is intended to put a satellite up when and where a customer needs it, Hart said.
“We can fly to space from any place that can host a 747, which is almost any place,” he said.
Virgin Orbit says it has dozens of missions on the books for customers including the U.S. Space Force and the Royal Air Force. Internationally, it is working on plans for launches from the United Kingdom and Japan.
Hart did not provide a specific dollar value for the missions it has on the books but characterized it as “hundreds of millions.”
Air launch technology dates back decades, including use by X-15 rocket planes in the 1950s and ’60s. For satellites the method is currently in use by what is now Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus rocket program, which has had several dozen launches since 1990.
Virgin Orbit, headquartered in Long Beach, California, began as a sister company of Virgin Galactic but has since separated. Virgin Galactic is preparing to begin flights carrying passengers into the lower reaches of space from southern New Mexico.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Joe Biden makes 1st in-person appearance in more than 2 months

NEW CASTLE , Del .
— Joe Biden made his first in-person appearance in more than two months on Monday as he marked Memorial Day by laying a wreath at a veterans park near his Delaware home .
Since abruptly canceling a March 10 rally in Cleveland at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has waged much of his campaign from his home in Wilmington .
When Biden emerged on Monday , he wore a face mask , in contrast to President Donald Trump , who has refused to cover his face in public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife , Jill , laid a wreath of white flowers tied with a white bow , and bowed their heads in silence at the park .
He saluted .
“ Never forget the sacrifices that these men and women made , ” he said after .
“ Never , ever , forget.
” “ I feel great to be out here , ” Biden told reporters , his words muffled through his black cloth mask .
His visit to the park was unannounced and there was no crowd waiting for him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another man , both wearing face masks and standing a few feet away .
Biden also yelled to another , larger group standing nearby , “ Thank you for your service.
” His campaign says Biden has gone to the park for Memorial Day often in the past , though services were canceled Monday in the pandemic .
Though low-key , the appearance was a milestone in a presidential campaign that has largely been frozen by the coronavirus outbreak .
While the feasibility of traditional events such as rallies and the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s emergence suggests he won ’ t spend the nearly five months that remain until the election entirely at home .
Trump , eager to project a country coming to life even as the pandemic ’ s death toll approached 100,000 , presided over back-to-back events at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and Fort McHenry in Baltimore .
After a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington , Trump mourned the fallen in remarks at the Baltimore historic site and praised the contribution of service members “ on the front lines of our war against this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually all aspects of American life and changed the terms of the election .
Trump ’ s argument that he deserves another term in office because of the strong economy has evaporated as unemployment rises to levels not seen since the Great Depression .
As a longtime senator and former vice president , Biden is trying to position himself as someone with the experience and empathy to lead the country out of a crisis .
Trump counters that he is the leader who can preside over an economic rebound later this year or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus era by building a television studio in his home , which he ’ s used to make appearances on news programs , late-night shows and virtual campaign events .
Some of those efforts have been marred by technical glitches and other awkward moments .
Some Democratic strategists have openly worried that Biden is ceding too much ground to Trump by staying home .
The president himself has knocked Biden for essentially campaigning from his basement .
Biden ’ s advisers say they plan to return to normal campaign activities at some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But they ’ re in no hurry , preferring to defer to the advice of health experts and authorities ’ stay-at-home and social distancing recommendations .
At 77 , Biden is among the nation ’ s senior population thought to be especially vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus — though so is Trump , who turns 74 next month .
“ We will never make any choices that put our staff or voters in harm ’ s way , ” Biden campaign manager Jen O ’ Malley Dillon said recently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional activities “ when safety allows , and we will not do that a day sooner.
” Trump has not resumed the large rallies that were the hallmark of his 2016 campaign and presidency but has begun traveling outside Washington in recent weeks .
He visited a facility producing face masks in Arizona and a Ford plant in Michigan that has been converted to produce medical and protective equipment .
Trump even played golf at his club in Virginia on the weekend , hoping that others will follow his lead and return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help revive an economy in free fall .
It was the president ’ s first trip to one of his money-making properties since March 8 , when he visited his private golf club in West Palm Beach .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11 , and Trump followed with the national emergency declaration two days later .
Biden ’ s campaign wasted little time producing an online video offering blurry , faraway footage of Trump on the golf course , imposed over images evoking the virus ravaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead from the pandemic approached 100,000 .
The video concluded by proclaiming : “ The death toll is still rising .
The president is playing golf.
” Trump is traveling to Florida Wednesday to watch to U.S. astronauts blast into orbit .

NEW CASTLE, Del. — Joe Biden made his first in-person appearance in more than two months on Monday as he marked Memorial Day by laying a wreath at a veterans park near his Delaware home.
Since abruptly canceling a March 10 rally in Cleveland at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has waged much of his campaign from his home in Wilmington. When Biden emerged on Monday, he wore a face mask, in contrast to President Donald Trump, who has refused to cover his face in public as health officials suggest.
Biden and his wife, Jill, laid a wreath of white flowers tied with a white bow, and bowed their heads in silence at the park. He saluted. “Never forget the sacrifices that these men and women made,” he said after. “Never, ever, forget.”
“I feel great to be out here,” Biden told reporters, his words muffled through his black cloth mask. His visit to the park was unannounced and there was no crowd waiting for him.
But Biden briefly greeted a county official and another man, both wearing face masks and standing a few feet away. Biden also yelled to another, larger group standing nearby, “Thank you for your service.” His campaign says Biden has gone to the park for Memorial Day often in the past, though services were canceled Monday in the pandemic.
Though low-key, the appearance was a milestone in a presidential campaign that has largely been frozen by the coronavirus outbreak. While the feasibility of traditional events such as rallies and the presidential conventions are in doubt, Biden’s emergence suggests he won’t spend the nearly five months that remain until the election entirely at home.
Trump, eager to project a country coming to life even as the pandemic’s death toll approached 100,000, presided over back-to-back events at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
After a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington, Trump mourned the fallen in remarks at the Baltimore historic site and praised the contribution of service members “on the front lines of our war against this terrible virus.”
The coronavirus has upended virtually all aspects of American life and changed the terms of the election. Trump’s argument that he deserves another term in office because of the strong economy has evaporated as unemployment rises to levels not seen since the Great Depression.
As a longtime senator and former vice president, Biden is trying to position himself as someone with the experience and empathy to lead the country out of a crisis. Trump counters that he is the leader who can preside over an economic rebound later this year or in 2021.
Biden has adjusted to the coronavirus era by building a television studio in his home, which he’s used to make appearances on news programs, late-night shows and virtual campaign events. Some of those efforts have been marred by technical glitches and other awkward moments.
Some Democratic strategists have openly worried that Biden is ceding too much ground to Trump by staying home. The president himself has knocked Biden for essentially campaigning from his basement.
Biden’s advisers say they plan to return to normal campaign activities at some point, including travel to battleground states. But they’re in no hurry, preferring to defer to the advice of health experts and authorities’ stay-at-home and social distancing recommendations.
At 77, Biden is among the nation’s senior population thought to be especially vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus — though so is Trump, who turns 74 next month.
“We will never make any choices that put our staff or voters in harm’s way,” Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon said recently, adding that the campaign would resume more traditional activities “when safety allows, and we will not do that a day sooner.”
Trump has not resumed the large rallies that were the hallmark of his 2016 campaign and presidency but has begun traveling outside Washington in recent weeks. He visited a facility producing face masks in Arizona and a Ford plant in Michigan that has been converted to produce medical and protective equipment.
Trump even played golf at his club in Virginia on the weekend, hoping that others will follow his lead and return to some semblance of normal life and gradually help revive an economy in free fall.
It was the president’s first trip to one of his money-making properties since March 8, when he visited his private golf club in West Palm Beach. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, and Trump followed with the national emergency declaration two days later.
Biden’s campaign wasted little time producing an online video offering blurry, faraway footage of Trump on the golf course, imposed over images evoking the virus ravaging the nation as the number of Americans dead from the pandemic approached 100,000. The video concluded by proclaiming: “The death toll is still rising. The president is playing golf.”
Trump is traveling to Florida Wednesday to watch to U.S. astronauts blast into orbit.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Polis blocking Colorado bill to require coverage of mental health exams

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis is opposing a bipartisan bill that would require Colorado insurers to cover annual mental health wellness exams — dimming sponsors ’ hopes that it can pass in what ’ s left of the legislative session .
Polis wrote a letter last month saying he wouldn ’ t sign any more bills with insurance mandates after signing a bill to require insurers to cover infertility treatments .
Sponsors of House Bill 1086 , the mental health wellness exams bill , had hoped that the governor might allow their bill to become law without his signature , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are concerned that Polis ’ opposition could kill the bill entirely .
The sponsors say their bill is even more important during the current public health crisis as people report high levels of anxiety , mental health and substance use problems .
Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet realized her bill was in trouble when she saw it wasn ’ t on the calendar for the resumed session .
The bill passed out of the House and its first committee in the Senate before lawmakers suspended the session in March .
“ Right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a vaccine for the physical illness , and as soon as we can , we ’ ll do everything in out power to have as many people willing to be vaccinated as possible , ” said Michaelson Jenet , a Commerce City Democrat .
“ This bill is exactly what we need at exactly this time .
It is the vaccine of the mental health crisis of COVID-19 , ” she added .
Michaelson Jenet had introduced other mental health bills this session , many of which are likely to be postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes it ’ s important to pass this one as soon as possible .
Republican Rep. Colin Larson of Littleton is also a sponsor .
He said he continues to support the bill , but sponsors should give up on it if the rest of the General Assembly and the governor don ’ t back it .
“ A lot of things I really believed in , that I think were good ideas , I ’ ve just acquiesced to dying , ” he said .
Michaelson Jenet said she wants to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health , as guaranteed federally .
She knows of no opposition to the bill except from the governor ’ s office , she said .
When asked if the governor would veto the bill if passed , spokesperson Conor Cahill said the governor was clear in his signing statement that he would require future bills to include a process for an objective analysis of how much a new requirement would cost or save Coloradans .
Cahill said staff continues working with proponents “ to find an agreeable path forward ” and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , this isn ’ t the time to raise the cost of health care , which is the biggest barrier to access , he said .
Michaelson Jenet points to studies that indicate prevention and early intervention reduce costs , which she said insurers also recognize .
The Colorado Hospital Association and the Colorado Association of Health Plans are monitoring the bill .
Amanda Massey , executive director of the latter group , said at sponsors ’ news conference earlier this year that increasing members ’ access to mental health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Massey said in a statement that the Colorado Association of Health Plans wants members to use their mental health coverage .
“ However , ” she added , “ every benefit mandated by the legislature does have a cost to consumers , and this bill will impact premiums for Coloradans.
” Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg , D-Boulder , said in a news conference Tuesday that leaders are still considering letting mental health bills move forward , but they are trying to avoid unnecessary conflict as they prioritize what they can @ @ @ @ @

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is opposing a bipartisan bill that would require Colorado insurers to cover annual mental health wellness exams — dimming sponsors’ hopes that it can pass in what’s left of the legislative session.
Polis wrote a letter last month saying he wouldn’t sign any more bills with insurance mandates after signing a bill to require insurers to cover infertility treatments. Sponsors of House Bill 1086, the mental health wellness exams bill, had hoped that the governor might allow their bill to become law without his signature, but after conversations with his office, they are concerned that Polis’ opposition could kill the bill entirely. The sponsors say their bill is even more important during the current public health crisis as people report high levels of anxiety, mental health and substance use problems.
Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet realized her bill was in trouble when she saw it wasn’t on the calendar for the resumed session. The bill passed out of the House and its first committee in the Senate before lawmakers suspended the session in March.
“Right now, the whole world is trying to find a vaccine for the physical illness, and as soon as we can, we’ll do everything in out power to have as many people willing to be vaccinated as possible,” said Michaelson Jenet, a Commerce City Democrat. “This bill is exactly what we need at exactly this time. It is the vaccine of the mental health crisis of COVID-19,” she added.
Michaelson Jenet had introduced other mental health bills this session, many of which are likely to be postponed because of the crisis, but she believes it’s important to pass this one as soon as possible.
Republican Rep. Colin Larson of Littleton is also a sponsor. He said he continues to support the bill, but sponsors should give up on it if the rest of the General Assembly and the governor don’t back it.
“A lot of things I really believed in, that I think were good ideas, I’ve just acquiesced to dying,” he said.
Michaelson Jenet said she wants to help achieve true parity between mental and physical health, as guaranteed federally. She knows of no opposition to the bill except from the governor’s office, she said.
When asked if the governor would veto the bill if passed, spokesperson Conor Cahill said the governor was clear in his signing statement that he would require future bills to include a process for an objective analysis of how much a new requirement would cost or save Coloradans.
Cahill said staff continues working with proponents “to find an agreeable path forward” and that the governor is dedicated to behavioral health care. However, this isn’t the time to raise the cost of health care, which is the biggest barrier to access, he said.
Michaelson Jenet points to studies that indicate prevention and early intervention reduce costs, which she said insurers also recognize.
The Colorado Hospital Association and the Colorado Association of Health Plans are monitoring the bill. Amanda Massey, executive director of the latter group, said at sponsors’ news conference earlier this year that the association wants to increase members’ access to affordable mental health services.
Tuesday, Massey said in a statement that the Colorado Association of Health Plans wants members to use their mental health coverage. “However,” she added, “every benefit mandated by the legislature does have a cost to consumers, and this bill will impact premiums for Coloradans.”
Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said in a news conference Tuesday that leaders are still considering letting mental health bills move forward, but they are trying to avoid unnecessary conflict as they prioritize what they can accomplish in three weeks.
Clarification 9:51 a.m. March 28: Amanda Massey, executive director of the Colorado Association of Health Plans, spoke at a news conference in January in favor of increasing access to affordable mental health care services but was not addressing the costs of Michaelson Jenet’s bill itself.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Nearly 200 will lose jobs as two Colorado businesses announce permanent closures

Bluprint , a subscription online service focused on crafts and entertainment , is permanently closing and laying off 137 employees .
The Denver-based company , formerly named Craftsy Unlimited , was bought by NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment in 2018 and promoted as a digital service offering crafts classes and original content .
In a letter on the website , CEO John Levisay said Bluprint will close operations over the next few months .
The company is looking at allowing people who bought individual classes to receive copies and issuing prorated refunds to subscribers , Levisay said .
In a notice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bluprint said layoffs will begin around July 22 and continue until the offices are closed , expected at the end of August .
Craftsy , which started in 2011 , was seen as a leader among Denver ’ s tech startups .
It featured online classes in cooking , quilting and knitting as well as entertainment series .
Group Publishing Inc. , based in Loveland , has also let state officials know that it is closing for good .
Sixty-two people will lose their jobs .
The company produces publications for churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are for vacation Bible schools .
The coronavirus pandemic “ and related government actions ” led to a serious downturn in business , the company said in a letter to the state labor department .
Most churches have canceled their summer programs , Group Publishing said .

Bluprint, a subscription online service focused on crafts and entertainment, is permanently closing and laying off 137 employees.
Another business, Group Publishing Inc. in Loveland, will lay off 62 employees, or 45% of its workforce.
Denver-based Bluprint, formerly named Craftsy Unlimited, was bought by NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment in 2018 and promoted as a digital service offering crafts classes and original content. In a letter on the website, CEO John Levisay said Bluprint will close operations over the next few months.
The company is looking at allowing people who bought individual classes to receive copies and issuing prorated refunds to subscribers, Levisay said. In a notice to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Bluprint said layoffs will begin around July 22 and continue until the offices are closed, expected at the end of August.
Craftsy, which started in 2011,was seen as a leader among Denver’s tech startups. It featured online classes in cooking, quilting and knitting as well as entertainment series.
Group Publishing Inc., based in Loveland, has notified state officials know that it is letting 62 of its employees go. The layoffs will be permanent, the company said. Seventy-six employees will remain.
The company produces publications for churches across the county. The main materials are for vacation Bible schools.
The coronavirus pandemic “and related government actions” led to a serious downturn in business, the company said in a letter to the state labor department.
“Though some states are allowing big box stores and other establishments to open, they’ve been slower to accommodate church activities,” Thom Schultz, the company’s founder and president said in a statement.
As a result, thousands of churches have canceled their summer programs for children, Schultz said. Group Publishing is providing a free guide to adapt its curriculum for at-home use, he said.
“This is the most difficult time in our history,” Schultz said. “It is excruciating. We will be saying good-bye to great, great people, many of whom have been with us for decades.”
Layoffs will start July 1.
This story was updated to correct that Group Publishing Inc. is not closing but is laying off 62 people and to add comment from the company.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--MLB’s financial proposal to save 2020 season considered “non-starter” by players

Rockies reliever Scott Oberg , the team ’ s player representative , was asked Tuesday morning if he was encouraged that Major League Baseball could salvage part of the 2020 season .
“ I ’ m optimistic , but I think that ’ s about as far as I can go , ” Oberg said .
“ I think it ’ s definitely in everybody ’ s best interest to be able to get back on the field .
From a broader perspective , as a whole , baseball might help the country to heal in some form or fashion.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before MLB presented its financial proposal to the MLB Players Union on Tuesday afternoon .
To say that the players were less than enthused would be an understatement .
“ The players see this as a complete non-starter , ” one agent said .
“ It ’ s almost like when players and the teams go through arbitration .
The first steps of arbitration are all about posturing .
I think that ’ s what ’ s going on here.
” Tuesday was the first time the two sides have formally discussed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic-shortened season by July 4 .
The hope is that teams could open a second “ spring training ” by around June 10 .
Time is growing short for the two sides to reach an agreement .
MLB dropped a proposed revenue-sharing plan — one the MLBPA quickly rejected — and instead introduced a sliding scale of compensation .
A major league source , who has examined the proposal , said the plan cuts the salaries of the highest-paid players , with the lowest-paid players taking lesser cuts from their full prorated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news .
“ We made a proposal to the union that is completely consistent with the economic realities facing our sport , ” MLB said in a statement .
“ We look forward to a responsive proposal from the MLBPA.
” Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman publicly voiced his distaste for the owners ’ offer .
“ This season is not looking promising , ” Stroman tweeted .
“ Keeping the mind and body ready regardless .
Time to dive into some life-after-baseball projects .
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy .
Brighter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size of the proposed pay cuts is unclear , ESPN reported that the highest-paid players could receive less than 40 % of their full-season salaries .
According to ESPN , a player making $ 35 million in 2020 ( which is what Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado was scheduled to make ) would get paid about $ 7.8 million .
A player making $ 10 million would get about $ 2.9 million and a player making $ 1 million would make $ 434,000 .
The owners and players have a major disagreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after spring training was shut down .
At that point , the MLBPA agreed to prorated salaries for the upcoming shortened season .
The owners , however , claimed that the language of the agreement allowed them to revisit the issue of player pay if the season had to go on without fans in the stands .
The union has disagreed with that interpretation of the agreement .

Rockies reliever Scott Oberg, the team’s player representative, was asked Tuesday morning if he was encouraged that Major League Baseball could salvage part of the 2020 season.
“I’m optimistic, but I think that’s about as far as I can go,” Oberg said. “I think it’s definitely in everybody’s best interest to be able to get back on the field. From a broader perspective, as a whole, baseball might help the country to heal in some form or fashion.”
But Oberg’s comments came before MLB presented its financial proposal to the MLB Players Union on Tuesday afternoon. To say that the players were less than enthused would be an understatement.
“The players see this as a complete non-starter,” one agent said. “It’s almost like when players and the teams go through arbitration. The first steps of arbitration are all about posturing. I think that’s what’s going on here.”
Tuesday was the first time the two sides have formally discussed an economic plan in an attempt to open the pandemic-shortened season by July 4. The hope is that teams could open a second “spring training” by around June 10. Time is growing short for the two sides to reach an agreement.
MLB dropped a proposed revenue-sharing plan — one the MLBPA quickly rejected — and instead introduced a sliding scale of compensation. A major league source, who has examined the proposal, said the plan cuts the salaries of the highest-paid players, with the lowest-paid players taking lesser cuts from their full prorated shares. USA Today first reported the news.
“We made a proposal to the union that is completely consistent with the economic realities facing our sport,” MLB said in a statement. “We look forward to a responsive proposal from the MLBPA.”
Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman publicly voiced his distaste for the owners’ offer.
“This season is not looking promising,” Stroman tweeted. “Keeping the mind and body ready regardless. Time to dive into some life-after-baseball projects. Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Brighter times remain ahead!”
While the size of the proposed pay cuts is unclear, ESPN reported that the highest-paid players could receive less than 40% of their full-season salaries. According to ESPN, a player making $35 million in 2020 (which is what Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado was scheduled to make) would get paid about $7.8 million. A player making $10 million would get about $2.9 million and a player making $1 million would make $434,000.
The owners and players have a major disagreement about the March agreement that came two weeks after spring training was shut down. At that point, the MLBPA agreed to prorated salaries for the upcoming shortened season. The owners, however, claimed that the language of the agreement allowed them to revisit the issue of player pay if the season had to go on without fans in the stands. The union has disagreed with that interpretation of the agreement.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--In-person classes key for return of CU Buffs sports

There are still a lot of hurdles to be cleared for college sports to return in the fall , but the University of Colorado cleared an important one on Tuesday .
CU chancellor Philip DiStefano announced the school ’ s “ Road Map to Fall 2020 , ” and it includes on-campus classes beginning Aug. 24 , as scheduled .
CU is the latest school to announce plans for in-person classes .
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education , which is tracking college plans , about 67 percent of schools are planning for in-person learning , with another seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another 21 percent of the 750 schools tracked are waiting to decide or considering several options , while only six percent are planning for online classes .
Students being on campus is essential for sports to take place amid the COVID-19 pandemic , according to conference commissioners around the country .
For CU , it means the window is very much open for fall sports to take place .
In addition to football , CU participates in cross country , women ’ s soccer and volleyball in the fall .
Golf and tennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring , also have fall schedules .
Last week , the NCAA Division I Council announced that athletes can resume voluntary on-campus workouts June 1 .
The Pac-12 on Tuesday announced that workouts can begin June 15 for all sports , with each campus making decisions relative to local guidelines .
“ As educational institutions , our highest obligation is to the health and welfare of our students , faculty , and staff , ” DiStefano said in a Pac-12 press release .
“ As we considered the pros and cons of taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to play , those considerations were foremost , guided by the advice of our own medical experts along with public health officials.
” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott added : “ As states have either already opened or begin to open up access to parks , gyms and other training facilities , student-athletes should have the option at this time to be in , what for many , will be a much safer environment on campus , where they can have access to the best available health , well-being and training support.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reincorporating on-campus workouts , some football players have already made their way back to Boulder , according to sources .
Men ’ s basketball coach Tad Boyle told Buffzone that definitive plans for his team have not been set , but the Buffs are working on a plan for summer workouts .
“ So much of that is dependent upon the governor , Boulder county , campus , ” Boyle said .
“ As those decisions come down , we have a plan in place in terms of what we want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll see how that all unfolds.
” If there is a college football season this year , it won ’ t look normal .
When “ normal ” returns is anyone ’ s guess .
But , if there is college football this year , there is one thing that will look all too normal for CU fans : the Buffs projected to finish at the bottom of the Pac-12 .
Earlier this month , the William Hill sports book released its odds for each conference .
CU has , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pac-12 , at 150-to-1 .
Oregon State is next-to-last , at 75-to-1 .
Defending conference champ Oregon is the favorite , at 11/5 odds , followed by Southern Cal ( 5/2 ) , Washington ( 7/2 ) and Utah ( 5/1 ) .
Coming off a third consecutive 5-7 season , the Buffs went through a coaching change for the second time in 15 months , replacing the departed Mel Tucker with Karl Dorrell in late February – about two months after most coaching changes .
The late hire of Dorrell put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic prevented the Buffs from having spring practice .
With a track record of losing seasons , a new head coach and trying to replace a three-year starter at quarterback with inexperience , the Buffs ’ spot at the bottom isn ’ t much of a surprise .
Since joining the conference in 2011 , CU has been projected to finish last in the South seven times in nine years in the preseason Pac-12 media polls .
The Buffs have finished last or tied for last in the South seven times , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2019 ( fifth ) .
CU ’ s football schedule includes three teams include in the Athlon magazine preseason Top 25 : No .
10 Oregon , No .
11 Texas A & M and No .
19 Southern California .
… The Football Bowl Subdivision conferences , CBS Sports , ESPN , Fox Sports and other affiliated networks issued a joint statement Tuesday that they have agreed to an extension of their deadline for setting game times and network designations .
The standard deadline is June 1 .

There are still a lot of hurdles to be cleared for college sports to return in the fall, but the University of Colorado cleared an important one on Tuesday.
CU chancellor Philip DiStefano announced the school’s “Road Map to Fall 2020,” and it includes on-campus classes beginning Aug. 24, as scheduled.
CU is the latest school to announce plans for in-person classes. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, which is tracking college plans, about 67 percent of schools are planning for in-person learning, with another seven percent looking at hybrid in-person/online models. Another 21 percent of the 750 schools tracked are waiting to decide or considering several options, while only six percent are planning for online classes.
Students being on campus is essential for sports to take place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to conference commissioners around the country.
For CU, it means the window is very much open for fall sports to take place. In addition to football, CU participates in cross country, women’s soccer and volleyball in the fall. Golf and tennis, which wrap up their years in spring, also have fall schedules.
Last week, the NCAA Division I Council announced that athletes can resume voluntary on-campus workouts June 1. The Pac-12 on Tuesday announced that workouts can begin June 15 for all sports, with each campus making decisions relative to local guidelines.
“As educational institutions, our highest obligation is to the health and welfare of our students, faculty, and staff,” DiStefano said in a Pac-12 press release. “As we considered the pros and cons of taking steps that can pave a path to returning to play, those considerations were foremost, guided by the advice of our own medical experts along with public health officials.”
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott added: “As states have either already opened or begin to open up access to parks, gyms and other training facilities, student-athletes should have the option at this time to be in, what for many, will be a much safer environment on campus, where they can have access to the best available health, well-being and training support.”
While CU has not announced its plan for reincorporating on-campus workouts, some football players have already made their way back to Boulder, according to sources.
Men’s basketball coach Tad Boyle told Buffzone that definitive plans for his team have not been set, but the Buffs are working on a plan for summer workouts.
“So much of that is dependent upon the governor, Boulder county, campus,” Boyle said. “As those decisions come down, we have a plan in place in terms of what we want to do with our team this summer and we’ll see how that all unfolds.”
Buffs in familiar spot
If there is a college football season this year, it won’t look normal. When “normal” returns is anyone’s guess.
But, if there is college football this year, there is one thing that will look all too normal for CU fans: the Buffs projected to finish at the bottom of the Pac-12.
Earlier this month, the William Hill sports book released its odds for each conference. CU has, by far, the longest odds of winning the Pac-12, at 150-to-1. Oregon State is next-to-last, at 75-to-1.
Defending conference champ Oregon is the favorite, at 11/5 odds, followed by Southern Cal (5/2), Washington (7/2) and Utah (5/1).
Coming off a third consecutive 5-7 season, the Buffs went through a coaching change for the second time in 15 months, replacing the departed Mel Tucker with Karl Dorrell in late February – about two months after most coaching changes.
The late hire of Dorrell put CU behind other teams and the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Buffs from having spring practice.
With a track record of losing seasons, a new head coach and trying to replace a three-year starter at quarterback with inexperience, the Buffs’ spot at the bottom isn’t much of a surprise.
Since joining the conference in 2011, CU has been projected to finish last in the South seven times in nine years in the preseason Pac-12 media polls. The Buffs have finished last or tied for last in the South seven times, the lone exceptions being 2016 (first) and 2019 (fifth).
Notable
CU’s football schedule includes three teams include in the Athlon magazine preseason Top 25: No. 10 Oregon, No. 11 Texas A&M and No. 19 Southern California. … The Football Bowl Subdivision conferences, CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports and other affiliated networks issued a joint statement Tuesday that they have agreed to an extension of their deadline for setting game times and network designations. The standard deadline is June 1.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--CU Buffs lose basketball assistant coach to Arizona State

On Tuesday , CU head coach Tad Boyle confirmed to BuffZone that Coleman is leaving the Buffs after one season to return to the Pac-12 rival Sun Devils .
The news was first reported by 247Sports.com .
Coleman was hired by CU on April 26 , 2019 , after three seasons on Arizona State ’ s staff .
He will now return to head coach Bobby Hurley ’ s staff .
“ It ’ s something he and I had talked about probably over the last week when the opportunity came up , ” Boyle said .
“ Quite frankly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was offered a significant raise in pay and he chose to take it , which obviously I don ’ t begrudge anybody for .
He ’ s doing what he thinks is best for his family and he ’ s leaving here on good terms .
We wish him the best.
” For Boyle , who recently completed his 10th season as CU ’ s head coach , this is just the fifth time he ’ s had a change among his three assistant coaching positions .
“ ( Replacing Coleman ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take my time on , especially given the circumstances and the timing and what we ’ re going through with this COVID situation , ” Boyle said .
“ I don ’ t feel like I ’ ve got to move quickly .
Our program is in great shape , recruiting the class of 2020 is done , so we ’ ll make decisions in the foreseeable future .
I certainly have some ideas of who I ’ d like to go after.
” Associate head coach Mike Rohn has been at CU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons and assistant Bill Grier has been with the Buffs for four seasons .
Both can coach guards or frontcourt players , so Boyle isn ’ t concerned about the next assistant having a particular area of expertise .
Coleman coached the Buffs ’ frontcourt , which Rohn had done the previous nine years .
“ I want a guy who can coach ; I want a guy who can recruit ; I want a guy who can relate to the players , ” Boyle said .
“ I want a guy who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want a guy who can run a workout , who can coach the game of basketball.
” Although Coleman was with the program for only one season , Boyle said he was a good addition to the staff .
“ He did a good job and our players certainly liked him and enjoyed being around him , ” Boyle said .
“ He fit in great with our staff .
”

Colorado men’s basketball assistant coach Anthony Coleman is heading back to Arizona State.
On Tuesday, CU head coach Tad Boyle confirmed to BuffZone that Coleman is leaving the Buffs after one season to return to the Pac-12 rival Sun Devils. The news was first reported by 247Sports.com.
Coleman was hired by CU on April 26, 2019, after three seasons on Arizona State’s staff. He will now return to head coach Bobby Hurley’s staff.
“It’s something he and I had talked about probably over the last week when the opportunity came up,” Boyle said. “Quite frankly, it was a financial decision. He was offered a significant raise in pay and he chose to take it, which obviously I don’t begrudge anybody for. He’s doing what he thinks is best for his family and he’s leaving here on good terms. We wish him the best.”
For Boyle, who recently completed his 10th season as CU’s head coach, this is just the fifth time he’s had a change among his three assistant coaching positions.
“(Replacing Coleman) is something I’m going to take my time on, especially given the circumstances and the timing and what we’re going through with this COVID situation,” Boyle said. “I don’t feel like I’ve got to move quickly. Our program is in great shape, recruiting the class of 2020 is done, so we’ll make decisions in the foreseeable future. I certainly have some ideas of who I’d like to go after.”
Associate head coach Mike Rohn has been at CU for all of Boyle’s 10 seasons and assistant Bill Grier has been with the Buffs for four seasons. Both can coach guards or frontcourt players, so Boyle isn’t concerned about the next assistant having a particular area of expertise. Coleman coached the Buffs’ frontcourt, which Rohn had done the previous nine years.
“I want a guy who can coach; I want a guy who can recruit; I want a guy who can relate to the players,” Boyle said. “I want a guy who can do a scouting report; I want a guy who can run a workout, who can coach the game of basketball.”
Although Coleman was with the program for only one season, Boyle said he was a good addition to the staff.
“He did a good job and our players certainly liked him and enjoyed being around him,” Boyle said. “He fit in great with our staff.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Suzanne Morphew disappearance: Law enforcement releases missing woman’s home to family

The Chaffee County Sheriff ’ s Office released Suzanne Morphew ’ s residence back to the family after seizing it @ @ @ @ @ investigate her May 10 disappearance .
Since Morphew ’ s disappearance , the sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ than 400 calls to its tip line that they are working to follow up on @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office news release .
The 49-year-old was reported missing after leaving for a @ @ @ @ @ said .
Chaffee County deputies , along with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation @ @ @ @ @ , recently spent three days searching a residence in east Salida based on leads they @ @ @ @ @ they were unable to make any connection , ” Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze said @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Officials said they are continuing the missing person investigation .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ to the tip line 719-312-7530 .
• Search for Suzanne Morphew targets new area near @ @ @ @ @ personal item

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office released Suzanne Morphew’s residence back to the family after seizing it with a search warrant to investigate her May 10 disappearance.
Since Morphew’s disappearance, the sheriff’s office has received more than 400 calls to its tip line that they are working to follow up on, according to a sheriff’s office news release. The 49-year-old was reported missing after leaving for a bicycle ride, authorities have said.
Chaffee County deputies, along with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Colorado Bureau of Investigation, recently spent three days searching a residence in east Salida based on leads they received. However, “they were unable to make any connection,” Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze said after the search wrapped on Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Pac-12 to allow voluntary in-person workouts on campus starting June 15

The Pac-12 became the third Power 5 conference to set a date for athletes to return to voluntary on-campus in-person training on Tuesday .
The Pac-12 will allow voluntary in-person workouts for all sports starting June 15 , the conference announced following a meeting of the Pac-12 CEO Group .
The decision comes four days after the Big 12 and SEC made similar announcements in the wake of the NCAA ’ s decision to permit schools to reopen voluntary training starting June 1 .
Each school will develop its own health and safety plans that align with local public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it will allow in-person workouts on campus June 15 , but CU-Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano , the CEO Group Chair , threw his support behind the Pac-12 ’ s decision Tuesday .
“ As educational institutions , our highest obligation is to the health and welfare of our students , faculty , and staff , ” DiStefano said in a news release .
“ As we considered the pros and cons of taking steps that can pave a path to returning to play , those considerations were foremost , guided by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with public health officials.
” The Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee created a series of guidelines and protocols for schools to follow once they decide to open for individual workouts .
The guidelines created by the medical advisory committee cover returning to campus ; returning to an athletic facility ; facility specific considerations ; return to exercise and response to infection or presumed infection .
It ’ s unlikely all 12 schools will open their doors at the same time .
States with schools in the conference are reopening at difference paces and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to campus for workouts .
Arizona has reopened many of its services and said professional sports can resume , while California , Washington and Oregon have been slower and more restrictive in allowing the resumption of small gatherings .
Several Pac-12 football coaches have said they would like six to eight weeks of preseason training and practice to be ready should the season begin as scheduled in late August and early September .
“ As states have either already opened or begin to open up access to parks , gyms and other training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time to be in , what for many , will be a much safer environment on campus , where they can have access to the best available health , well-being and training support , ” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said in a news release .
The SEC will allow schools to resume workouts June 8 , while the Big 12 opted to allow voluntary activities to start June 15 for football , July 1 for other fall sports and July 15 for all other sports .

The Pac-12 became the third Power 5 conference to set a date for athletes to return to voluntary on-campus in-person training on Tuesday.
The Pac-12 will allow voluntary in-person workouts for all sports starting June 15, the conference announced following a meeting of the Pac-12 CEO Group. The decision comes four days after the Big 12 and SEC made similar announcements in the wake of the NCAA’s decision to permit schools to reopen voluntary training starting June 1.
Each school will develop its own health and safety plans that align with local public health guidance. CU has yet to indicate if it will allow in-person workouts on campus June 15, but CU-Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano, the CEO Group Chair, threw his support behind the Pac-12’s decision Tuesday.
“As educational institutions, our highest obligation is to the health and welfare of our students, faculty, and staff,” DiStefano said in a news release. “As we considered the pros and cons of taking steps that can pave a path to returning to play, those considerations were foremost, guided by the advice of our own medical experts along with public health officials.”
The Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee created a series of guidelines and protocols for schools to follow once they decide to open for individual workouts. The guidelines created by the medical advisory committee cover returning to campus; returning to an athletic facility; facility specific considerations; return to exercise and response to infection or presumed infection.
It’s unlikely all 12 schools will open their doors at the same time. States with schools in the conference are reopening at difference paces and that will affect when athletes can return to campus for workouts. Arizona has reopened many of its services and said professional sports can resume, while California, Washington and Oregon have been slower and more restrictive in allowing the resumption of small gatherings.
Several Pac-12 football coaches have said they would like six to eight weeks of preseason training and practice to be ready should the season begin as scheduled in late August and early September.
“As states have either already opened or begin to open up access to parks, gyms and other training facilities, student-athletes should have the option at this time to be in, what for many, will be a much safer environment on campus, where they can have access to the best available health, well-being and training support,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said in a news release.
The SEC will allow schools to resume workouts June 8, while the Big 12 opted to allow voluntary activities to start June 15 for football, July 1 for other fall sports and July 15 for all other sports.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Colorado confirms 1,114 deaths due to COVID-19 as hospitalizations continue to fall

Colorado health officials on Tuesday reported 1,352 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the new coronavirus was first confirmed in the state , and that death-certificate data shows 1,114 fatalities were directly due to the virus .
That ’ s an increase of 19 deaths of people who had the virus and 16 additional fatalities tied directly to COVID-19 over Monday ’ s tallies , though there ’ s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently revamped the way it reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had the virus as well as the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate .
There have been 4,160 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March , though only 367 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Tuesday afternoon , state data shows .
That ’ s the lowest hospitalizations have been since March 30 , when 358 people were in the hospital for COVID-19 .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility .
Additionally , as of Tuesday , there were 342 critical care ventilators being used across the state , down from 463 a month ago , according to state data .
To date , 24,565 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus , though health officials have said they believe the true number is closer to 167,000 .
Officials recorded 4,050 tests on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to better track the virus .
The testing rate — 71.1 tests per 100,000 people per day — is far than earlier in the pandemic , though health experts say 152 tests per 100,000 people is the daily number necessary to safely monitor the outbreak .
Gov .
Jared Polis on Tuesday said the state now has the supplies and capabilities to test 8,500 people per day , roughly 2,200 more tests than the previous highest daily total .
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that anybody in the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can get tested for free .
Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 267 contained facilities across the state , including nursing homes , jails and factories .
That ’ s one more than the previous day .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported to the state .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Colorado health officials on Tuesday reported 1,352 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the new coronavirus was first confirmed in the state, and that death-certificate data shows 1,114 fatalities were directly due to the virus.
That’s an increase of 19 deaths of people who had the virus and 16 additional fatalities tied directly to COVID-19 over Monday’s tallies, though there’s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently revamped the way it reports deaths related to the new coronavirus, listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had the virus as well as the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate.
There have been 4,160 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March, though only 367 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Tuesday afternoon, state data shows. That’s the lowest hospitalizations have been since March 30, when 358 people were in the hospital for COVID-19. At least 36 people since Monday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility.
Additionally, as of Tuesday, there were 342 critical care ventilators being used across the state, down from 463 a month ago, according to state data.
To date, 24,565 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus, though health officials have said they believe the true number is closer to 167,000.
Officials recorded 4,050 tests on Monday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus. The testing rate — 71.1 tests per 100,000 people per day — is far than earlier in the pandemic, though health experts say 152 tests per 100,000 people is the daily number necessary to safely monitor the outbreak.
Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday said the state now has the supplies and capabilities to test 8,500 people per day, roughly 2,200 more tests than the previous highest daily total.
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes, though Polis last week announced that anybody in the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can get tested for free. Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 267 contained facilities across the state, including nursing homes, jails and factories. That’s one more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Second worker at Denver King Soopers dies after contracting coronavirus, union says

A 75-year-old worker at the King Soopers grocery store in Denver ’ s Capitol Hill neighborhood died Saturday after contracting COVID-19 — the second worker at the store to die of the virus , according to the workers ’ union .
James McKay worked since 2006 as a courtesy clerk at the store at the intersection of East 9th Avenue and North Downing Street , where he helped customers and bagged groceries , said Bridget Bartol , a spokeswoman for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 7 .
Twelve employees at the store have tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Randy Narvaez , who worked at the store for more than 30 years , died May 17 after contracting the coronavirus .
Other employees at the grocery store in Capitol Hill have said they fear coming to work , but need to take the risk of contracting COVID-19 to pay their bills .
State outbreak data from May 21 — the most current data available — shows that 45 King Soopers employees at three Colorado stores and the company ’ s bakery have tested positive for the virus .
McKay was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and helping the store ’ s customers , said Leonard Jackson , who worked at the store with Mckay for more than a decade and attended Manual High School with him .
“ He just seemed like he stayed happy all the time , ” Jackson , 75 , said .
“ He ’ d always be laughing and joking at work .
He ’ d always say something crazy.
” The two men reconnected when they started working at the grocery store .
They reminisced on high school hijinks , like trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beer , Jackson said .
Their more recent activities were more calm , however , since both men were in their 70s .
McKay had respiratory problems , Jackson said , and wore oxygen at work .
“ We usually just sit around and talk and play dominoes , ” Jackson said .
“ We were real good friends.
” Jackson stopped working at the King Soopers in November , he said , and contact between him and McKay became less frequent .
When the union called him to tell him of McKay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and heartbroken .
Now , Jackson waits to hear if there will be a funeral for his friend and if he ’ ll be able to attend .
“ Every time I look at his picture now I almost start crying , ” Jackson said .
“ He was a good person.
” Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

A 75-year-old worker at the King Soopers grocery store in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood died Saturday after contracting COVID-19 — the second worker at the store to die of the virus, according to the workers’ union.
James McKay worked since 2006 as a courtesy clerk at the store at the intersection of East 9th Avenue and North Downing Street, where he helped customers and bagged groceries, said Bridget Bartol, a spokeswoman for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 7.
Twelve employees at the store have tested positive for the virus, according to the union. Randy Narvaez, who worked at the store for more than 30 years, died May 17 after contracting the coronavirus. Other employees at the grocery store in Capitol Hill have said they fear coming to work, but need to take the risk of contracting COVID-19 to pay their bills.
State outbreak data from May 21 — the most current data available — shows that 45 King Soopers employees at three Colorado stores and the company’s bakery have tested positive for the virus.
McKay was a happy man who loved a good joke and helping the store’s customers, said Leonard Jackson, who worked at the store with Mckay for more than a decade and attended Manual High School with him.
“He just seemed like he stayed happy all the time,” Jackson, 75, said. “He’d always be laughing and joking at work. He’d always say something crazy.”
The two men reconnected when they started working at the grocery store. They reminisced on high school hijinks, like trying to find someone who would buy them beer, Jackson said.
Their more recent activities were more calm, however, since both men were in their 70s. McKay had respiratory problems, Jackson said, and wore oxygen at work.
“We usually just sit around and talk and play dominoes,” Jackson said. “We were real good friends.”
Jackson stopped working at the King Soopers in November, he said, and contact between him and McKay became less frequent. When the union called him to tell him of McKay’s death, Jackson was shocked and heartbroken.
Now, Jackson waits to hear if there will be a funeral for his friend and if he’ll be able to attend.
“Every time I look at his picture now I almost start crying,” Jackson said. “He was a good person.”
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-26--Brown Palace Hotel extends layoffs for nearly 300 workers

The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver plans a scaled-down reopening in the months ahead , but it won ’ t be enough to recall 298 members of its staff .
Merritt Hospitality , which manages the iconic downtown hotel , informed the Colorado Department of Labor in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter that it would extend what were initially expected to be temporary layoffs beyond six months for 298 employees .
The positions impacted in the largest numbers include banquet servers , food servers , cooks , hosts , stewards , bartenders , spa therapists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a temporary layoff status were informed on or around May 21 , 2020 , that they should anticipate their layoffs will now exceed six months due to the likely continuation of the unanticipated , dramatic , and continuing downturn in the economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the hospitality industry , ” general manager Nick Moschetti said in a letter to the state on Thursday .
The Brown Palace always found a way to keep its doors open , through two world wars , the Great Depression , multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on April 7 , the hotel closed to the public due to the current pandemic .
Given that the Brown Palace normally employs 340 people , the notice indicates that whenever it reopens , it will do so with a skeletal staff and absent many of the amenities that it usually offers guests .

The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver plans a scaled-down reopening in the months ahead, but it won’t be enough to recall 298 members of its staff.
Merritt Hospitality, which manages the iconic downtown hotel, informed the Colorado Department of Labor in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter that it would extend what were initially expected to be temporary layoffs beyond six months for 298 employees.
The positions impacted in the largest numbers include banquet servers, food servers, cooks, hosts, stewards, bartenders, spa therapists and laundry attendants.
“Employees on a temporary layoff status were informed on or around May 21, 2020, that they should anticipate their layoffs will now exceed six months due to the likely continuation of the unanticipated, dramatic, and continuing downturn in the economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the hospitality industry,” general manager Nick Moschetti said in a letter to the state on Thursday.
The Brown Palace always found a way to keep its doors open, through two world wars, the Great Depression, multiple recessions, and natural disasters. But on April 7, the hotel closed to the public due to the current pandemic.
Given that the Brown Palace normally employs 340 people, the notice indicates that whenever it reopens, it will do so with a skeletal staff and absent many of the amenities that it usually offers guests.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Colorado legislature won’t allow testimony by phone or video

If you want to speak to Colorado lawmakers over the next few weeks , you ’ ll have to do it in person .
Leaders in the House and Senate — Democrats , in each case — confirmed Tuesday , as the General Assembly convened for the first time since coronavirus forced a closure in March , that legislative committees will not accept witness testimony by video or telephone .
This will become more relevant in a couple weeks , when the legislature is expected to dig into a couple dozen new bills related to coronavirus response .
Their legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were left on the calendar when the Capitol closed 11 weeks ago , either because the bills cost more than the state budget can now afford , or because Democratic lawmakers don ’ t believe the bills are priorities for their time .
“ We aren ’ t doing any remote testimony .
You ’ re allowed to testify in person , ” said Bella Combest , a spokeswoman for the Senate Democrats .
“ We are encouraging people to submit written testimony if they ’ re not able to come in.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers were allowed to request remote testimony for their bills , and there were 10 different sites around the state that were available for that purpose .
But those sites are all on college campuses and currently unstaffed , Capitol leaders say .
That means anyone who can ’ t make it to Denver to testify this session has only one option : submit written testimony through leg.colorado.gov/testimony .
Leaders in the House and Senate have said they intend to allow certain lawmakers to vote remotely over the next few weeks , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow for that .
Lawmakers are also exempted from social distancing rules at the Capitol .
Any member of the public entering the building must wear a mask and maintain at least 6 feet of space from others .
Lawmakers are not required to do either of those things , and in fact many Republicans were seen on the House and Senate floors Tuesday without masks on .

If you want to speak to Colorado lawmakers over the next few weeks, you’ll have to do it in person.
Leaders in the House and Senate — Democrats, in each case — confirmed Tuesday, as the General Assembly convened for the first time since coronavirus forced a closure in March, that legislative committees will not accept witness testimony by video or telephone.
This will become more relevant in a couple weeks, when the legislature is expected to dig into a couple dozen new bills related to coronavirus response. Their legislative work this week primarily involves killing bills that were left on the calendar when the Capitol closed 11 weeks ago, either because the bills cost more than the state budget can now afford, or because Democratic lawmakers don’t believe the bills are priorities for their time.
“We aren’t doing any remote testimony. You’re allowed to testify in person,” said Bella Combest, a spokeswoman for the Senate Democrats. “We are encouraging people to submit written testimony if they’re not able to come in.”
Up until the mid-March shutdown, lawmakers were allowed to request remote testimony for their bills, and there were 10 different sites around the state that were available for that purpose. But those sites are all on college campuses and currently unstaffed, Capitol leaders say.
That means anyone who can’t make it to Denver to testify this session has only one option: submit written testimony through leg.colorado.gov/testimony.
Leaders in the House and Senate have said they intend to allow certain lawmakers to vote remotely over the next few weeks, but they have not yet established the rules to allow for that.
Lawmakers are also exempted from social distancing rules at the Capitol. Any member of the public entering the building must wear a mask and maintain at least 6 feet of space from others. Lawmakers are not required to do either of those things, and in fact many Republicans were seen on the House and Senate floors Tuesday without masks on.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Distance drives in Colorado increased 185% over Memorial Day weekend

So much for staying within 10 miles of home .
After weeks of laying low , Colorado drivers got into their vehicles this holiday weekend and drove , and drove and drove .
“ Memorial Day kicked travel up into a higher gear , ” said Matt Clement , vice president of marketing at Arrivalist , which produces a Daily Travel Index .
The index uses GPS data from personal mobile devices to anonymously track how much people are moving around .
It subtracts out flights , work commutes , freight traffic and short trips of under 50 miles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in road trips of 250 miles or more during the Memorial Day weekend .
But getting around in that massive state is a long-haul affair .
Within the continental U.S. , Colorado drivers recorded the largest percentage increase at 185 % in trips of 250 miles or more this past weekend versus the prior ones , according to the Daily Travel Index .
Where precisely they went is something the index doesn ’ t track , but having an extra day off appears to have encouraged more distant ventures .
Trips from 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colorado this past weekend , a sign that many Front Range residents probably headed up into the mountains , Clement said .
The amount of traffic in that range by Colorado drivers in the state approximated a Valentine ’ s Day weekend in the state .
Shorter trips of 50 to 100 miles were still only half of the average February weekend .
Texas , Oklahoma , Nebraska , Kansas and Arizona also saw some large increases in long trips .
Clement can ’ t say for sure , but he thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to Colorado .
The low point in road trips in Colorado came on March 27 , and for weeks , people in the state largely hunkered down .
But gradually they have been venturing out .
Overall , road trips of 50 miles or more by residents of the state are up 144 % from the bottom .
Nationally , May 22-23 saw a 48.5 % increase in road travel compared to the weekend of May 15-16 .
It marked the biggest weekend-over-weekend increase in road trips this year .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lake of the Ozarks , visits were actually up compared to the holiday weekend last year .
Mount Rushmore , Lake Tahoe , Lake Norman , Half Moon Bay , Lake Powell and Grand Tetons National Park ran at 80 % to 100 % of their 2019 level of holiday activity .
But on the whole , traffic is down .
Memorial Day weekend trips were only 68.2 % of the trips made on the MLK Day weekend and 56.1 % of the levels seen on Labor Day weekend last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans used to consider 300 miles the cutoff where flying made more senes than driving .
That number has since moved up to 500 miles , which means the state may see more visitors drive rather than fly in this summer .

So much for staying within 10 miles of home. After weeks of laying low, Colorado drivers got into their vehicles this holiday weekend and drove, and drove and drove.
“Memorial Day kicked travel up into a higher gear,” said Matt Clement, vice president of marketing at Arrivalist, which produces a Daily Travel Index.
The index uses GPS data from personal mobile devices to anonymously track how much people are moving around. It subtracts out flights, work commutes, freight traffic and short trips of under 50 miles.
Alaska led the nation for the increase in road trips of 250 miles or more during the Memorial Day weekend. But getting around in that massive state is a long-haul affair.
Within the continental U.S., Colorado drivers recorded the largest percentage increase at 185% in trips of 250 miles or more this past weekend versus the prior ones, according to the Daily Travel Index.
Where precisely they went is something the index doesn’t track, but having an extra day off appears to have encouraged more distant ventures. Trips from 100 to 250 miles were also up sharply in Colorado this past weekend, a sign that many Front Range residents probably headed up into the mountains, Clement said.
The amount of traffic in that range by Colorado drivers in the state approximated a Valentine’s Day weekend in the state. Shorter trips of 50 to 100 miles were still only half of the average February weekend.
Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas and Arizona also saw some large increases in long trips. Clement can’t say for sure, but he thinks a fair share of those travelers made it to Colorado.
The low point in road trips in Colorado came on March 27, and for weeks, people in the state largely hunkered down. But gradually they have been venturing out. Overall, road trips of 50 miles or more by residents of the state are up 144% from the bottom.
Nationally, May 22-23 saw a 48.5% increase in road travel compared to the weekend of May 15-16. It marked the biggest weekend-over-weekend increase in road trips this year.
In a few spots, like the Jersey Shore and Lake of the Ozarks, visits were actually up compared to the holiday weekend last year. Mount Rushmore, Lake Tahoe, Lake Norman, Half Moon Bay, Lake Powell and Grand Tetons National Park ran at 80% to 100% of their 2019 level of holiday activity.
But on the whole, traffic is down. Memorial Day weekend trips were only 68.2% of the trips made on the MLK Day weekend and 56.1% of the levels seen on Labor Day weekend last year, according to Arrivalist.
Clement notes that Americans used to consider 300 miles the cutoff where flying made more senes than driving. That number has since moved up to 500 miles, which means the state may see more visitors drive rather than fly in this summer.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Colorado auto registrations take a dive following coronavirus outbreak

Colorado car and truck buyers registered nearly 30 % fewer new vehicles in March and April than they did during the same two months in 2019 , according to the latest Colorado Auto Outlook from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association .
Sedans suffered the biggest drop , a 45.2 % decline , while light trucks , which include SUVs , vans and pickups , dropped 25.6 % .
Total new vehicle registrations fell to 25,628 in March and April compared to 36,491 during the same period in 2019 .
“ We have never been through this whole pandemic thing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of CADA , which publishes the Outook .
“ The closest real-life scenario is 2008 and 2009.
” During the Great Recession , sales dropped by half , but that decline happened across several months .
Sales this year “ fell hard and fell fast , ” Jackson said .
Although maintenance bays remained open , auto showrooms weren ’ t considered an essential service and closed .
Customers , though , could still buy vehicles online for home delivery .
Registrations lag actual sales by a couple of months , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run out .
With DMV offices closed , the state granted a reprieve on the requirement to register a new vehicle , which could be distorting the count .
At the same time , March registrations captured sales that happened in January and February .
For the first four months of the year , auto registrations are down 12 % compared to the same period last year , with light-truck registrations down 6.8 % and car registrations down 30.2 % .
For April only , total registrations are down 45 % .
Tesla @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March and April compared to last year at 57 % , followed by Chrysler at 54.4 % .
Other brands that saw registrations cut in half included Acura , Alfa Romeo and Maserati .
The brands with some of the smallest declines included Kia , down 3.1 % ; Lincoln , down 6.2 % ; Ram , down 17.9 % , and Hyundai , down 20.3 % .
Although the registration backlog should sort itself out in the months ahead , job losses and the hit to incomes that consumers are taking could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For most consumers , buying a vehicle is the second largest purchase they will make after a home , and vehicle purchases generate a major source of sales tax revenues for local governments .

Colorado car and truck buyers registered nearly 30% fewer new vehicles in March and April than they did during the same two months in 2019, according to the latest Colorado Auto Outlook from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
Sedans suffered the biggest drop, a 45.2% decline, while light trucks, which include SUVs, vans and pickups, dropped 25.6%. Total new vehicle registrations fell to 25,628 in March and April compared to 36,491 during the same period in 2019.
“We have never been through this whole pandemic thing,” said Tim Jackson, president and CEO of CADA, which publishes the Outlook. “The closest real-life scenario is 2008 and 2009.”
During the Great Recession, sales dropped by half, but that decline happened across several months. Sales this year “fell hard and fell fast,” Jackson said.
Although maintenance bays remained open, auto showrooms weren’t considered an essential service and closed. Customers, though, could still buy vehicles online for home delivery.
Registrations lag actual sales by a couple of months, the time buyers have before their temporary tags run out. With DMV offices closed, the state granted a reprieve on the requirement to register a new vehicle, which could be distorting the count. At the same time, March registrations captured sales that happened in January and February.
For the first four months of the year, auto registrations are down 12% compared to the same period last year, with light-truck registrations down 6.8% and car registrations down 30.2%. For April only, total registrations are down 45%.
Tesla suffered the biggest drop in registrations in March and April compared to last year at 57%, followed by Chrysler at 54.4%. Other brands that saw registrations cut in half included Acura, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. The brands with some of the smallest declines included Kia, down 3.1%; Lincoln, down 6.2%; Ram, down 17.9%, and Hyundai, down 20.3%.
Although the registration backlog should sort itself out in the months ahead, job losses and the hit to incomes that consumers are taking could trigger another wave of reduced purchases. For most consumers, buying a vehicle is the second largest purchase they will make after a home, and vehicle purchases generate a major source of sales tax revenues for local governments.