thedenverpost--2020-06-15--Polis announces new “protect your neighbor” phase that would allow large events in some counties

Gov .
Jared Polis announced Monday that some counties could begin allowing large-scale events as early as July , and all will be able to reopen bars and some additional services next week .
The current “ Safer at Home ” guidelines require both parties to wear masks for personal services like haircuts .
That doesn ’ t work for facials , professional shaves and lip waxing so customers for those services won ’ t have to wear a mask as long as the beautician or barber does , Polis said .
The loosened guidelines also allow overnight summer camps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , and for bars to reopen at 25 % of their indoor capacity , Polis said .
Not all areas will be able to immediately move into the next phase , labeled “ Protect Our Neighbors.
” In that phase , all activities would be allowed , at up to 50 % capacity , with a maximum of 500 people present at any given time .
That would allow events like county fairs to take place , Polis said .
The state is accepting comments on the draft guidelines for the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safer at Home changes through Wednesday .
Counties that want to move into that phase need to show the virus is only circulating at low levels , the number of cases is trending downward and that they have the capacity to use testing and tracing to stop small outbreaks from growing , Polis said .
Those that do well in the Protect Our Neighbors phase might be able to allow events at more than 50 % of capacity , he said .
Projections from the Colorado School of Public Health show the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the public doesn ’ t maintain high levels of social distancing .
Others have raised concerns about a second wave of infections in the fall , which could coincide with the seasonal flu and could further strain health care capacity .
Polis acknowledged that allowing larger events carries some risk of spreading the virus , and that older people and those with health conditions may not want to participate .
Restrictions could be tightened again if a local health department can ’ t get new outbreaks under control , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional risk , be smart , wear a mask , ” he said .
The number of new coronavirus infections in Colorado remained relatively low Monday , with 125 cases reported Sunday and 161 people hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Monday afternoon .
Hospitalizations have dropped precipitously since mid-April , but appear to have leveled out somewhat in recent days .
No new COVID-related deaths have been confirmed since Friday , though it can take several days for those records to reach the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
Altogether , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus , resulting in 1,373 confirmed deaths and 5,269 hospitalizations .
Another 232 people died with the virus in their systems , but their deaths haven ’ t been directly linked to COVID-19 .
The generally positive trend in the numbers reflects people ’ s decisions to wear masks in public and continue social distancing , Polis said .
He cautioned that people can ’ t expect to behave like they did before the pandemic until there ’ s a vaccine or treatment , however .
“ The news is only as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Gov. Jared Polis announced Monday that some counties could begin allowing large-scale events as early as July, and all will be able to reopen bars and some additional services next week.
The current “Safer at Home” guidelines require both parties to wear masks for personal services like haircuts. That doesn’t work for facials, professional shaves and lip waxing so customers for those services won’t have to wear a mask as long as the beautician or barber does, Polis said.
The loosened guidelines also allow overnight summer camps to reopen, with social distancing in place, and for bars to reopen at 25% of their indoor capacity, Polis said.
Not all areas will be able to immediately move into the next phase, labeled “Protect Our Neighbors.” In that phase, all activities would be allowed, at up to 50% capacity, with a maximum of 500 people present at any given time. That would allow events like county fairs to take place, Polis said. The state is accepting comments on the draft guidelines for the new phase through Thursday, and on the Safer at Home changes through Wednesday.
Counties that want to move into that phase need to show the virus is only circulating at low levels, the number of cases is trending downward and that they have the capacity to use testing and tracing to stop small outbreaks from growing, Polis said. Those that do well in the Protect Our Neighbors phase might be able to allow events at more than 50% of capacity, he said.
Projections from the Colorado School of Public Health show the state risks overwhelming hospitals as early as August if the public doesn’t maintain high levels of social distancing. Others have raised concerns about a second wave of infections in the fall, which could coincide with the seasonal flu and could further strain health care capacity.
Polis acknowledged that allowing larger events carries some risk of spreading the virus, and that older people and those with health conditions may not want to participate. Restrictions could be tightened again if a local health department can’t get new outbreaks under control, he said.
“If you want to take that additional risk, be smart, wear a mask,” he said.
The number of new coronavirus infections in Colorado remained relatively low Monday, with 125 cases reported Sunday and 161 people hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Monday afternoon. Hospitalizations have dropped precipitously since mid-April, but appear to have leveled out somewhat in recent days.
No new COVID-related deaths have been confirmed since Friday, though it can take several days for those records to reach the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Altogether, Colorado has recorded 29,299 cases of the new coronavirus, resulting in 1,373 confirmed deaths and 5,269 hospitalizations. Another 232 people died with the virus in their systems, but their deaths haven’t been directly linked to COVID-19.
The generally positive trend in the numbers reflects people’s decisions to wear masks in public and continue social distancing, Polis said. He cautioned that people can’t expect to behave like they did before the pandemic until there’s a vaccine or treatment, however.
“The news is only as good as people’s behavior,” he said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-15--Nolan Arenado on war of words between MLB, MLBPA as 2020 season heads toward cliff: “I hope fans are

Nolan Arenado on war of words between MLB, MLBPA as 2020 season heads toward cliff: “I hope fans are paying attention”

Monday dawned with the possibility that a 2020 Major League Baseball season could still be played .
Not a perfect season by any means , and not without rancor between the owners and players , but a chance to play baseball nonetheless .
But by Monday afternoon , the truncated season was headed toward a cliff as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred contradicted a hopeful prediction he made just four days ago and MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark unloaded on Manfred , saying “ MLB has been negotiating in bad faith since the beginning.
” Many players , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe Manfred and the owners have been attempting to shorten the season in order to save money during a summer without fans in the stands due to the coronavirus .
“ It ’ s very obvious what ’ s going on and I hope fans are paying attention , ” Arenado told The Denver Post .
“ We want to play and are ready to go .
We believe in playing as many games as possible “ Why shrink the season ?
You want to watch the best players out there playing games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t get the greatness that the world deserves to see .
We still have a chance to get out there and that ’ s what the ( MLB Players Association ) said .
Let us know what we are doing because we don ’ t want to waste any more days .
Every day there ’ s no game it ’ s a day wasted and we want to get back.
” On Monday , Manfred told ESPN : “ I ’ m not confident ( in a season ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and as long as there ’ s no dialogue , that real risk is gon na continue.
” That was an about-face from last Thursday when Manfred said , “ unequivocally we are going to play Major League Baseball this year ” and put the likelihood at “ 100 % .
” By virtue of an agreement reached on March 26 in the wake of COVID-19 , MLB has the right to hold a season , which would likely be between 48-54 games .
Players would be paid at a full 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would be no expanded playoffs .
The MLBPA , however , has been arguing for a longer season , and it believes the owners have been bargaining in bad faith .
“ Players are disgusted that after Rob Manfred unequivocally told Players and fans that there would ‘ 100 % ’ be a 2020 season , he has decided to go back on his word and is now threatening to cancel the entire season , ” Clark said in a statement .
“ Any implication that the Players Association has somehow delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely false , as Rob has recently acknowledged the parties are ‘ very , very close.
’ “ This latest threat is just one more indication that Major League Baseball has been negotiating in bad faith since the beginning .
This has always been about extracting additional pay cuts from Players and this is just another day and another bad faith tactic in their ongoing campaign.
” MLBPA has made it clear from the beginning that it won ’ t settle for anything less than players being paid 100 percent prorated salaries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal that included an 89-game season with full prorated pay and an expanded 16-team postseason in 2020 and 2021 .
MLB quickly rejected that idea , in part because it said it is fearful that a season that runs deep into October could be affected by a second wave of the coronavirus .
Manfred ’ s comments Monday came in reaction to an ultimatum issued by the MLBPA over the weekend .
On Saturday , a day after MLB delivered a return-to-play proposal that called for a 72-game season and guaranteed 70 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a maximum of 83 % if the playoffs were concluded ) , MLBPA lead negotiator Bruce Meyer said in a letter to MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem : “ Given your continued insistence on hundreds of millions of dollars of additional pay reductions , we assume these negotiations are at an end.
” Then Clark added a cryptic statement : “ It unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile .
It ’ s time to get back to work .
Tell us when and where.
” Manfred , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive Monday .
“ I had been hopeful that once we got to common ground on the idea that we were gon na pay the players full prorated salary , that we would get some cooperation in terms of proceeding under the agreement that we negotiated with the MLBPA on March 26 , ” Manfred told ESPN .
“ Unfortunately , over the weekend , while Tony Clark was declaring his desire to get back to work , the union ’ s top lawyer was out telling reporters , players and eventually getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we issued a schedule — as they requested — they intended to file a grievance claiming they were entitled to an additional billion dollars .
Obviously , that sort of bad-faith tactic makes it extremely difficult to move forward in these circumstances .
”

Monday dawned with the possibility that a 2020 Major League Baseball season could still be played. Not a perfect season by any means, and not without rancor between the owners and players, but a chance to play baseball nonetheless.
But by Monday afternoon, the truncated season was headed toward a cliff as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred contradicted a hopeful prediction he made just four days ago and MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark unloaded on Manfred, saying “MLB has been negotiating in bad faith since the beginning.”
Many players, including Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado, believe Manfred and the owners have been attempting to shorten the season in order to save money during a summer without fans in the stands due to the coronavirus.
“It’s very obvious what’s going on and I hope fans are paying attention,” Arenado told The Denver Post. “We want to play and are ready to go. We believe in playing as many games as possible.
“Why shrink the season? You want to watch the best players out there playing games. You shorten the season, you don’t get the greatness that the world deserves to see. We still have a chance to get out there and that’s what the (MLB Players Association) said. Let us know what we are doing because we don’t want to waste any more days. Every day there’s no game it’s a day wasted and we want to get back.”
On Monday, Manfred told ESPN: “I’m not confident (in a season). I think there’s real risk; and as long as there’s no dialogue, that real risk is gonna continue.”
That was an about-face from last Thursday when Manfred said, “unequivocally we are going to play Major League Baseball this year” and put the likelihood at “100%.”
By virtue of an agreement reached on March 26 in the wake of COVID-19, MLB has the right to hold a season, which would likely be between 48-54 games. Players would be paid at a full 100% of their prorated salaries, but there would be no expanded playoffs.
The MLBPA, however, has been arguing for a longer season, and it believes the owners have been bargaining in bad faith.
“Players are disgusted that after Rob Manfred unequivocally told Players and fans that there would ‘100%’ be a 2020 season, he has decided to go back on his word and is now threatening to cancel the entire season,” Clark said in a statement. “Any implication that the Players Association has somehow delayed progress on health and safety protocols is completely false, as Rob has recently acknowledged the parties are ‘very, very close.’
“This latest threat is just one more indication that Major League Baseball has been negotiating in bad faith since the beginning. This has always been about extracting additional pay cuts from Players and this is just another day and another bad faith tactic in their ongoing campaign.”
MLBPA has made it clear from the beginning that it won’t settle for anything less than players being paid 100 percent prorated salaries. Last Tuesday, the MLBPA presented a proposal that included an 89-game season with full prorated pay and an expanded 16-team postseason in 2020 and 2021. MLB quickly rejected that idea, in part because it said it is fearful that a season that runs deep into October could be affected by a second wave of the coronavirus.
Manfred’s comments Monday came in reaction to an ultimatum issued by the MLBPA over the weekend. On Saturday, a day after MLB delivered a return-to-play proposal that called for a 72-game season and guaranteed 70% of players’ prorated salaries (with a maximum of 83% if the playoffs were concluded), MLBPA lead negotiator Bruce Meyer said in a letter to MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem: “Given your continued insistence on hundreds of millions of dollars of additional pay reductions, we assume these negotiations are at an end.”
Then Clark added a cryptic statement: “It unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile. It’s time to get back to work. Tell us when and where.”
Manfred, however, was clearly ready to take the offensive Monday.
“I had been hopeful that once we got to common ground on the idea that we were gonna pay the players full prorated salary, that we would get some cooperation in terms of proceeding under the agreement that we negotiated with the MLBPA on March 26,” Manfred told ESPN.
“Unfortunately, over the weekend, while Tony Clark was declaring his desire to get back to work, the union’s top lawyer was out telling reporters, players and eventually getting back to owners that as soon as we issued a schedule — as they requested — they intended to file a grievance claiming they were entitled to an additional billion dollars. Obviously, that sort of bad-faith tactic makes it extremely difficult to move forward in these circumstances.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-15--Letter obtained by AP says several MLB players and staff tested positive for COVID-19

MLB letter obtained by The Associated Press says several players and staff have tested positive for COVID-19 .
This story @ @ @ @ @ information becomes available .

MLB letter obtained by The Associated Press says several players and staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.


thedenverpost--2020-06-15--Avalanche returns to Pepsi Center, starts Phase 2 of NHL’s return to play plan

The Avalanche began Phase 2 of the NHL ’ s return to play plan with voluntary skates Monday .
Among @ @ @ @ @ Ian Cole , Philipp Grubauer , Gabe Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon , according to the @ @ @ @ @ up Phase 2 to clubs June 8 , which allowed teams to reopen its training @ @ @ @ @ in on- and off-the-ice individualized training activities .
A maximum of six players are allowed @ @ @ @ @ The Avs broke off into two groups Monday .
Phase 3 training camps are scheduled @ @ @ @ @ .
This will be followed by Phase 4 and a 24-team playoff , the date @ @ @ @ @ be determined .

Ice hockey has returned to Pepsi Center.
The Avalanche began Phase 2 of the NHL’s return to play plan with voluntary skates Monday. Among the players who participated were Ian Cole, Philipp Grubauer, Gabe Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon, according to the team.
The league opened up Phase 2 to clubs June 8, which allowed teams to reopen its training facilities for players to engage in on- and off-the-ice individualized training activities. A maximum of six players are allowed together at one time. The Avs broke off into two groups Monday.
Phase 3 training camps are scheduled to kick off July 10. This will be followed by Phase 4 and a 24-team playoff, the date of which has yet to be determined.


thedenverpost--2020-06-15--Wildfire west of Durango grows to 1,200 acres; U.S. 160 east of Mancos closes

A major thoroughfare through southwest Colorado — U.S. 160 — was closed Monday afternoon between Mancos and Hesperus due to the East Canyon fire , which grew to approximately 1,200 acres overnight Sunday .
The fire , west of Durango , is burning on Bureau of Land Management and private lands in both Montezuma and La Plata counties , according to the Montezuma County Sheriff ’ s Office .
More specifically , the blaze is located on the east side of Weber Canyon and the west side of Cherry Creek , authorities said Monday .
Firefighters are attempting to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south of U.S. 160 and west of County Road 105 and away from the Elk Springs and Elk Stream subdivisions .
Officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for both subdivisions after the wildfire broke out on Menefee Mountain on Sunday afternoon .
Authorities were using two single-engine air tankers , one large air tanker , two helicopters and the San Juan Hotshot crew to fight the fire .
On Monday afternoon , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory for a large swath of southwest Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties and eastern parts of Montezuma and Dolores counties .
The area includes Durango , Silverton , Mancos , and Rico .
The advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday .
Health officials say if the smoke becomes thick , people may want to remain indoors , especially for very young and very old people , and those with heart disease and respiratory illnesses .
Several large wildfires in Arizona , along with the smaller 25-acre Loading Pen fire near Dolores , is also contributing to poor air quality in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state Monday , with red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service for multiple areas .

A major thoroughfare through southwest Colorado — U.S. 160 — was closed Monday afternoon between Mancos and Hesperus due to the East Canyon fire, which grew to approximately 2,000 acres.
The road was re-opened later Monday after fire activity “slowed” late in the day, according to officials with the Bureau of Land Management. No structures have been lost so far.
The fire, west of Durango, is burning on BLM and private lands in both Montezuma and La Plata counties, according to the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office. More specifically, the blaze is located on the east side of Weber Canyon and the west side of Cherry Creek, authorities said Monday.
Wildland 28 will fly the #EastCanyonfire this evening, and will also conduct a detection mission in southwest Colorado #cofire #dfpcfire pic.twitter.com/q2KIf5Cj7F — COFirePrev&Control (@COStateFire) June 15, 2020
Firefighters are attempting to keep the fire east of Road 46, south of U.S. 160 and west of County Road 105 and away from the Elk Springs and Elk Stream subdivisions. Officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for both subdivisions after the wildfire broke out on Menefee Mountain on Sunday afternoon.
Some of those evacuation orders remained in place Monday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities were using two single-engine air tankers, one large air tanker, two helicopters and the San Juan Hotshot crew to fight the fire. Management of the fire will be turned over to Rocky Mountain TeamBlue, a Type 2 team, at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The complexity of the fire, the rugged terrain and the number of aerial resources led federal officials to go to a Type 2 situation.
On Monday afternoon, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory for a large swath of southwest Colorado, including La Plata and San Juan counties and eastern parts of Montezuma and Dolores counties. The area includes Durango, Silverton, Mancos and Rico.
The advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Health officials say if the smoke becomes thick, people may want to remain indoors, especially for very young and very old people, and those with heart disease and respiratory illnesses. Several large wildfires in Arizona, along with the smaller 35-acre Loading Pen fire near Dolores, are also contributing to poor air quality in the area.
Fire danger remained high across the state Monday, with red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service for multiple areas.


thedenverpost--2020-06-15--Colfax Marathon has officially canceled its 2020 race over coronavirus concerns

The Colfax Marathon , an annual Denver race typically held in May , has officially canceled its 2020 event after initially postponing until fall .
“ We are extremely disappointed to announce we will not be able to reschedule the Denver Colfax Marathon for the fall of 2020 , ” CEO Andrea Dowdy and Race Director Creigh Kelley wrote in a letter to runners that was also posted on its website .
“ COVID-19 has changed all of our lives and has put a stop to mass gatherings .
With the newest Colorado Safer at Home guidelines we know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend this year won ’ t be possible.
” The race is allowing registered runners to either defer to 2021 , defer to 2022 or run virtually this year .
Runners have until June 30 to choose their option .
When the coronavirus outbreak first started , many spring races simply postponed until later in the year , including the Colfax Marathon and Bolder Boulder .
But as the outbreak continues , races have decided to throw in the towel altogether .
The virus has been a double-edged sword for the running industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned to the sport as it was one of the only activities that were safe in the beginning weeks of the outbreak .
But on the other , races themselves worry social distancing guidelines may provide a fatal blow to their business models .
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

The Colfax Marathon, an annual Denver race typically held in May, has officially canceled its 2020 event after initially postponing until fall.
“We are extremely disappointed to announce we will not be able to reschedule the Denver Colfax Marathon for the fall of 2020,” CEO Andrea Dowdy and Race Director Creigh Kelley wrote in a letter to runners that was also posted on its website. “COVID-19 has changed all of our lives and has put a stop to mass gatherings. With the newest Colorado Safer at Home guidelines we know that a safe, fun, robust race weekend this year won’t be possible.”
The race is allowing registered runners to either defer to 2021, defer to 2022 or run virtually this year. Runners have until June 30 to choose their option.
When the coronavirus outbreak first started, many spring races simply postponed until later in the year, including the Colfax Marathon and Bolder Boulder. But as the outbreak continues, races have decided to throw in the towel altogether.
The virus has been a double-edged sword for the running industry. On one hand, many people turned to the sport as it was one of the only activities that were safe in the beginning weeks of the outbreak. But on the other, races themselves worry social distancing guidelines may provide a fatal blow to their business models.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-15--Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputy cleared in fatal shooting of federal fugitive who pointed pellet gu

Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputy cleared in fatal shooting of federal fugitive who pointed pellet gun at deputies

An Arapahoe County sheriff ’ s deputy will not face criminal charges after he shot and killed a federal fugitive who pointed a pellet gun at deputies while trying to escape apprehension outside a Centennial motel .
Deputy James Stiltner was justified because he had no way of recognizing the gun that Steven Ferguson pointed at him was an air pistol that uses carbon dioxide pressure to fire metal BBs and .177-caliber pellets , according to an 18th Judicial District Attorney ’ s Office investigation .
Chief Deputy District Attorney John E. Keller cleared Stiltner in a letter sent Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Arapahoe County deputy on regular patrol on May 28 noticed a stolen Jeep parked outside a Days Inn at 9719 East Geddes Avenue in Centennial and called for backup in preparation of impounding the Jeep .
Stiltner answered the backup call .
The deputies saw Ferguson , 31 , trying to move the Jeep and blocked him with their patrol cars .
Ferguson tried to roll over the hood of Stiltner ’ s car and then jumped out of the Jeep to run , according to the DA ’ s letter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the deputy .
The deputy fired three times , the letter said .
Deputies attempted life-saving measures on Ferguson but he was declared dead at the scene .
After the shooting , investigators learned that Ferguson was wanted by U.S. marshals after tearing off an ankle monitor while finishing a sentence for firearms and drug distribution .
He had been serving the remainder of his sentence at a halfway house but was moved to home confinement because of the novel coronavirus pandemic , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Denver police for a May 25 domestic assault , eluding and carjacking , the letter said .
Ferguson was a self-described member of a white supremacist prison gang , the letter said , and he had multiple racist tattoos .
A witness told police that Ferguson had declared he would shoot a cop if he had the chance and would “ shoot it out ” if they get me .
The witness also said he had used methamphetamine that day .

An Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputy will not face criminal charges after he shot and killed a federal fugitive who pointed a pellet gun at deputies while trying to escape apprehension outside a Centennial motel.
Deputy James Stiltner was justified because he had no way of recognizing the gun that Steven Ferguson pointed at him was an air pistol that uses carbon dioxide pressure to fire metal BBs and .177-caliber pellets, according to an 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office investigation. Chief Deputy District Attorney John E. Keller cleared Stiltner in a letter sent Friday to Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown.
An Arapahoe County deputy on regular patrol on May 28 noticed a stolen Jeep parked outside a Days Inn at 9719 East Geddes Avenue in Centennial and called for backup in preparation of impounding the Jeep. Stiltner answered the backup call.
The deputies saw Ferguson, 31, trying to move the Jeep and blocked him with their patrol cars. Ferguson tried to roll over the hood of Stiltner’s car and then jumped out of the Jeep to run, according to the DA’s letter. As Stiltner chased him, Ferguson pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the deputy.
The deputy fired three times, the letter said. Deputies attempted life-saving measures on Ferguson but he was declared dead at the scene.
After the shooting, investigators learned that Ferguson was wanted by U.S. marshals after tearing off an ankle monitor while finishing a sentence for firearms and drug distribution. He had been serving the remainder of his sentence at a halfway house but was moved to home confinement because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the letter said. Ferguson also was wanted by Denver police for a May 25 domestic assault, eluding and carjacking, the letter said.
Ferguson was a self-described member of a white supremacist prison gang, the letter said, and he had multiple racist tattoos. A witness told police that Ferguson had declared he would shoot a cop if he had the chance and would “shoot it out” if they get me. The witness also said he had used methamphetamine that day.


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--Colorado weather: “Critical” fire danger for Eastern Plains, southern part of state

Warm weather and strong winds across much of Colorado will lead to high fire danger on Tuesday .
The National @ @ @ @ @ Red Flag Warning for much of the Eastern Plains and southern part of the state @ @ @ @ @ foothills west of Denver , until 8 p.m. this evening “ Hot weather and windy @ @ @ @ @ danger across portions of eastern Colorado in areas that have not had much recent rainfall @ @ @ @ @ said in their warning .
“ The winds will be strongest on the plains and @ @ @ @ @ foothills this afternoon.
” “ Fires will start easily and spread rapidly , ” the @ @ @ @ @ Denver metro area , highs in the mid-90s are expected today and there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ this evening .
Things will remain warm on Wednesday when the high is expected to @ @ @ @ @ Thursday and Friday , things will cool down a bit with high temperatures near 80 @ @

Warm weather and strong winds across much of Colorado will lead to high fire danger on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the Eastern Plains and southern part of the state, as well as the foothills west of Denver, until 8 p.m. this evening
“Hot weather and windy conditions will cause critical fire danger across portions of eastern Colorado in areas that have not had much recent rainfall,” the weather service said in their warning. “The winds will be strongest on the plains and in the southern Front Range foothills this afternoon.”
“Fires will start easily and spread rapidly,” the NWS warned.
Critical Fire Danger this afternoon into the early evening hours. #cowx pic.twitter.com/kO0dggQOkN — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) June 16, 2020
In the Denver metro area, highs in the mid-90s are expected today and there’s a slight chance for thunderstorms this evening.
Things will remain warm on Wednesday when the high is expected to be 94 degrees. On Thursday and Friday, things will cool down a bit with high temperatures near 80 expected.


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--From Block 162 to McGregor Square, Denver developers have high expectations despite coronavirus

Over the last decade , Denver emerged as one of the trendiest markets in the United States for young professionals and the companies seeking to employ them .
That was before COVID-19 pandemic tore the economy to shreds .
More than 540,000 Coloradans have filed for unemployment over the last three months .
Signs of a construction slowdown are emerging in the Mile High City .
It ’ s not clear yet how months of companies adapting to having their employees work from home will impact the city ’ s office market but a major downturn in the oil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of available space for subleasing downtown .
The developers behind some of the most visible commercial and mixed-use projects that were underway in Denver before the virus hit are striking an optimistic note .
Their buildings are on schedule or close to it , they say , and they believe the city may become an even more attractive place as people reconsider living in dense , coastal cities like New York , Los Angeles and San Francisco during and after the pandemic .
“ We ’ ve heard much discussion from companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the climate and the relatively less dense urban environment that allows for a very healthy lifestyle and engagement with the outdoors , ” David Haltom , the Denver-based vice president with development firm the Patrinely Group , said of the city .
Houston-based Patrinely is developing the Block 162 tower in partnership with fellow Texas company USAA Real Estate .
The 30-story building under construction at the corner of 15th and California streets is making its mark on the Denver skyline and will bring 600,000 square feet of new office space to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be completed in December — essentially right on schedule — and tenants could move in as soon as January , Haltom said .
He isn ’ t ready to say who those tenants might be , but Haltom said some of the companies looking at Block 162 would be new to the Denver market .
Patrinely views that as a positive sign for the future of the city and the tower .
Small group tours of the building , still being wrapped in a steel frame with the glass sheath being added behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few weeks now .
“ We definitely saw a slowdown between the end of February and the end of March when a lot of the COVID-related restrictions were implemented .
Almost all of our discussions were paused ” Haltom said .
“ But I am happy to say we have had several of those tenants reengage .
It seems clear that while things are not back to normal the situation has definitely begun to thaw.
” Haltom credits Block 162 ’ s general contractor , Swinerton , for keeping construction on track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health surveys and temperature checks for all workers .
The one supply hangup the developer had to navigate came when an Italian stone fabricator doing work for the project temporarily shut down when that country was ravaged by the virus .
That fabricator is open again and working on materials that will be used in Block 162 ’ s lobby and elsewhere , Haltom said Italy ’ s coronavirus crisis outbreak also touched McGregor Square , the ultra-trendy , mixed-use project being developed by Colorado Rockies co-owner and CEO Dick Monfort just across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project , which will feature 103 luxury condos including one for Monfort and his wife , had to wait on some custom cabinets from the country .
McGregor Square is on track for a mid-January grand opening , said Patrick Walsh , the development ’ s general manager .
That ’ s just a few weeks behind schedule .
Hensel Phelps , the general contractor , also instituted daily temperature checks for workers and visitors as part of its coronavirus protocols .
One retail tenant , the Tattered Cover Book Store , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location to McGregor Square .
A few other tenants are working with the development team to design their spaces and should open along with the Tattered Cover in the first three months of 2021 , Walsh said .
“ Definitely our goal is to have most of our site activated by ( baseball ’ s ) Opening Day 2021 .
Especially with everything going on this year , it would be nice to have a very positive 2021 with baseball to start out with , ” Walsh said .
On a tour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself to join a call with Major League Baseball .
The status of the league ’ s 2020 season was still very much in limbo as of Friday with the league and players ’ union still fighting over pay and other issues .
The biggest question mark at McGregor Square is who will occupy its roughly 205,000-square-feet of office space .
Shared office brand WeWork was in talks to take on all of it at one point .
After some very public struggles in 2019 that included the ouster of the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion private equity bailout , WeWork is no longer involved .
That had nothing to do with coronavirus , Monfort said .
Monfort and Co. have a list of eight to 10 tenants that could fill the space but negotiations are ongoing .
“ We had really strong conversations in March with two tenants that would have taken on about half of it , ” Monfort said .
“ Right now , everything has been put on hold a little bit.
” There are three factors Monfort thinks will shape McGregor Square ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fares , how companies adjust to work-from-home business models and what those business models will mean for their space .
Will companies need less square footage because they are smaller or are allowing more workers to stay home or will they need more because they want to space out their workforce and allow for more social distancing ?
Commercial real estate broker Steve Billigmeier said he doesn ’ t think anyone has a good answer yet for what square footage math will look post-coronavirus like but he knows what he is hearing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing director with the Denver office of Cushman & Wakefield .
He exclusively represents commercial tenants in negotiations with landlords and is working with companies that have looked at Block 162 and McGregor Square .
“ I can tell you , just based on anecdotal commentary , I think the mindset of tenants is that they are going to need less space post-COVID after factoring those things in , ” he said .
With 18 years of experience in Denver , Billigmeier says he doesn ’ t think developers overbuilt office space during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an end .
He ’ s also is aware of some planned office projects are now on hold .
But he expects sublease space to be plentiful , something that should make rent cheaper .
He agrees with the logic that Denver and other “ lifestyle ” cities like Austin , Salt Lake City and Portland , Ore. , are well-positioned to scoop up people and companies that decide to leave the country ’ s coastal megacities in the aftermath of the pandemic , but that doesn ’ t mean landlords will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The tenant mindset is , ‘ We are not going to commit to a long-term deal unless we feel we are getting a post-COVID deal structure , ” Billigmeier said .
One Denver developer who is part of the construction industry slowdown also hopes to take advantage of it .
Central Street Capital , a family development office , has paused its plans to develop a 70-room hotel at the corner of 18th and Central streets in the city ’ s Highland neighborhood .
Isiah Salazar , the firm ’ s vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to break ground this spring was made because of the damage COVID-19 has done to the hotel industry .
The company hopes to pick things back up in spring 2021 , but the five-story building could still get underway this year , Salazar said , if things play out in Central Street ’ s favor .
The key will be if the prices of labor and materials come down enough as construction work across the city slows .
“ If the stars aligned , we could break ground later this year if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hard costs , ” Salazar said .
“ I think there ’ s definitely going to be slow down across the board.
” Want more Denver development and business news ?
Sign up for our weekly On the Block newsletter .

Over the last decade, Denver emerged as one of the trendiest markets in the United States for young professionals and the companies seeking to employ them. That was before COVID-19 pandemic tore the economy to shreds.
More than 540,000 Coloradans have filed for unemployment over the last three months. Signs of a construction slowdown are emerging in the Mile High City. It’s not clear yet how months of companies adapting to having their employees work from home will impact the city’s office market but a major downturn in the oil and gas industry is expected to lead to plenty of available space for subleasing downtown.
The developers behind some of the most visible commercial and mixed-use projects that were underway in Denver before the virus hit are striking an optimistic note. Their buildings are on schedule or close to it, they say, and they believe the city may become an even more attractive place as people reconsider living in dense, coastal cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco during and after the pandemic.
“We’ve heard much discussion from companies as well as individuals about the appeal of the climate and the relatively less dense urban environment that allows for a very healthy lifestyle and engagement with the outdoors,” David Haltom, the Denver-based vice president with development firm the Patrinely Group, said of the city.
Houston-based Patrinely is developing the Block 162 tower in partnership with fellow Texas company USAA Real Estate. The 30-story building under construction at the corner of 15th and California streets is making its mark on the Denver skyline and will bring 600,000 square feet of new office space to the market. It is expected to be completed in December — essentially right on schedule — and tenants could move in as soon as January, Haltom said.
He isn’t ready to say who those tenants might be, but Haltom said some of the companies looking at Block 162 would be new to the Denver market. Patrinely views that as a positive sign for the future of the city and the tower. Small group tours of the building, still being wrapped in a steel frame with the glass sheath being added behind it, have been going on for a few weeks now.
“We definitely saw a slowdown between the end of February and the end of March when a lot of the COVID-related restrictions were implemented. Almost all of our discussions were paused,” Haltom said. “But I am happy to say we have had several of those tenants reengage. It seems clear that while things are not back to normal the situation has definitely begun to thaw.”
Haltom credits Block 162’s general contractor, Swinerton, for keeping construction on track with coronavirus safety measures that include daily health surveys and temperature checks for all workers. The one supply hang-up the developer had to navigate came when an Italian stone fabricator doing work for the project temporarily shut down when that country was ravaged by the virus. That fabricator is open again and working on materials that will be used in Block 162’s lobby and elsewhere, Haltom said.
Italy’s coronavirus crisis outbreak also touched McGregor Square, the ultra-trendy, mixed-use project being developed by Colorado Rockies co-owner and CEO Dick Monfort just across 20th Street from Coors Field. The project, which will feature 103 luxury condos including one for Monfort and his wife, had to wait on some custom cabinets from the country.
McGregor Square is on track for a mid-January grand opening, said Patrick Walsh, the development’s general manager. That’s just a few weeks behind schedule. Hensel Phelps, the general contractor, also instituted daily temperature checks for workers and visitors as part of its coronavirus protocols.
One retail tenant, the Tattered Cover Book Store, has announced plans to relocate its Lower Downtown location to McGregor Square. A few other tenants are working with the development team to design their spaces and should open along with the Tattered Cover in the first three months of 2021, Walsh said.
“Definitely our goal is to have most of our site activated by (baseball’s) Opening Day 2021. Especially with everything going on this year, it would be nice to have a very positive 2021 with baseball to start out with,” Walsh said.
On a tour of the property last week, Monfort excused himself to join a call with Major League Baseball. The status of the league’s 2020 season is still very much in limbo with the league and players’ union still fighting over pay and other issues.
The biggest question mark at McGregor Square is who will occupy its roughly 205,000-square-feet of office space. Shared office brand WeWork was in talks to take on all of it at one point. After some very public struggles in 2019 that included the ouster of the company’s co-founder and CEO and $1.5 billion private equity bailout, WeWork is no longer involved. That had nothing to do with coronavirus, Monfort said.
Monfort and Co. have a list of eight to 10 tenants that could fill the space but negotiations are ongoing.
“We had really strong conversations in March with two tenants that would have taken on about half of it,” Monfort said. “Right now, everything has been put on hold a little bit.”
There are three factors Monfort thinks will shape McGregor Square’s office building: how the economy fares, how companies adjust to work-from-home business models and what those business models will mean for their space. Will companies need less square footage because they are smaller or are allowing more workers to stay home or will they need more because they want to space out their workforce and allow for more social distancing?
Commercial real estate broker Steve Billigmeier said he doesn’t think anyone has a good answer yet for what square footage math will look post-coronavirus like but he knows what he is hearing for his clients. Billigmeier is an executive managing director with the Denver office of Cushman & Wakefield. He exclusively represents commercial tenants in negotiations with landlords and is working with companies that have looked at Block 162 and McGregor Square.
“I can tell you, just based on anecdotal commentary, I think the mind-set of tenants is that they are going to need less space post-COVID after factoring those things in,” he said.
With 18 years of experience in Denver, Billigmeier says he doesn’t think developers overbuilt office space during the decade-long economic boom that coronavirus brought to an end. He’s also is aware of some planned office projects are now on hold. But he expects sublease space to be plentiful, something that should make rent cheaper.
He agrees with the logic that Denver and other “lifestyle” cities like Austin, Salt Lake City and Portland, Ore., are well-positioned to scoop up people and companies that decide to leave the country’s coastal megacities in the aftermath of the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean landlords will have the upper hand in negotiations.
“The tenant mind-set is, ‘We are not going to commit to a long-term deal unless we feel we are getting a post-COVID deal structure,’ ” Billigmeier said.
One Denver developer who is part of the construction industry slowdown also hopes to take advantage of it. Central Street Capital, a family development office, has paused its plans to develop a 70-room hotel at the corner of 18th and Central streets in the city’s Highland neighborhood.
Isiah Salazar, the firm’s vice president of development, said the decision not to break ground this spring was made because of the damage COVID-19 has done to the hotel industry. The company hopes to pick things back up in spring 2021, but the five-story building could still get underway this year, Salazar said, if things play out in Central Street’s favor. The key will be if the prices of labor and materials come down enough as construction work across the city slows.
“If the stars aligned, we could break ground later this year if we started seeing some good savings on the hard costs,” Salazar said. “I think there’s definitely going to be slow down across the board.”
Want more Denver development and business news? Sign up for our weekly On the Block newsletter.


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--Broncos Mailbag: After Gordon, Lindsay, how will running back depth chart pan out?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here .
Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .
Do you think Tim Patrick will start over rookie KJ Hamler to start the season considering how well he finished the season under Drew Lock ?
— Joe Hollands , Pocklington , England A cop-out answer is it depends on the personnel package that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur likes .
He could like a bigger body like Patrick in certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game ( Sept. 14 vs. Tennessee ) ends Hamler doesn ’ t play more snaps than Patrick , that would be a surprise .
Patrick should have a role on this team as the No .
4 receiver and as a core special teams player .
His 2019 was derailed when he broke his hand in the opening game and missed half the season .
But his ability to go up and get 50-50 passes makes Patrick a valuable role player .
My question this week is about the league as a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start the season empty or with only partial capacity .
With lost ticket revenue and more fans watching from home , has there been any buzz about the league finally catching up on streaming or a pay-per-game platform ?
I think almost every other major sports league allows fans to buy packages specific to their team and/or purchase a single game to view while the NFL has kept its heels dug in and makes you buy all the games or watch what ’ s local .
This seems like it would help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home a better experience .
Why is the NFL so stubborn with their TV contracts ?
— Steve , Forks , Wash .
I agree that teams will be able to host only a small number of fans for the first part of the regular season .
The NFL has a streaming deal with Amazon for the Thursday night games , but after that , a fan ’ s options are 1 .
Local television ; 2 .
RedZone Channel ; and 3 .
Sunday Ticket ( full schedule of non-prime time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few games ( 256 games over 17 weeks ) , the NFL offering a pay-per-game option probably isn ’ t an option .
What the NFL should do is not panic , realizing that the next television deal will help make up for the anticipated financial short-fall coming up this year .
Radio host Colin Cowherd was gushing about Drew Lock ’ s potential for the 2020 season last week .
From what you ’ ve seen up close , does he really have the tools to become the next Carson Wentz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Phelps , Chicago Cowherd is all about the Broncos in general and Lock in particular and good for him , going against the grain makes for good radio .
As for Lock , I do think he has a chance to become better than Carson Wentz , but it ’ s a big jump from there to Jackson and an even bigger jump from there to Mahomes .
Lock shouldn ’ t waste time trying to measure himself against those players .
Instead , his focus should be on showing consistent progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins .
Ryan , how does Josey Jewell fit in with the Broncos in 2020 ?
I don ’ t want to say he ’ s hit his ceiling , but I think what we ’ ve seen is what we ’ ll get with him moving forward , especially with Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson in front of him .
— Marshall , Denver Jewell ended 2018 as a starting inside linebacker , but played only 221 defensive snaps last year after Alexander Johnson took over his spot .
Jewell ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and experienced special teamer .
The Broncos didn ’ t address inside linebacker during the offseason save for fifth-round pick Justin Strnad .
With our running backs , it ’ s Melvin Gordon , Phillip Lindsay and the rest .
How does the depth chart shake out ?
Does Royce Freeman stick around as the No .
3 ?
Is it finally time to unleash Khalfani Muhammad ?
— John T. , Northglenn Going into camp , the order will be Gordon , Lindsay and then things get interesting .
Does Shurmur see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an insurance back ?
Or do the Broncos feel two years of Freeman was enough and instead go with Muhammad or rookie LeVante Bellamy ?
The preseason games will be important for Muhammad and Bellamy .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.
Do you think Tim Patrick will start over rookie KJ Hamler to start the season considering how well he finished the season under Drew Lock?
— Joe Hollands, Pocklington, England
A cop-out answer is it depends on the personnel package that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur likes. He could like a bigger body like Patrick in certain situations. But if after the first game (Sept. 14 vs. Tennessee) ends Hamler doesn’t play more snaps than Patrick, that would be a surprise. Patrick should have a role on this team as the No. 4 receiver and as a core special teams player. His 2019 was derailed when he broke his hand in the opening game and missed half the season. But his ability to go up and get 50-50 passes makes Patrick a valuable role player.
My question this week is about the league as a whole. It sounds increasingly likely stadiums will start the season empty or with only partial capacity. With lost ticket revenue and more fans watching from home, has there been any buzz about the league finally catching up on streaming or a pay-per-game platform? I think almost every other major sports league allows fans to buy packages specific to their team and/or purchase a single game to view while the NFL has kept its heels dug in and makes you buy all the games or watch what’s local. This seems like it would help the league recover revenue while giving fans stuck at home a better experience. Why is the NFL so stubborn with their TV contracts?
— Steve, Forks, Wash.
I agree that teams will be able to host only a small number of fans for the first part of the regular season. The NFL has a streaming deal with Amazon for the Thursday night games, but after that, a fan’s options are 1. Local television; 2. RedZone Channel; and 3. Sunday Ticket (full schedule of non-prime time games). Because there are so few games (256 games over 17 weeks), the NFL offering a pay-per-game option probably isn’t an option. What the NFL should do is not panic, realizing that the next television deal will help make up for the anticipated financial short-fall coming up this year.
Radio host Colin Cowherd was gushing about Drew Lock’s potential for the 2020 season last week. From what you’ve seen up close, does he really have the tools to become the next Carson Wentz, Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes?
— Mike Phelps, Chicago
Cowherd is all about the Broncos in general and Lock in particular and good for him, going against the grain makes for good radio. As for Lock, I do think he has a chance to become better than Carson Wentz, but it’s a big jump from there to Jackson and an even bigger jump from there to Mahomes. Lock shouldn’t waste time trying to measure himself against those players. Instead, his focus should be on showing consistent progress, which in turn will lead to wins.
Ryan, how does Josey Jewell fit in with the Broncos in 2020? I don’t want to say he’s hit his ceiling, but I think what we’ve seen is what we’ll get with him moving forward, especially with Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson in front of him.
— Marshall, Denver
Jewell ended 2018 as a starting inside linebacker, but played only 221 defensive snaps last year after Alexander Johnson took over his spot. Jewell’s fit is as a reliable backup linebacker and experienced special teamer. The Broncos didn’t address inside linebacker during the offseason save for fifth-round pick Justin Strnad.
With our running backs, it’s Melvin Gordon, Phillip Lindsay and the rest. How does the depth chart shake out? Does Royce Freeman stick around as the No. 3? Is it finally time to unleash Khalfani Muhammad?
— John T., Northglenn
Going into camp, the order will be Gordon, Lindsay and then things get interesting. Does Shurmur see enough in Freeman to keep him around as an insurance back? Or do the Broncos feel two years of Freeman was enough and instead go with Muhammad or rookie LeVante Bellamy? The preseason games will be important for Muhammad and Bellamy.
The Broncos mailbag returns July 1.


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--More money will go to Colorado businesses, individuals for COVID-19 relief

On the last day of Colorado ’ s legislative session , lawmakers sent the governor several bills that they hope will provide relief to Coloradans affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
The bills are aimed at helping Coloradans struggling during what ’ s both a public health crisis and an economic one , as many have to make decisions about their health and whether they can afford to miss work or , if they ’ ve lost their jobs , how they can still pay their bills .
One of the first bills introduced to tackle at least one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which requires all employers to provide COVID-19 sick leave to their workers through the end of the year .
Beginning Jan. 1 , all Colorado employers with more than 15 workers will have to allow employees to accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours they work up to 48 hours of sick leave .
Those with 15 or fewer employees will have to offer the accrual starting in 2022 .
“ When people are forced to choose between their health and their income we all lose , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado , in a statement .
“ This bill will help us protect the wellbeing of our communities and ensure our economy can stand resilient against our current and any future public health crisis.
” Workers can use the leave for mental and physical illnesses , to get care for themselves or family members , and in cases of closures because of public health orders .
Democrats also passed legislation to expand unemployment benefits for Coloradans who leave their jobs because of child care or working conditions during the pandemic .
The legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jared Polis declared a state of emergency for the pandemic .
It resumed May 26 with a new set of coronavirus-related bills — and some of which passed on the very last day .
“ We spent a lot of time planning how to help workers and small businesses and families impacted by the shutdown and the health crisis , the front line workers , in a pretty comprehensive way , ” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett , D-Denver .
One bill , House Bill 1414 , addresses the problem of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crises by giving the attorney general enforcement authority .
A bill that protects whistleblowers from retaliation during a public health emergency also received final passage Monday .
It will protect employees who raise concerns about their workplace health or safety , and it also protects them from retaliation or discrimination if they wear their own masks or other protective equipment at their workplace .
Lawmakers allocated $ 20 million of Colorado ’ s federal money to small businesses and created a $ 250 million small business loan fund .
Another $ 20 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million for utility assistance .
Mental health and substance abuse programs received $ 15.2 million , but Senate President Leroy Garcia of Pueblo said lawmakers plan to do even more for mental health services next year .
Several mental health bills were placed on the back burner after the session resumed in May , including a bill to cover mental health wellness exams .
Gov .
Jared Polis said he didn ’ t want more requirements put on insurers .
Additionally , $ 500,000 went to domestic violence programs and another $ 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coloradans to health and human services programs .
Although lawmakers killed hundreds of their own bills as they tried to prioritize bills in their shortened time , some Republicans — who are in the minority — felt Democrats extended their focus and did not leave them enough room to pass their own bills related to the pandemic .
“ Several of us asked for late bills regarding COVID to protect businesses , ” said Sen. John Cooke , R-Greeley .
“ I ’ m still waiting to hear the answer whether I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader Steve Fenberg said the conversations were bipartisan and focused on helping the majority of Coloradans .
At a news conference Monday , the Boulder Democrat said lawmakers worked with businesses and people affected and received bipartisan support on many measures .

On the last day of Colorado’s legislative session, lawmakers sent the governor several bills that they hope will provide relief to Coloradans affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The bills are aimed at helping Coloradans struggling during what’s both a public health crisis and an economic one, as many have to make decisions about their health and whether they can afford to miss work or, if they’ve lost their jobs, how they can still pay their bills.
One of the first bills introduced to tackle at least one of those problems was Senate Bill 205, which requires all employers to provide COVID-19 sick leave to their workers through the end of the year. Beginning Jan. 1, all Colorado employers with more than 15 workers will have to allow employees to accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours they work up to 48 hours of sick leave. Those with 15 or fewer employees will have to offer the accrual starting in 2022.
“When people are forced to choose between their health and their income we all lose,” said Jake Williams, executive director of Healthier Colorado, in a statement. “This bill will help us protect the wellbeing of our communities and ensure our economy can stand resilient against our current and any future public health crisis.”
Workers can use the leave for mental and physical illnesses, to get care for themselves or family members, and in cases of closures because of public health orders.
Democrats also passed legislation to expand unemployment benefits for Coloradans who leave their jobs because of child care or working conditions during the pandemic.
The legislative session was suspended March 13 after Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency for the pandemic. It resumed May 26 with a new set of coronavirus-related bills — and some of which passed on the very last day.
“We spent a lot of time planning how to help workers and small businesses and families impacted by the shutdown and the health crisis, the front line workers, in a pretty comprehensive way,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver.
One bill, House Bill 1414, addresses the problem of price gouging during public health and economic crises by giving the attorney general enforcement authority.
A bill that protects whistleblowers from retaliation during a public health emergency also received final passage Monday. It will protect employees who raise concerns about their workplace health or safety, and it also protects them from retaliation or discrimination if they wear their own masks or other protective equipment at their workplace.
Lawmakers allocated $20 million of Colorado’s federal money to small businesses and created a $250 million small business loan fund. Another $20 million went to housing assistance and $4.8 million for utility assistance.
Mental health and substance abuse programs received $15.2 million, but Senate President Leroy Garcia of Pueblo said lawmakers plan to do even more for mental health services next year. Several mental health bills were placed on the back burner after the session resumed in May, including a bill to cover mental health wellness exams. Gov. Jared Polis said he didn’t want more requirements put on insurers.
Additionally, $500,000 went to domestic violence programs and another $500,000 to the 2-1-1 line, which connects Coloradans to health and human services programs.
Although lawmakers killed hundreds of their own bills as they tried to prioritize bills in their shortened time, some Republicans — who are in the minority — felt Democrats extended their focus and did not leave them enough room to pass their own bills related to the pandemic.
“Several of us asked for late bills regarding COVID to protect businesses,” said Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley. “I’m still waiting to hear the answer whether I got one or not.”
But Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg said the conversations were bipartisan and focused on helping the majority of Coloradans. At a news conference Monday, the Boulder Democrat said lawmakers worked with businesses and people affected and received bipartisan support on many measures.


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--Denver’s inflation rate in May is highest of any metro area nationwide

Buying clothes or filling the tank with gasoline got cheaper during the pandemic , but the cost of getting a full stomach , that was a different story .
An index of prices for meat , poultry , fish and eggs shot up 8.8 % between March and May in metro Denver , and up 9.5 % over the past year , according to the Consumer Price Index for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .
Outbreaks of COVID-19 at meatpacking plants across the country resulted in closures , including a two-week pause at the JBS plant in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they did so at reduced capacity .
The lack of supply has pushed up retail prices , costing consumers more without benefitting the producers who raised the animals .
Food prices jumped in other categories during the shutdown , but not as much .
Cereals and bakery products were up 0.6 % , fruit and vegetable costs rose 0.4 % , and nonalcoholic beverages were up only 0.2 % The cost of dairy products dropped by 3.9 % , but they remain up 9.9 % over the past year .
Food costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver during that two-month span , with the cost of eating at home up 1.2 % , while the cost of dining out , not that there were many options to do so , up 2.1 % .
Food prices are up 4.8 % over the past year .
The price index for alcoholic beverages , which home-bound consumers imbibed in larger quantities between March and May , fell 0.3 % during the March to May period , and are up 0.3 % on the year .
Overall , consumer inflation for metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May and is up 1.9 % over the year , way above than the 0.1 % annual rate measured nationally .
Of the major metro areas where the BLS tracks inflation , metro Denver currently has the highest inflation rate .
It would have been even higher , except for price declines in several areas , chief among them transportation costs , which fell 3.5 % during the lockdown and are down 11 % over the year .
Gasoline prices fell 13.7 % between March and May , and are down 36.4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premiums also fell .
Apparel costs fell 5.8 % between March and May as consumers cut back on discretionary spending and retailers shut down .
Now that they are reopening , many retailers are stuck with inventories that are out of season .
Dean Baker , a senior economist with the Center for Policy and Economic Research , cautioned in an analysis that consumers shouldn ’ t get too used to falling prices .
“ The May CPI will likely be the last one showing large pandemic-related price declines .
Many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as gasoline , airfares , and apparel , are likely to show rises in June and the rest of the summer , ” he said .

Buying clothes or filling the tank with gasoline got cheaper during the pandemic, but the cost of getting a full stomach, that was a different story.
An index of prices for meat, poultry, fish and eggs shot up 8.8% between March and May in metro Denver, and up 9.5% over the past year, according to the Consumer Price Index for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Outbreaks of COVID-19 at meatpacking plants across the country resulted in closures, including a two-week pause at the JBS plant in Greeley. Although plants came back online, they did so at reduced capacity. The lack of supply has pushed up retail prices, costing consumers more without benefitting the producers who raised the animals.
Food prices jumped in other categories during the shutdown, but not as much. Cereals and bakery products were up 0.6%, fruit and vegetable costs rose 0.4%, and nonalcoholic beverages were up only 0.2% The cost of dairy products dropped by 3.9%, but they remain up 9.9% over the past year.
Food costs overall were up 1.6% in metro Denver during that two-month span, with the cost of eating at home up 1.2%, while the cost of dining out, not that there were many options to do so, up 2.1%. Food prices are up 4.8% over the past year.
The price index for alcoholic beverages, which home-bound consumers imbibed in larger quantities between March and May, fell 0.3% during the March to May period, and are up 0.3% on the year.
Overall, consumer inflation for metro Denver rose 0.5% between March and May and is up 1.9% over the year, way above than the 0.1% annual rate measured nationally. Of the major metro areas where the BLS tracks inflation, metro Denver currently has the highest inflation rate.
It would have been even higher, except for price declines in several areas, chief among them transportation costs, which fell 3.5% during the lockdown and are down 11% over the year. Gasoline prices fell 13.7% between March and May, and are down 36.4% over the past year. Auto insurance premiums also fell.
Apparel costs fell 5.8% between March and May as consumers cut back on discretionary spending and retailers shut down. Now that they are reopening, many retailers are stuck with inventories that are out of season.
Dean Baker, a senior economist with the Center for Policy and Economic Research, cautioned in an analysis that consumers shouldn’t get too used to falling prices.
“The May CPI will likely be the last one showing large pandemic-related price declines. Many of the sectors that showed the sharpest declines, such as gasoline, airfares, and apparel, are likely to show rises in June and the rest of the summer,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--Broncos land on ESPN’s best (and worst) NFL free agent signings of the past decade

ESPN on Monday unveiled a list of bests and worsts in the NFL across a variety of categories and the Broncos landed on both sides of the spectrum in terms of free agent signings .
Denver signing quarterback Peyton Manning in 2012 was named the best free agent signing .
Manning outshined other potential candidates Eagles QB Nick Foles , Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu , Falcons center Alex Mack and Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmonre , who were listed on the fan poll .
“ John Elway hailed it as a franchise-changing move that ‘ raises all boats , ' ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In Manning ’ s four seasons , the Broncos won 50 games , four division titles , went to two Super Bowls , won Super Bowl 50 and set the NFL ’ s single-season scoring record ( 606 ) as the only 600-point team in league history.
” The worst signing went to the Texans in 2016 , picking up outgoing Broncos QB Brock Osweiler with a $ 72 million contract .
“ Osweiler threw 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions before being benched in Week 15 of the 2016 season .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Houston due to a deteriorated relationship with O ’ Brien , so Houston got rid of Osweiler ’ s contract that next offseason by trading him and a second-round draft pick to the Browns , ” ESPN ’ s Sarah Barshop writes .
Osweiler would return to the Broncos in 2017 , platooning with Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian .
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Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Saunders here .
Kiz vs. Singer : How deep a playoff run can the Nuggets make in Orlando ?
The Nuggets are itching to prove they belong in the championship conversation .
“ Why not us ?
Why not us ?
Why not us ?
” asks point guard Jamal Murray .
So I will ask you : Why not the Nuggets ?
How deep a playoff run should we expect from this team ?
Read more… Broncos sign deal with FanDuel to serve as team ’ s official sports betting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multi-year partnership on Monday with FanDuel to serve as an official sports betting and daily fantasy partner .
They are the first NFL team to finalize this type of deal since the league allowed these agreements in May .
Read more… Nolan Arenado on war of words between MLB , MLBPA as 2020 season heads toward cliff : “ I hope fans are paying attention ” Many players , including Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado , believe MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners have been attempting to shorten the season in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without fans in the stands due to the coronavirus .
Read more… + Broncos Mailbag : After Gordon , Lindsay , how will running back depth chart pan out ?
+ Nuggets coach Michael Malone says test revealed he had COVID-19 + Former Valor Christian star with Colorado State football in his blood verbally commits to CSU + Avalanche returns to Pepsi Center , starts Phase 2 of NHL ’ s return to play plan + Nuggets ’ Nikola Jokic may have been exposed to coronavirus at exhibition game in Serbia + Lunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Drew Lock to make Pro Bowl for Broncos in 2020 + Brittany Bowlen on hand as Broncos ’ Boys & Girls Club reopens after pandemic + Colorado ’ s fitness industry starting to reawaken , but some studios will never reopen If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

ESPN on Monday unveiled a list of bests and worsts in the NFL across a variety of categories and the Broncos landed on both sides of the spectrum in terms of free agent signings.
Denver signing quarterback Peyton Manning in 2012 was named the best free agent signing. Manning outshined other potential candidates Eagles QB Nick Foles, Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, Falcons center Alex Mack and Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmonre, who were listed on the fan poll.
“John Elway hailed it as a franchise-changing move that ‘raises all boats,'” ESPN’s Jeff Legwold writes. “In Manning’s four seasons, the Broncos won 50 games, four division titles, went to two Super Bowls, won Super Bowl 50 and set the NFL’s single-season scoring record (606) as the only 600-point team in league history.”
The worst signing went to the Texans in 2016, picking up outgoing Broncos QB Brock Osweiler with a $72 million contract.
“Osweiler threw 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions before being benched in Week 15 of the 2016 season. It was clear his future wasn’t in Houston due to a deteriorated relationship with O’Brien, so Houston got rid of Osweiler’s contract that next offseason by trading him and a second-round draft pick to the Browns,” ESPN’s Sarah Barshop writes.
Osweiler would return to the Broncos in 2017, platooning with Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Read
The Nuggets are itching to prove they belong in the championship conversation. “Why not us? Why not us? Why not us?” asks point guard Jamal Murray. So I will ask you: Why not the Nuggets? How deep a playoff run should we expect from this team? Read more…
The Broncos announced a multi-year partnership on Monday with FanDuel to serve as an official sports betting and daily fantasy partner. They are the first NFL team to finalize this type of deal since the league allowed these agreements in May. Read more…
Many players, including Rockies all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado, believe MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners have been attempting to shorten the season in order to save money during a summer without fans in the stands due to the coronavirus. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos Mailbag: After Gordon, Lindsay, how will running back depth chart pan out?
+ Nuggets coach Michael Malone says test revealed he had COVID-19
+ Former Valor Christian star with Colorado State football in his blood verbally commits to CSU
+ Avalanche returns to Pepsi Center, starts Phase 2 of NHL’s return to play plan
+ Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic may have been exposed to coronavirus at exhibition game in Serbia
+ Lunch Special: A.J. Johnson more likely than Drew Lock to make Pro Bowl for Broncos in 2020
+ Brittany Bowlen on hand as Broncos’ Boys & Girls Club reopens after pandemic
+ Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott tested positive for coronavirus, agent says
+ Colorado’s fitness industry starting to reawaken, but some studios will never reopen
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--Keeler: Von Miller, Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson are carrying flag for former Broncos QB Marlin

Keeler: Von Miller, Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson are carrying flag for former Broncos QB Marlin Briscoe

Whenever they tell you to shut up and dribble , sing louder .
“ You can ’ t think of yourself as ‘ just a football player , ’ ” Marlin Briscoe , the former Broncos quarterback and the first African-American signal caller in team history , said of current stars Von Miller , Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson .
“ Because now , you ’ re not .
“ Although we had a lot of thoughts on how we thought the world should be , we couldn ’ t speak on it .
Today , these kids have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick and those who have shown that if you believe something isn ’ t right , and you really believe in it , you should express yourself.
” The man ’ s on notice now .
Everywhere .
Yes , political correctness is too often couched as an excuse to condescend .
And yes , political discourse has devolved into a blood sport .
But respect is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways .
When Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy wears the shirt of a right-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter movement , it ’ s only natural that African-American players , including leading rusher Chuba Hubbard , think twice about their fealty .
Longtime University of Iowa strength-and-conditioning coach Chris Doyle , the highest-paid muscle man in college football , was considered untouchable for two decades — until black players who used to be in the program shared stories of his sins .
In past years , the Hawkeyes might ’ ve coughed uncomfortably and looked the other way .
On Monday , the university gave Doyle $ 1.1 million and 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and walk away .
Locker rooms in the NFL are roughly 70 % African-American .
The coaching staffs are roughly 30 % black .
Last fall , African-Americans accounted for 49 % of FBS players .
And just 15 % of the head coaches .
“ It ’ s a trying time , ” Briscoe said .
“ And it always has been for a black man .
You ’ d be surprised the personalities who ’ ve had to undergo the battle with the white establishment , being a black man.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just stepping for his peers .
When Simmons speaks , he ’ s not just preaching for his heirs .
They ’ re carrying the flag for Briscoe , now 74 and retired in Long Beach , Calif. , a proud man whose anger left the righteous stage ages ago .
Before Lamar Jackson , before Russell Wilson , before Warren Moon and Doug Williams , there was Marlin The Magician , out front at 5-foot-11 , blazing a trail .
A 14th-round draft pick of the Broncos in 1968 out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team as a defensive back unless he was given at least a three-day look at quarterback , his collegiate position , during training camp .
On Oct. 6 , Briscoe became the first African-American starting quarterback in the AFL and the first black signal-caller to lead a major pro football franchise in 15 years .
No .
15 threw for 14 touchdowns in 11 appearances , including four in a game — a Broncos rookie record — against Buffalo on Nov. 24 .
He connected on 10 touchdowns over his final four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch and 7.1 yards per pass attempt .
The next winter , while Briscoe went back to Nebraska to finish his degree , he found out the Broncos were holding positional meetings for signal-callers .
Only they ’ d never bothered to call and ask him to show up .
“ Black players knew the deal , ” said Briscoe , who finished his NFL career at wideout , making the 1970 Pro Bowl with Buffalo and winning two Super Bowls with the Dolphins .
“ It took a lot of guts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot of guts .
“ As things progressed , it ’ s something that a lot of players felt .
But they couldn ’ t stand up to the powers-that-be .
We all had feelings , especially talking about the ‘ 60s … but you just couldn ’ t ( say ) it , because you ’ d lose your job .
We had a rule : We couldn ’ t express our feelings .
There were a lot of Kaepernicks in the world , quietly , back then.
” There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who found himself lopped by then-coach Lou Saban for the sins of an open mind and a free spirit .
“ He was the only veteran in the entire backfield and would ’ ve been a starter , ” Briscoe said .
“ But because he wouldn ’ t cut his afro and wouldn ’ t stop reading Malcolm X between practices , they cut him .
That was a rude awakening for me.
” More than one night has been sleepless since .
Briscoe recounted being pulled over recently near his home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passing police officer in one of the so-called “ nicer ” parts of town .
“ Sure enough , he turned around and ( stopped me ) , ” the former Broncos quarterback said .
“ He asked me , ‘ Did I hear any loud music ?
’ And I said , ‘ No sir , I came here to pay my mortgage.
’ “ He took off .
But I already knew he was going to stop me just by the way he was looking at me .
”

Whenever they tell you to shut up and dribble, sing louder.
“You can’t think of yourself as ‘just a football player,’” Marlin Briscoe, the former Broncos quarterback and the first African-American signal caller in team history, said of current stars Von Miller, Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson. “Because now, you’re not.
“Although we had a lot of thoughts on how we thought the world should be, we couldn’t speak on it. Today, these kids have a voice. And more and more, with LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick and those who have shown that if you believe something isn’t right, and you really believe in it, you should express yourself.”
The man’s on notice now. Everywhere. Yes, political correctness is too often couched as an excuse to condescend. And yes, political discourse has devolved into a blood sport. But respect is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.
When Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy wears the shirt of a right-wing news network that mocks the Black Lives Matter movement, it’s only natural that African-American players, including leading rusher Chuba Hubbard, think twice about their fealty.
Longtime University of Iowa strength-and-conditioning coach Chris Doyle, the highest-paid muscle man in college football, was considered untouchable for two decades — until black players who used to be in the program shared stories of his sins. In past years, the Hawkeyes might’ve coughed uncomfortably and looked the other way. On Monday, the university gave Doyle $1.1 million and 15 months of benefits to shut his trap and walk away.
Locker rooms in the NFL are roughly 70% African-American. The coaching staffs are roughly 30% black. Last fall, African-Americans accounted for 49% of FBS players. And just 15% of the head coaches.
Black lives matter. Black respect matters.
“It’s a trying time,” Briscoe said. “And it always has been for a black man. You’d be surprised the personalities who’ve had to undergo the battle with the white establishment, being a black man.”
When Miller marches, he’s not just stepping for his peers. When Simmons speaks, he’s not just preaching for his heirs. They’re carrying the flag for Briscoe, now 74 and retired in Long Beach, Calif., a proud man whose anger left the righteous stage ages ago.
Before Lamar Jackson, before Russell Wilson, before Warren Moon and Doug Williams, there was Marlin The Magician, out front at 5-foot-11, blazing a trail.
A 14th-round draft pick of the Broncos in 1968 out of Omaha, he refused to sign with the team as a defensive back unless he was given at least a three-day look at quarterback, his collegiate position, during training camp. On Oct. 6, Briscoe became the first African-American starting quarterback in the AFL and the first black signal-caller to lead a major pro football franchise in 15 years.
No. 15 threw for 14 touchdowns in 11 appearances, including four in a game — a Broncos rookie record — against Buffalo on Nov. 24. He connected on 10 touchdowns over his final four starts. He averaged 7.5 yards per touch and 7.1 yards per pass attempt.
The next winter, while Briscoe went back to Nebraska to finish his degree, he found out the Broncos were holding positional meetings for signal-callers. Only they’d never bothered to call and ask him to show up.
“Black players knew the deal,” said Briscoe, who finished his NFL career at wideout, making the 1970 Pro Bowl with Buffalo and winning two Super Bowls with the Dolphins. “It took a lot of guts to do what (Kaepernick) did. A lot of guts.
“As things progressed, it’s something that a lot of players felt. But they couldn’t stand up to the powers-that-be. We all had feelings, especially talking about the ‘60s … but you just couldn’t (say) it, because you’d lose your job. We had a rule: We couldn’t express our feelings. There were a lot of Kaepernicks in the world, quietly, back then.”
There was a Broncos teammate, also African-American, who found himself lopped by then-coach Lou Saban for the sins of an open mind and a free spirit.
“He was the only veteran in the entire backfield and would’ve been a starter,” Briscoe said. “But because he wouldn’t cut his afro and wouldn’t stop reading Malcolm X between practices, they cut him. That was a rude awakening for me.”
More than one night has been sleepless since. Briscoe recounted being pulled over recently near his home in Southern California after trading glances with a passing police officer in one of the so-called “nicer” parts of town.
“Sure enough, he turned around and (stopped me),” the former Broncos quarterback said. “He asked me, ‘Did I hear any loud music?’ And I said, ‘No sir, I came here to pay my mortgage.’
“He took off. But I already knew he was going to stop me just by the way he was looking at me.”
A pause.
“It hasn’t changed. It hasn’t changed.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-16--Ask Amy: Parents wonder how to get teens to pitch in

Dear Amy : I ’ ve noticed that often exasperated parents write in to complain about teenage , young adult , or even adult children living at home but contributing nothing .
Often you recommend treating them as the adults they ought to be or are becoming .
Amy , I ’ ve tried .
I ’ ve tried chores with and without allowance .
I ’ ve offered compensation in other ways ( I do the laundry , make the meals , and you vacuum the living room ) .
I ’ ve tried establishing a barter economy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments , for example .
I ’ ve tried demonstrating hard work by doing it all – they watch from the sofa .
I ’ ve tried boycotting by doing nothing – and I end up living in a messy house .
I ’ ve tried taking away anything they leave lying around .
I ’ ve appealed to my husband to lead by example .
I ’ ve asked him to request they contribute .
Really and truly , nothing works over the long term .
What would you recommend I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistently ?
Don ’ t they want to help someone who does so much for them ?
How do I get them to understand they simply have to ?
Dear Exasperated : If you and your husband were consistently on the same page regarding family household responsibilities , your kids would ( more or less ) be on that page , too .
Some parents and kids are very good at striking deals and bargains with one another .
That ’ s not working for you , so don ’ t do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them or waiting on them and now expect them to pitch in out of gratitude – forget that .
Guilt doesn ’ t work with most teens .
They could watch you work your fingers to the bone and still wonder why you hadn ’ t cut the crust off of their sandwich .
Show them how to do their own laundry and post written instructions over the machines .
If they don ’ t have any clean clothes to wear – too bad .
You and your husband should draw up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ask them to each choose one to do .
If they can ’ t agree ( or refuse ) , then you should assign them .
If one of your kids agrees to take the trash to the curb , and you remind him ( one time ) , and he still doesn ’ t do it , let it sit until next week .
If he still doesn ’ t do it , then you should very calmly not pay for his phone or his allowance ( “ You forget , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise them when they ’ ve met expectations : “ That takes a lot off my plate .
Thank you !
” If you ’ ve asked them repeatedly to clear their items out of common areas and they don ’ t do it – put the things they leave behind on the porch , in the garage , or outside .
And leave them there .
I ’ m talking about normal , proportional consequences .
Don ’ t discuss , don ’ t bargain , don ’ t yell – just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calm consistency and humor .
Dear Amy : I ’ ve been with my boyfriend for seven years .
I found out he cheated on me with a so-called mutual friend .
I ’ ve decided to try and forgive and forget , but it has been a year and I still can ’ t seem to trust him .
I wish I could trust him again , but I ’ m still paranoid about who he ’ s texting and where he ’ s going .
I don ’ t know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to be working hard to regain the sense of trust in your relationship .
What is your boyfriend doing to earn this trust ?
He should be completely transparent about all of his activities that give you anxiety .
This means volunteering to show you his phone if you want to see it , and reassuring you about where he is and who he is with .
He needs to be extremely gentle and patient with you as you both pick at this wound .
He should agree to accompany you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to move forward in your relationship , you should work toward forgiveness , but it is not necessary for you to forget that this happened .
Dear Amy : “ Untexted in Texas ” wrote to you about her husband ’ s choice to text throughout the day with a woman he knew in high school .
Would you call it an “ emotional affair ” if he was texting with a man ?
I suspect not .
Dear Disappointed : If a man texted back and forth , dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to discuss and excluding his wife from any knowledge of the content or context – then yes , I might call it an emotional affair .

Dear Amy: I’ve noticed that often exasperated parents write in to complain about teenage, young adult, or even adult children living at home but contributing nothing.
Often you recommend treating them as the adults they ought to be or are becoming.
Amy, I’ve tried. I’ve tried chores with and without allowance. I’ve offered compensation in other ways (I do the laundry, make the meals, and you vacuum the living room).
I’ve tried establishing a barter economy of sorts – chores in exchange for phone payments, for example.
I’ve tried demonstrating hard work by doing it all – they watch from the sofa. I’ve tried boycotting by doing nothing – and I end up living in a messy house.
I’ve tried taking away anything they leave lying around.
I’ve appealed to my husband to lead by example. I’ve asked him to request they contribute. Really and truly, nothing works over the long term.
What would you recommend I do to get my teenagers to help out consistently?
Don’t they want to help someone who does so much for them? How do I get them to understand they simply have to?
— Exasperated Mom
Dear Exasperated: If you and your husband were consistently on the same page regarding family household responsibilities, your kids would (more or less) be on that page, too. Some parents and kids are very good at striking deals and bargains with one another. That’s not working for you, so don’t do it.
If you’ve been babying them or waiting on them and now expect them to pitch in out of gratitude – forget that. Guilt doesn’t work with most teens. They could watch you work your fingers to the bone and still wonder why you hadn’t cut the crust off of their sandwich.
Show them how to do their own laundry and post written instructions over the machines. If they don’t have any clean clothes to wear – too bad.
You and your husband should draw up a short list of weekly chores. You can ask them to each choose one to do. If they can’t agree (or refuse), then you should assign them.
If one of your kids agrees to take the trash to the curb, and you remind him (one time), and he still doesn’t do it, let it sit until next week. If he still doesn’t do it, then you should very calmly not pay for his phone or his allowance (“You forget, I forget.”).
Notice and praise them when they’ve met expectations: “That takes a lot off my plate. Thank you!”
If you’ve asked them repeatedly to clear their items out of common areas and they don’t do it – put the things they leave behind on the porch, in the garage, or outside. And leave them there. I’m talking about normal, proportional consequences. Don’t discuss, don’t bargain, don’t yell – just do it. And follow through with calm consistency and humor.
Dear Amy: I’ve been with my boyfriend for seven years.
I found out he cheated on me with a so-called mutual friend.
I’ve decided to try and forgive and forget, but it has been a year and I still can’t seem to trust him.
I wish I could trust him again, but I’m still paranoid about who he’s texting and where he’s going. I don’t know what to do.
— Paranoid
Dear Paranoid: You seem to be working hard to regain the sense of trust in your relationship.
What is your boyfriend doing to earn this trust?
He should be completely transparent about all of his activities that give you anxiety. This means volunteering to show you his phone if you want to see it, and reassuring you about where he is and who he is with. He needs to be extremely gentle and patient with you as you both pick at this wound. He should agree to accompany you to see a couples counselor.
Yes, in order to move forward in your relationship, you should work toward forgiveness, but it is not necessary for you to forget that this happened.
Dear Amy: “Untexted in Texas” wrote to you about her husband’s choice to text throughout the day with a woman he knew in high school.
Would you call it an “emotional affair” if he was texting with a man? I suspect not.
— Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: If a man texted back and forth, dozens of times a day with another man, refusing to discuss and excluding his wife from any knowledge of the content or context – then yes, I might call it an emotional affair.
(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.)