thedenverpost--2020-09-19--Smoky Hill’s Jalen Weaver commits to play basketball for Nevada

One of the state ’ s top Class of 2021 boys basketball recruits is leaving Colorado .
Smoky Hill senior Jalen Weaver , the No .
1-rated recruit in the state by 247Sports.com , announced his intention to play for the Nevada Wolf Pack in a tweet Saturday .
The 6-foot-4 wing played a significant role on the Buffs ’ varsity the last two seasons , including a junior year that saw him average 18.8 points , 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for a team that finished one win shy of the Class 5A Final Four .
Weaver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Division-I schools , including Loyola Marymount , Tulsa , UMass and Montana State .
The three-star recruit did not , however , receive offers from in-state schools CU and CSU , according to his 247Sports profile .
“ He gives us athleticism , shooting and a high basketball I.Q.
, ” Smoky Hill head coach Anthony Hardin said of Weaver last year .
“ He ’ s one of the best scorers in the state and he ’ s probably the best player in the Class of 2021.
” Weaver ’ s commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Julian Hammond pledged to play for the CU men ’ s basketball program .

One of the state’s top Class of 2021 boys basketball recruits is leaving Colorado.
Smoky Hill senior Jalen Weaver, the No. 1-rated recruit in the state by 247Sports.com, announced his intention to play for the Nevada Wolf Pack in a tweet Saturday. The 6-foot-4 wing played a significant role on the Buffs’ varsity the last two seasons, including a junior year that saw him average 18.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for a team that finished one win shy of the Class 5A Final Four.
Weaver had scholarship offers from a number of Division-I schools, including Loyola Marymount, Tulsa, UMass and Montana State. The three-star recruit did not, however, receive offers from in-state schools CU and CSU, according to his 247Sports profile.
“He gives us athleticism, shooting and a high basketball I.Q.,” Smoky Hill head coach Anthony Hardin said of Weaver last year. “He’s one of the best scorers in the state and he’s probably the best player in the Class of 2021.”
Weaver’s commitment comes a week after Cherry Creek’s Julian Hammond pledged to play for the CU men’s basketball program.


thedenverpost--2020-09-19--Denver sets weather record with 74 days at 90 degrees

Denver ’ s last weekend of summer is going out with record-setting summer temperatures .
The city hit 90 degrees Saturday for the 74th time this year , setting a record for the most ays at 90 or above , according to the National Weather Service in Boulder .
The previous record was set in 2012 , when Denver experienced 73 days with temperatures in the 90s .
This year , Denver also recorded its latest 100-degree day on the calendar ever , on Sept. 5 .
Meteorologist David Barjenbruch attributed the record-setting year to an “ unfortunately dry summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The dryness , outside of that one quick glimpse of winter in early September , has quickly built back over the area , ” Barjenbruch said .
“ We just had a dominating ridge of high pressure over the whole Western United States this summer.
” This may not be the last time the mercury surpasses 90 degrees , he said .
Monday will be very warm with highs in the upper 80s .
And toward the end of the week , Denver may have another shot at breaking into the 90s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question , and that ’ s pretty late in September to be hitting 90 on a routine basis , ” Barjenbruch said .
Tuesday marks the first day of fall , but the metro area may not get autumnal weather for a while .
Forecasts predict that Denver will see above-average temperatures going into early October , Barjenbruch said .
That ’ s concerning because October usually brings downslope winds that increase the risk of fire danger , he said .
But there is a silver lining : “ The fortunate thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re sick and tired of it , is the days are getting shorter , nights are getting cooler and it ’ s only getting hot for a shorter period of time during the day , ” Barjenbruch said .

Denver’s last weekend of summer is going out with record-setting summer temperatures.
The city hit 90 degrees Saturday for the 74th time this year, setting a record for the most ays at 90 or above, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.
The previous record was set in 2012, when Denver experienced 73 days with temperatures in the 90s. This year, Denver also recorded its latest 100-degree day on the calendar ever, on Sept. 5.
Denver reached 90° this afternoon for the 74th time in 2020 which breaks the record for most 90° days in a year. #COwx pic.twitter.com/WO1XoyAmtP — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 19, 2020
Meteorologist David Barjenbruch attributed the record-setting year to an “unfortunately dry summer with what seemed like unrelenting heat.”
“The dryness, outside of that one quick glimpse of winter in early September, has quickly built back over the area,” Barjenbruch said. “We just had a dominating ridge of high pressure over the whole Western United States this summer.”
This may not be the last time the mercury surpasses 90 degrees, he said. Monday will be very warm with highs in the upper 80s. And toward the end of the week, Denver may have another shot at breaking into the 90s.
“It’s not out the question, and that’s pretty late in September to be hitting 90 on a routine basis,” Barjenbruch said.
Tuesday marks the first day of fall, but the metro area may not get autumnal weather for a while. Forecasts predict that Denver will see above-average temperatures going into early October, Barjenbruch said. That’s concerning because October usually brings downslope winds that increase the risk of fire danger, he said.
But there is a silver lining: “The fortunate thing about the heat, if you’re sick and tired of it, is the days are getting shorter, nights are getting cooler and it’s only getting hot for a shorter period of time during the day,” Barjenbruch said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-19--Rockies designate veteran reliever Wade Davis for assignment

The last member of the Rockies ’ overpriced and underperforming relief pitching triumvirate signed before the 2018 season is out the door .
Veteran right-hander Wade Davis was designated for assignment Saturday , the team announced , in a move that signals the end of his time in Colorado .
Davis began the season with a pair of saves at the Texas Rangers , but a strained right shoulder derailed his year and comeback attempt with the Rockies .
“ He was a great presence on our team and a great mentor for a lot of our younger pitchers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rockies manager Bud Black said .
“ The shoulder woes started happening and he just really couldn ’ t recover totally.
” Davis , 35 , was reinstated from the injured list in mid-September , but he never found consistency , going 0-1 with a dismal 20.77 ERA and two saves over five outings this season .
Since signing a three-year , $ 52 million contract prior to the 2018 season , Davis went 4-13 with 60 saves in 70 opportunities and 122 appearances and posted a 6.49 ERA .
He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 4.22 ERA on the road .
It marked a steep drop from 2018 when Davis led the National League in saves ( 43 ) with a 4.13 ERA as the Rockies reached the playoffs .
He simply couldn ’ t recapture that magic , and much like the other high-paid relievers Colorado signed before that season — Jake McGee ( $ 27M ) and Bryan Shaw ( $ 27M ) — Davis is no longer on the roster .
“ ( Davis ) expressed today his desire to continue on to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a very professional meeting .
I don ’ t think any of us envisioned this happening at this juncture .
But it did.
” Blackmon struggles .
Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon has come back down to earth after his strong offensive start to the season .
In the month of September , Blackmon has a .216 batting average with 11 hits and 14 strikeouts .
“ I feel like I ’ ve been pretty inconsistent , ” Blackmon said .
“ I ’ m preparing well and I ’ m competing well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been as good , as of late , then when I was really hot earlier .
That happens .
But I still think I ’ m putting myself in a position to succeed.
” Added Black : “ We ’ ve seen Charlie try to get a little bit too big with his swing and expand the zone a little too much to get a base hit — which is not Charlie-like .
But that could change at any moment .
Chuck could get two or three hits tonight and start to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves for the Rockies on Saturday included selecting the contract of pitcher AJ Ramos from the training site at Metro State .
… The club has also recalled right-hander Antonio Santos .
… To make room on the roster for the pitchers , Colorado optioned right-hander Jesus Tinoco back to the alternate training site in Denver .
Senzatela enters Sunday following his best start of the year : one earned run on six hits through nine innings pitched in a 3-1 home win Tuesday against the Athletics .
It was Senzatela ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ first at home since 2016 .
Senzatela threw a season-high 109 pitches .
The 25-year-old right-hander will make his third start of the year against the Dodgers on Sunday .
Senzatela did not factor into a 10-6 loss in LA with two runs allowed on seven hits over 5-1/3 innings on Sept. 4 .
He also lost 11-3 at the Dodgers with six runs allowed on seven hits on Aug. 23 .
Gonsolin , 26 , is in his second season pitching for the Dodgers .
He has three quality starts this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week at the Padres — allowing only one earned run over seven innings .
Gonsolin pitched six innings against Colorado on Sept. 5 and he gave up two runs ( one earned ) on three hits in a no-decision .
Trending : Entering Saturday , shortstop Trevor Story led the National League and ranked second in the MLB with 14 stolen bases .
As a team , the Rockies rank fourth in the NL and eighth in the majors with 32 stolen bases .
At issue : The Rockies have not won any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season as the only team in the MLB without a six-run victory .
Colorado ’ s current stretch of 89 consecutive games without winning a game by at least six runs is the longest such a drought in franchise history .

The last member of the Rockies’ overpriced and underperforming relief pitching triumvirate signed before the 2018 season is out the door.
Veteran right-hander Wade Davis was designated for assignment Saturday, the team announced, in a move that signals the end of his time in Colorado. Davis began the season with a pair of saves at the Texas Rangers, but a strained right shoulder derailed his year and comeback attempt with the Rockies.
“He was a great presence on our team and a great mentor for a lot of our younger pitchers. He was one of our leaders,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The shoulder woes started happening and he just really couldn’t recover totally.”
Davis, 35, was reinstated from the injured list in mid-September, but he never found consistency, going 0-1 with a dismal 20.77 ERA and two saves over five outings this season.
Since signing a three-year, $52 million contract prior to the 2018 season, Davis went 4-13 with 60 saves in 70 opportunities and 122 appearances and posted a 6.49 ERA. He had an 8.01 ERA at Coors Field and a 4.22 ERA on the road.
It marked a steep drop from 2018 when Davis led the National League in saves (43) with a 4.13 ERA as the Rockies reached the playoffs. He simply couldn’t recapture that magic, and much like the other high-paid relievers Colorado signed before that season — Jake McGee ($27M) and Bryan Shaw ($27M) — Davis is no longer on the roster.
“(Davis) expressed today his desire to continue on to play,” Black said. “It was a very professional meeting. I don’t think any of us envisioned this happening at this juncture. But it did.”
Blackmon struggles. Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon has come back down to earth after his strong offensive start to the season. In the month of September, Blackmon has a .216 batting average with 11 hits and 14 strikeouts.
“I feel like I’ve been pretty inconsistent,” Blackmon said. “I’m preparing well and I’m competing well. I think I haven’t been as good, as of late, then when I was really hot earlier. That happens. But I still think I’m putting myself in a position to succeed.”
Added Black: “We’ve seen Charlie try to get a little bit too big with his swing and expand the zone a little too much to get a base hit — which is not Charlie-like. But that could change at any moment. Chuck could get two or three hits tonight and start to get that feeling again.”
Footnotes. Additional moves for the Rockies on Saturday included selecting the contract of pitcher AJ Ramos from the training site at Metro State. … The club has also recalled right-hander Antonio Santos. … To make room on the roster for the pitchers, Colorado optioned right-hander Jesus Tinoco back to the alternate training site in Denver.
Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (1-1, 1.51 ERA) at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (4-2, 3.30 ERA)
1:10 p.m. Sunday, Coors Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: 630 AM/94.1 FM
Senzatela enters Sunday following his best start of the year: one earned run on six hits through nine innings pitched in a 3-1 home win Tuesday against the Athletics. It was Senzatela’s first MLB complete game and the Rockies’ first at home since 2016. Senzatela threw a season-high 109 pitches. The 25-year-old right-hander will make his third start of the year against the Dodgers on Sunday. Senzatela did not factor into a 10-6 loss in LA with two runs allowed on seven hits over 5-1/3 innings on Sept. 4. He also lost 11-3 at the Dodgers with six runs allowed on seven hits on Aug. 23. Gonsolin, 26, is in his second season pitching for the Dodgers. He has three quality starts this season and earned his first win last week at the Padres — allowing only one earned run over seven innings. Gonsolin pitched six innings against Colorado on Sept. 5 and he gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits in a no-decision.
Trending: Entering Saturday, shortstop Trevor Story led the National League and ranked second in the MLB with 14 stolen bases. As a team, the Rockies rank fourth in the NL and eighth in the majors with 32 stolen bases.
At issue: The Rockies have not won any games by more than five runs this season as the only team in the MLB without a six-run victory. Colorado’s current stretch of 89 consecutive games without winning a game by at least six runs is the longest such a drought in franchise history.
Pitching Probables:
Monday: Rockies RHP German Marquez (2-6, 4.33) at Giants LHP Drew Smyly (0-0, 3.94), 7:45 p.m., ATTRM
Tuesday: Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-2, 3.75) at Giants LHP Tyler Anderson (2-3, 5.06), 7:45 p.m., ATTRM
Wednesday: Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani (1-3, 5.59) at Giants RHP Logan Webb (2-4, 5.73), 7:45 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-09-19--Trump backs proposed TikTok deal with Oracle, Walmart

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Saturday he ’ s given his “ blessing ” to a proposed deal between @ @ @ @ @ U.S. operations of TikTok , the Chinese-owned app he ’ s targeted for national security @ @ @ @ @ Trump said the proposed deal will result in a new company likely to be based @ @ @ @ @ control of U.S.-based Oracle and Walmart .
“ I have given the deal my blessing @ @ @ @ @ “ If they get it done , that ’ s great .
If they don @ @ @ @ @ s OK too.
” Trump has been targeting TikTok , a video app popular with @ @ @ @ @ as WeChat , another Chinese-owned app .
The dispute over the two apps is the @ @ @ @ @ tensions between the world ’ s two largest economies .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Saturday he’s given his “blessing” to a proposed deal between Oracle and Walmart for the U.S. operations of TikTok, the Chinese-owned app he’s targeted for national security and data privacy concerns.
Trump said the proposed deal will result in a new company likely to be based in Texas and under the control of U.S.-based Oracle and Walmart.
“I have given the deal my blessing,” he said. “If they get it done, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s OK too.”
Trump has been targeting TikTok, a video app popular with younger people, as well as WeChat, another Chinese-owned app. The dispute over the two apps is the latest flashpoint in the rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies.


thedenverpost--2020-09-19--Carpenters wow public with medieval techniques at Notre Dame

PARIS ( AP ) — With precision and boundless energy , a team of carpenters used medieval techniques to raise up — by hand — a three-ton oak truss Saturday in front of Notre Dame Cathedral , a replica of the wooden structures that were consumed in the landmark ’ s devastating April 2019 fire that also toppled its spire .
The demonstration to mark European Heritage Days gave the hundreds of people a first-hand look at the rustic methods used 800 years ago to build the triangular frames in the nave of Notre Dame de Paris .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cathedral in its original form was the right one , said Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin , who heads the cathedral ’ s reconstruction .
“ It shows … firstly that we made the right choice in choosing to rebuild the carpentry identically , in oak from France , ” Georgelin said in an interview .
“ Secondly , it shows us the … method by which we will rebuild the framework , truss after truss.
” A debate over whether the new spire should have a futuristic design or whether the trusses should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cathedral of Nantes , which was destroyed in a 1972 fire , ended with the decision in July to respect Notre Dame ’ s original design and materials .
A total of 25 trusses are to be installed at an unknown date in the cathedral nave .
Philippe Gourmain , a forestry expert working on the cathedral project , said the carpentry phase will not come before 2022 .
“ The problem of Notre Dame is not a carpentry problem .
We have the wood .
We know how to do it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue is regarding the stone.
” Some stones — which support the carpentry — were damaged by the fire and “ it ’ s not so easy now ” to find similar stone , he said .
French President Emmanuel Macron wants the cathedral reopened in 2024 in time for the Paris Olympic Games , a deadline that many experts have called unrealistic .
For the moment , the delicate task of dismantling melted scaffolding , which was originally erected to refurbish the now-toppled spire , continues .
That job , started in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October .
The soaring cathedral vaults are also being cleared of debris by 35 specialists on ropes .
The organ with its 8,000 pipes was removed for repair in early August .
It is not yet known what technique will be used to create and install the wooden trusses .
The truss mounted for the weekend display is a replica of truss No .
7 , more advanced that the first six trusses , which were “ more primitive , ” said Florian Carpentier , site manager for the team from Carpenters Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used axes to cut the logs for the wooden frame .
With rope cables and a rustic pulley system , the carpenters slowly pulled the truss they built in July from the ground where it was laid out .
“ It ’ s a moment to see , ancestral techniques that last .
There is the present and the past and it links us to our roots , ” said Romain Greif , an architect who came with his family to watch the display .
“ It ’ s an event.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
7 truss replica was raised on high , a carpenter shinnied up the wooden beams — to cheers — to tie an oak branch to the top of the triangular structure , a symbol of prosperity and a salute to the workers , a tradition still honoured in numerous European countries .

PARIS (AP) — With precision and boundless energy, a team of carpenters used medieval techniques to raise up — by hand — a three-ton oak truss Saturday in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, a replica of the wooden structures that were consumed in the landmark’s devastating April 2019 fire that also toppled its spire.
The demonstration to mark European Heritage Days gave the hundreds of people a first-hand look at the rustic methods used 800 years ago to build the triangular frames in the nave of Notre Dame de Paris.
It also showed that the decision to replicate the cathedral in its original form was the right one, said Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who heads the cathedral’s reconstruction.
“It shows … firstly that we made the right choice in choosing to rebuild the carpentry identically, in oak from France,” Georgelin said in an interview. “Secondly, it shows us the … method by which we will rebuild the framework, truss after truss.”
A debate over whether the new spire should have a futuristic design or whether the trusses should be made of fireproof cement like in the Cathedral of Nantes, which was destroyed in a 1972 fire, ended with the decision in July to respect Notre Dame’s original design and materials.
A total of 25 trusses are to be installed at an unknown date in the cathedral nave. Philippe Gourmain, a forestry expert working on the cathedral project, said the carpentry phase will not come before 2022.
“The problem of Notre Dame is not a carpentry problem. We have the wood. We know how to do it,” Gourmain said. “The big issue is regarding the stone.”
Some stones — which support the carpentry — were damaged by the fire and “it’s not so easy now” to find similar stone, he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron wants the cathedral reopened in 2024 in time for the Paris Olympic Games, a deadline that many experts have called unrealistic.
For the moment, the delicate task of dismantling melted scaffolding, which was originally erected to refurbish the now-toppled spire, continues. That job, started in early June, will be completed in October.
The soaring cathedral vaults are also being cleared of debris by 35 specialists on ropes. The organ with its 8,000 pipes was removed for repair in early August.
It is not yet known what technique will be used to create and install the wooden trusses.
The truss mounted for the weekend display is a replica of truss No. 7, more advanced that the first six trusses, which were “more primitive,” said Florian Carpentier, site manager for the team from Carpenters Without Borders team that felled the trees and used axes to cut the logs for the wooden frame. With rope cables and a rustic pulley system, the carpenters slowly pulled the truss they built in July from the ground where it was laid out.
“It’s a moment to see, ancestral techniques that last. There is the present and the past and it links us to our roots,” said Romain Greif, an architect who came with his family to watch the display. “It’s an event.”
In a final touch, once the No. 7 truss replica was raised on high, a carpenter shinnied up the wooden beams — to cheers — to tie an oak branch to the top of the triangular structure, a symbol of prosperity and a salute to the workers, a tradition still honoured in numerous European countries.


thedenverpost--2020-09-19--Bettman: Next NHL season could start in December or January

EDMONTON , Alberta — Commissioner Gary Bettman said Saturday he wouldn ’ t be surprised if the next NHL season begins after the tentatively planned Dec. 1 start date .
In his annual pre-Stanley Cup Final news conference , Bettman said Saturday there is still too much uncertainty to know what that season will look like .
He wouldn ’ t address speculation about an all-Canadian division given the U.S.-Canada border closure to nonessential travel .
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the focus would remain on the safety for players , coaches , staff and fans .
“ If there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe me , we ’ re considering it , ” Bettman said .
The league has repeatedly said opening training camps Nov. 17 and beginning the season Dec. 1 were tentative targets .
Bettman raised the possibility of the season starting later in December or in January .
Asked about potentially not playing until the fall of 2021 , Bettman anticipates a full , 82-game season and playoffs .
“ How and when we do that is something that we don ’ t all have enough information to make any decisions , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant issue and has more of an effect on the NHL than other pro sports leagues because it has seven teams in Canada and 24 in the U.S. until Seattle is set to become the 32nd franchise in 2021 .
Canada did not allow Major League Baseball ’ s Blue Jays to play in Toronto this season because of cross-border travel .
Daly said the league can wait a certain amount of time until fans might be allowed in arenas .
Bettman added , “ How we start doesn ’ t necessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finish ” and raised the possibility of starting without fans and evolving from there .
The league has held its entire , expanded 24-team playoffs in quarantined bubbles without fans in Toronto and Edmonton .
Bettman said more than 30,000 COVID-19 tests have been done in that time with zero positive coronavirus test results .

EDMONTON, Alberta — Commissioner Gary Bettman said Saturday he wouldn’t be surprised if the next NHL season begins after the tentatively planned Dec. 1 start date.
In his annual pre-Stanley Cup Final news conference, Bettman said Saturday there is still too much uncertainty to know what that season will look like. He wouldn’t address speculation about an all-Canadian division given the U.S.-Canada border closure to nonessential travel.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the focus would remain on the safety for players, coaches, staff and fans.
“If there’s an option to consider, believe me, we’re considering it,” Bettman said.
The league has repeatedly said opening training camps Nov. 17 and beginning the season Dec. 1 were tentative targets. Bettman raised the possibility of the season starting later in December or in January.
Asked about potentially not playing until the fall of 2021, Bettman anticipates a full, 82-game season and playoffs.
“How and when we do that is something that we don’t all have enough information to make any decisions,” Bettman said.
The U.S.-Canada border is a significant issue and has more of an effect on the NHL than other pro sports leagues because it has seven teams in Canada and 24 in the U.S. until Seattle is set to become the 32nd franchise in 2021. Canada did not allow Major League Baseball’s Blue Jays to play in Toronto this season because of cross-border travel.
Daly said the league can wait a certain amount of time until fans might be allowed in arenas. Bettman added, “How we start doesn’t necessarily relate to how we’re going to finish” and raised the possibility of starting without fans and evolving from there.
The league has held its entire, expanded 24-team playoffs in quarantined bubbles without fans in Toronto and Edmonton. Bettman said more than 30,000 COVID-19 tests have been done in that time with zero positive coronavirus test results.


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Post Premium: Top stories for Sept. 14-20

South of Colorado Springs , at Fountain Valley Regional Park , scientists from the state health department earlier this month pulled fish out of Willow Springs Ponds , sliced into them and carved out fillets — not for a tasty fish fry , but to be scanned with a mass spectrometer to measure how contaminated they are by so-called “ forever chemicals.
” The presence of toxic PFAS chemicals , which don ’ t easily degrade , in groundwater at multiple locations along the Front Range is of growing concern to Colorado ’ s public health leaders , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to counter this environmental degradation .
That includes trying to get a handle on PFAS levels in fish , in which concentrations of the chemicals can accumulate at levels up to 10,000 times higher than in groundwater .
In Michigan , state officials warned residents to limit their consumption of fish after heavy contamination was detected .
Colorado officials may do the same .
Today , Denver Post environment reporter Bruce Finley takes a closer look at what the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is doing to address PFAS contamination , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used at airports , military installations and refineries like the Suncor Energy facility north of Denver .
“ We are actually jumping past the setting of standards into how we make sure we know where it is , intercept it , and avoid it being introduced into the environment , ” said John Putnam , environment programs director for the state health department .
It ’ s a tall order .
These chemicals have been around for decades , in things like fast-food wrappers , nonstick coatings in households , stain-resistant recreational gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health leaders say they ’ re making efforts to deal with PFAS chemicals a top state priority .
Colorado testing fish in new push to prevent health harm from toxic “ forever chemicals ” Five don ’ t-miss stories from last week First round of $ 300 Lost Wages Assistance payments headed to Coloradans After a week dogged by tech glitches , Colorado ’ s unemployment officials sent the first batch of Lost Wages Assistance program payments out Thursday .
By the end of September , hundreds of thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
The program , abbreviated LWA , was established by President Donald Trump last month using money from the federal Disaster Relief Fund .
It provides people with $ 300 per week in extra support for the six weeks stretching from July 26 through Sept. 5 , according to state officials , a period picking up where the now-expired $ 600-per-week federal boost left off .
Read More… New Colorado COVID-19 dashboard shows Denver metro area in the middle Right now , Colorado ’ s new COVID-19 dashboard just tells you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do up to this point , but going forward it will let you compare counties and get an idea of whether restrictions will loosen or tighten in the near future .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released a color-coded dashboard Tuesday that illustrated the recommended precautions for each county based on their number of cases , the percentage of tests coming back positive and whether hospitalizations are going up or down .
State officials pitched it as a way to increase transparency about why counties have different restrictions .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection to rallies in Aurora Leaders of protests against the death of Elijah McClain face years in prison after two prosecutors filed a bevy of charges against them Thursday for a wide variety of alleged crimes — from stealing counterprotesters ’ signs to inciting a riot and kidnapping .
All of the protesters — Lillian House , Joel Northam , Terrance Roberts , Whitney Lucero , Trey Quinn and John Ruch — face felonies .
The charges are connected to demonstrations held in Aurora on June 27 , July 3 , July 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,700 students at Cherry Creek High School are now attending classes remotely after an outbreak of positive COVID-19 cases was detected among the student body .
In a letter to families , the district said “ several ” 12th-grade students tested positive , forcing 14 staff members and 146 other students into quarantine until Sept. 23 .
Abbe Smith , spokesperson for Cherry Creek School District , said the school has seen six positive cases in the last two weeks .
An additional 1,585 students in the same cohort have been moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quarantine period .
Those students are still able to participate in sports and other activities , the district said — except for those determined to be close contacts , who must quarantine .
Read More… 18 Broncos kneel for national anthem ahead of Monday Night Football showdown against Titans Eighteen Broncos kneeled for the national anthem prior to their Monday Night Football game against the Titans , joining a growing number of the league ’ s players who are using their platform to protest racial injustice and police brutality .
Linebacker Bradley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back Melvin Gordon and safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson were among the Broncos who knelt , while defensive linemen Jurrell Casey and DeMarcus Walker stood with a fist raised .
Also kneeling for the Broncos were Malik Reed , Michael Ojemudia , Royce Freeman , Essang Bassey , P.J .
Locke , Bryce Callahan , Duke Dawson , A.J .
Bouye , Davontae Harris , Dre ’ Mont Jones , Shelby Harris , Lloyd Cushenberry and Calvin Anderson .
Read More… See more great photos like this on The Denver Post ’ @ @ @ @

South of Colorado Springs, at Fountain Valley Regional Park, scientists from the state health department earlier this month pulled fish out of Willow Springs Ponds, sliced into them and carved out fillets — not for a tasty fish fry, but to be scanned with a mass spectrometer to measure how contaminated they are by so-called “forever chemicals.”
The presence of toxic PFAS chemicals, which don’t easily degrade, in groundwater at multiple locations along the Front Range is of growing concern to Colorado’s public health leaders, and they’re now taking more aggressive steps to counter this environmental degradation.
That includes trying to get a handle on PFAS levels in fish, in which concentrations of the chemicals can accumulate at levels up to 10,000 times higher than in groundwater. In Michigan, state officials warned residents to limit their consumption of fish after heavy contamination was detected. Colorado officials may do the same.
Today, Denver Post environment reporter Bruce Finley takes a closer look at what the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is doing to address PFAS contamination, which is often tied to firefighting foam used at airports, military installations and refineries like the Suncor Energy facility north of Denver.
“We are actually jumping past the setting of standards into how we make sure we know where it is, intercept it, and avoid it being introduced into the environment,” said John Putnam, environment programs director for the state health department.
It’s a tall order. These chemicals have been around for decades, in things like fast-food wrappers, nonstick coatings in households, stain-resistant recreational gear, even dental floss. But Colorado’s health leaders say they’re making efforts to deal with PFAS chemicals a top state priority.
— Matt Sebastian, The Denver Post
Five don’t-miss stories from last week
After a week dogged by tech glitches, Colorado’s unemployment officials sent the first batch of Lost Wages Assistance program payments out Thursday.
By the end of September, hundreds of thousands of people should receive the long-awaited unemployment boost, officials said.
The program, abbreviated LWA, was established by President Donald Trump last month using money from the federal Disaster Relief Fund. It provides people with $300 per week in extra support for the six weeks stretching from July 26 through Sept. 5, according to state officials, a period picking up where the now-expired $600-per-week federal boost left off. Read More…
Right now, Colorado’s new COVID-19 dashboard just tells you what your county has been allowed to do up to this point, but going forward it will let you compare counties and get an idea of whether restrictions will loosen or tighten in the near future.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released a color-coded dashboard Tuesday that illustrated the recommended precautions for each county based on their number of cases, the percentage of tests coming back positive and whether hospitalizations are going up or down. State officials pitched it as a way to increase transparency about why counties have different restrictions. Read More…
Leaders of protests against the death of Elijah McClain face years in prison after two prosecutors filed a bevy of charges against them Thursday for a wide variety of alleged crimes — from stealing counterprotesters’ signs to inciting a riot and kidnapping.
All of the protesters — Lillian House, Joel Northam, Terrance Roberts, Whitney Lucero, Trey Quinn and John Ruch — face felonies. The charges are connected to demonstrations held in Aurora on June 27, July 3, July 12 and July 25. Read More…
More than 1,700 students at Cherry Creek High School are now attending classes remotely after an outbreak of positive COVID-19 cases was detected among the student body.
In a letter to families, the district said “several” 12th-grade students tested positive, forcing 14 staff members and 146 other students into quarantine until Sept. 23. Abbe Smith, spokesperson for Cherry Creek School District, said the school has seen six positive cases in the last two weeks.
An additional 1,585 students in the same cohort have been moved to remote learning for the duration of the quarantine period. Those students are still able to participate in sports and other activities, the district said — except for those determined to be close contacts, who must quarantine. Read More…
Eighteen Broncos kneeled for the national anthem prior to their Monday Night Football game against the Titans, joining a growing number of the league’s players who are using their platform to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
Linebacker Bradley Chubb, wideout Jerry Jeudy, running back Melvin Gordon and safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson were among the Broncos who knelt, while defensive linemen Jurrell Casey and DeMarcus Walker stood with a fist raised. Also kneeling for the Broncos were Malik Reed, Michael Ojemudia, Royce Freeman, Essang Bassey, P.J. Locke, Bryce Callahan, Duke Dawson, A.J. Bouye, Davontae Harris, Dre’Mont Jones, Shelby Harris, Lloyd Cushenberry and Calvin Anderson. Read More…
Photo of the week
See more great photos like this on The Denver Post’s Instagram account.


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Mental health challenges rise as remote work arrangements drag on

Jaime Aguilar remembers when he left the office to work at home — March 13 — and can tell you the precise number of days he ’ s been away .
“ They gathered us around and told us starting tomorrow , we are going to work from home until we figure out what is going on with this pandemic .
They talked about coming back in July .
And then July passed .
I have been working from home for 186 days now , but who is counting , ” he said last week .
The transition was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aguilar , a digital communication specialist at the Community First Foundation in Arvada .
But it didn ’ t take long for problems to emerge and frustrations to mount .
Early on , his old computer didn ’ t prove robust enough to handling video meetings .
When Aguilar ’ s wife , Denver City Councilwoman Jamie Torres , joined him in the home office , it strained the broadband connection .
The pair had to juggle who got the office for Zoom and Microsoft Team meetings , and how to allocate Wi-Fi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he would start full bore in the mornings and work through lunch , not taking the breaks he did when at the office .
Eventually , it caught up with him .
“ Productivity is up but so is the amount of time spent in front of the computer working and getting burnt out because you don ’ t take as many long breaks away from your desk .
You have a tendency to keep working past regular hours or getting to work earlier than normal , ” he said .
Eagle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arlington , Va. , surveyed 1,000 workers in August and 55 % of them said they were dealing with burnout , up from 45 % of those surveyed in the early days of the pandemic .
Of those experiencing burnout , nearly half blamed the increased workload , while 39 % cited balancing work and personal life , and 37 % attributed it to a lack of communication and feedback .
The disruption that came with shifting work from the office to home , something unimaginable five or 10 years ago , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one in four U.S. workers were still working at home in August , down from 35.4 % in May , according to the U.S. Department of Labor .
Before the pandemic , fewer than 5 % of workers worked remotely .
Telework is more common among women , 27 % , than men , 22 % , among older workers than younger workers , and among Asian and white workers than among Black and Hispanic workers , according to the BLS .
Those with bachelor ’ s degrees or higher worked from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 44 % , than those with less than a high school degree , 3 % .
But six months in , the novelty has long worn off , and one consulting firm , The Martec Group , is warning that extended work-at-home arrangements could have a serious impact on the mental health of many American workers .
Before COVID-19 , 62 % of employees reported positive mental health , but that has dropped to only 28 % .
Job satisfaction has fallen from 57 % to 32 % and job motivation has fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And while other studies have shown increased productivity , Martec found that 42 % of workers report increased stress levels and worsened focus .
“ We found four distinct segments , from those who are thriving to those who feel trapped , ” said Jim Durkin , a founding partner of the Chicago-based consulting firm .
About 16 % of workers fit the thriving category .
The group was dominated by females in their mid-20s to mid-50s and those who described themselves as introverts .
About a quarter fit into the hopeful category @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still but struggled with mental health and productivity issues .
Just over a quarter fell into the discouraged group .
They described significant declines in mental health and job satisfaction and were more likely to be critical of their employers .
The last group , the trapped , suffered the biggest declines in mental health and in company satisfaction and were the most likely to describe missing out in interacting with their coworkers .
They were mostly miserable at home and anxious to return to how things were before .
The last two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who craved social interaction , Durkin said .
And they are the employees most likely to benefit in coming back first as offices reopen .
Workers do describe being able to get more work done and they enjoyed the ability to dress casually and skip the commute .
But some also described feeling isolated and lonely and disconnected from their colleagues and managers .
“ The fact that I don ’ t interact with anybody at all is difficult , ” confided Kelly Taylor , a geotech at a large oil and gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an introvert , it gets really old being inside my head all the time.
” Her job duties haven ’ t changed , but her comfort level has .
Her house is too small to have a dedicated office , meaning she couldn ’ t fit the two big monitors her employer offered to send home with her .
She spends her days hunched over a laptop she holds on her lap .
That was doable for the first couple of months , but her back and shoulders are feeling the strain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ early on .
Her DSL connection was too slow to handle her work projects and video meetings , even though she mutes her audio and video on calls .
She signed up for faster but more expensive broadband and is waiting for the bill on that .
But the hardest part for Taylor , who lives alone , is the social isolation .
She tried to stay in touch with friends , but the level of contact has faded over time , making her appreciate even more the small interactions she had at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated and like nobody cares about me or even gives me enough thought to care , ” she said .
Even before the pandemic , workers in Aurora and Denver faced a higher likelihood of burnout , according to a study from SmartAsset , which compared how much time workers were putting in , how tough their commutes were , and how much housing costs were stretching them .
Of the 100 cities examined , Aurora workers had the highest risk of burnout of any city , while Denver workers had the sixth-highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not take into account the effect of remote working , recent data shows that people are working three additional hours per day during the coronavirus pandemic than they were prior .
As a result , workers , particularly those in cities at the top of our list , may be more prone to burnout in the current remote working environment due to COVID-19 , ” said Kara Gibson , a spokeswoman for SmartAsset .
Gibson said tracking burnout matters , not just for the mental well being of workers but also for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said workplace stress is estimated to cost the economy more than $ 500 billion dollars a year and contribute to 550 million lost workdays .
Burned-out employees are 2.6 times as likely to look for another job , 63 % more likely to take a sick day and 23 % more likely to visit the emergency room .
“ Tracking and preventing worker burnout is important for employers who want their businesses to thrive , ” she said .
One question the Martec study doesn ’ t answer is resiliency .
Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trapped work through their discontentment and come to accept the “ new normal ” ?
That ’ s an important question given that more employers are seriously considering abandoning office leases and making remote work a more permanent arrangement .
Aguilar said over time , he has been able to adapt , in part because his employer has shown empathy .
After complaining about his computer , he received an upgraded model .
When burnout became an issue , the foundation shared information on the warning signs .
They provided half days off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health days .
“ They were understanding , sharing resources and articles to explain burnout , ” he said .
“ They were putting it on our radar.
” As the summer dragged on , other challenges arose , like the heatwave .
The smoke from wildfires prevented opening windows to cool off , a problem for those living in older homes without air conditioning .
To adjust , Aguilar would take an extended break at 3 p.m. and start working again once the temperatures cooled .
He and his wife bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped with eye strain and headaches .
He still misses his big ergonomic chair , which won ’ t fit in his office .
And back pains make him long for a stand-up desk .
On the whole , Aguilar said he is more productive at home .
He can crank his music loudly and isn ’ t losing time talking about Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio ’ s timeout strategy or the Nuggets amazing win over the Clippers .
Aguilar also has found a rhythm .
He used to have notebooks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which contributed to him working around the clock .
One tip he offers it to create sharper boundaries between work and personal life within the home .
Both he and Taylor said they are also thankful for the ability to work a home .
Aguilar ’ s father passed in January and he has made visiting his widowed mother in Texas a priority .
That requires him to take extra precautions to avoid contact and avoid the virus .
Taylor said she has had the opportunity to return to the office , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her worry , given her age , is with the risk that comes with taking public transit to get downtown .
There have been a few days where she has gotten down and felt sorry for herself , but Taylor said she has always found a way back to a better mood .
Until the threat of the virus passes , and as long as her employer lets her , she will tough it out at home .
“ I don ’ t get down and stay down , ” she said .

Jaime Aguilar remembers when he left the office to work at home — March 13 — and can tell you the precise number of days he’s been away.
“They gathered us around and told us starting tomorrow, we are going to work from home until we figure out what is going on with this pandemic. They talked about coming back in July. And then July passed. I have been working from home for 186 days now, but who is counting,” he said last week.
The transition was “very exciting” at first, said Aguilar, a digital communication specialist at the Community First Foundation in Arvada. But it didn’t take long for problems to emerge and frustrations to mount. Early on, his old computer didn’t prove robust enough to handling video meetings.
When Aguilar’s wife, Denver City Councilwoman Jamie Torres, joined him in the home office, it strained the broadband connection. The pair had to juggle who got the office for Zoom and Microsoft Team meetings, and how to allocate Wi-Fi.
Some problems involved pacing. Aguilar said he would start full bore in the mornings and work through lunch, not taking the breaks he did when at the office. Eventually, it caught up with him.
“Productivity is up but so is the amount of time spent in front of the computer working and getting burnt out because you don’t take as many long breaks away from your desk. You have a tendency to keep working past regular hours or getting to work earlier than normal,” he said.
Eagle Hill, a consulting firm based in Arlington, Va., surveyed 1,000 workers in August and 55% of them said they were dealing with burnout, up from 45% of those surveyed in the early days of the pandemic. Of those experiencing burnout, nearly half blamed the increased workload, while 39% cited balancing work and personal life, and 37% attributed it to a lack of communication and feedback.
The disruption that came with shifting work from the office to home, something unimaginable five or 10 years ago, has contributed to the stress. Just shy of one in four U.S. workers were still working at home in August, down from 35.4% in May, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Before the pandemic, fewer than 5% of workers worked remotely.
Telework is more common among women, 27%, than men, 22%, among older workers than younger workers, and among Asian and white workers than among Black and Hispanic workers, according to the BLS. Those with bachelor’s degrees or higher worked from home at a much higher rate, 44%, than those with less than a high school degree, 3%.
But six months in, the novelty has long worn off, and one consulting firm, The Martec Group, is warning that extended work-at-home arrangements could have a serious impact on the mental health of many American workers.
Before COVID-19, 62% of employees reported positive mental health, but that has dropped to only 28%. Job satisfaction has fallen from 57% to 32% and job motivation has fallen from 57% to 36%. And while other studies have shown increased productivity, Martec found that 42% of workers report increased stress levels and worsened focus.
“We found four distinct segments, from those who are thriving to those who feel trapped,” said Jim Durkin, a founding partner of the Chicago-based consulting firm. About 16% of workers fit the thriving category. The group was dominated by females in their mid-20s to mid-50s and those who described themselves as introverts.
About a quarter fit into the hopeful category. They were satisfied with their employers still but struggled with mental health and productivity issues. Just over a quarter fell into the discouraged group. They described significant declines in mental health and job satisfaction and were more likely to be critical of their employers.
The last group, the trapped, suffered the biggest declines in mental health and in company satisfaction and were the most likely to describe missing out in interacting with their coworkers. They were mostly miserable at home and anxious to return to how things were before.
The last two groups tend to be populated by extroverts who craved social interaction, Durkin said. And they are the employees most likely to benefit in coming back first as offices reopen.
Workers do describe being able to get more work done and they enjoyed the ability to dress casually and skip the commute. But some also described feeling isolated and lonely and disconnected from their colleagues and managers.
“The fact that I don’t interact with anybody at all is difficult,” confided Kelly Taylor, a geotech at a large oil and gas company in Denver. “Even as an introvert, it gets really old being inside my head all the time.”
Her job duties haven’t changed, but her comfort level has. Her house is too small to have a dedicated office, meaning she couldn’t fit the two big monitors her employer offered to send home with her. She spends her days hunched over a laptop she holds on her lap. That was doable for the first couple of months, but her back and shoulders are feeling the strain.
Like Aguilar, she had tech issues early on. Her DSL connection was too slow to handle her work projects and video meetings, even though she mutes her audio and video on calls. She signed up for faster but more expensive broadband and is waiting for the bill on that.
But the hardest part for Taylor, who lives alone, is the social isolation. She tried to stay in touch with friends, but the level of contact has faded over time, making her appreciate even more the small interactions she had at the office.
“I feel very isolated and like nobody cares about me or even gives me enough thought to care,” she said.
Even before the pandemic, workers in Aurora and Denver faced a higher likelihood of burnout, according to a study from SmartAsset, which compared how much time workers were putting in, how tough their commutes were, and how much housing costs were stretching them.
Of the 100 cities examined, Aurora workers had the highest risk of burnout of any city, while Denver workers had the sixth-highest rate.
“While our study did not take into account the effect of remote working, recent data shows that people are working three additional hours per day during the coronavirus pandemic than they were prior. As a result, workers, particularly those in cities at the top of our list, may be more prone to burnout in the current remote working environment due to COVID-19,” said Kara Gibson, a spokeswoman for SmartAsset.
Gibson said tracking burnout matters, not just for the mental well being of workers but also for the bottom line. Citing different studies, she said workplace stress is estimated to cost the economy more than $500 billion dollars a year and contribute to 550 million lost workdays. Burned-out employees are 2.6 times as likely to look for another job, 63% more likely to take a sick day and 23% more likely to visit the emergency room.
“Tracking and preventing worker burnout is important for employers who want their businesses to thrive,” she said.
One question the Martec study doesn’t answer is resiliency. Will remote workers who are frustrated or feeling trapped work through their discontentment and come to accept the “new normal”? That’s an important question given that more employers are seriously considering abandoning office leases and making remote work a more permanent arrangement.
Aguilar said over time, he has been able to adapt, in part because his employer has shown empathy. After complaining about his computer, he received an upgraded model. When burnout became an issue, the foundation shared information on the warning signs. They provided half days off on Fridays. People could ask for mental health days.
“They were understanding, sharing resources and articles to explain burnout,” he said. “They were putting it on our radar.”
As the summer dragged on, other challenges arose, like the heatwave. The smoke from wildfires prevented opening windows to cool off, a problem for those living in older homes without air conditioning. To adjust, Aguilar would take an extended break at 3 p.m. and start working again once the temperatures cooled.
He and his wife bought blue light blocker glasses, which have helped with eye strain and headaches. He still misses his big ergonomic chair, which won’t fit in his office. And back pains make him long for a stand-up desk.
On the whole, Aguilar said he is more productive at home. He can crank his music loudly and isn’t losing time talking about Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio’s timeout strategy or the Nuggets amazing win over the Clippers.
Aguilar also has found a rhythm. He used to have notebooks and work papers scattered throughout the house, which contributed to him working around the clock. One tip he offers it to create sharper boundaries between work and personal life within the home.
Both he and Taylor said they are also thankful for the ability to work a home. Aguilar’s father passed in January and he has made visiting his widowed mother in Texas a priority. That requires him to take extra precautions to avoid contact and avoid the virus.
Taylor said she has had the opportunity to return to the office, and probably would be comfortable doing so. Her worry, given her age, is with the risk that comes with taking public transit to get downtown.
There have been a few days where she has gotten down and felt sorry for herself, but Taylor said she has always found a way back to a better mood. Until the threat of the virus passes, and as long as her employer lets her, she will tough it out at home.
“I don’t get down and stay down,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Colorado testing fish in new push to prevent health harm from toxic “forever chemicals”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY REGIONAL PARK — Colorado health researcher Sarah Erickson spread her tools in a gazebo by Willow Springs Ponds one recent morning and sliced into a large-mouth bass , peeling away a potentially scrumptious dorsal fillet .
This bass could be a boast-able catch for the residents who flock here to fish .
Grills at the ponds invite idyllic picnic feasts .
But Erickson was testing to measure toxic contamination — from PFAS , the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances called “ forever chemicals ” — that has spread through the Fountain Creek watershed south of Colorado Springs .
Fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 times higher than the already-elevated levels in groundwater connected to the ponds and creek , state officials said , and people eating toxic fish could face health harm ranging from autoimmune ailments to testicular cancer .
“ I might need a bigger knife , ” Erickson said .
She and Kelsey Barton , a colleague at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , had cut flesh from two dozen catfish , white crappie and green sunfish caught in a net state wildlife workers cast the night before .
A large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with kids were arriving with fishing poles .
“ We want to make sure we have enough information to protect the public , ” Erickson said .
The fish testing begun this month reflects an intensified scramble by Colorado public health officials to minimize human health and environmental harm as PFAS chemicals that don ’ t easily break down spread worldwide , with U.S. airports and military bases , where workers used toxic firefighting foam , standing out among the hot spots .
Colorado officials also are stepping up a campaign to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with PFAS a top state priority .
The latest investigations found elevated levels of PFAS contaminating water in north metro Denver , including Sand Creek near the Suncor Energy oil refinery , as well as foothills sites west of Boulder , the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , and the Buckley and Peterson Air Force bases .
Public water treatment plants in hard-hit areas have been retrofitted with granular carbon filters and other costly systems designed to remove PFAS , a class of about 5,000 widely used chemicals that rank among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unregulated toxic pollutants degrading groundwater , soil and drinking water .
Blood testing by a Colorado School of Public Health team on 213 residents south of Colorado Springs , who for years ingested PFAS in their drinking water , showed absorption of the chemicals at levels up to 15 times higher than the national norm .
That team is helping to conduct a federal investigation involving residents in Colorado and seven other states aims to determine the role of forever chemicals in health problems including kidney , liver and thyroid disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , asthma , decreased fertility , pre-eclampsia and lower birth weights .
The Colorado team published a study last year that concluded the PFAS they investigated probably reached people mostly through contaminated water .
But the forever chemicals , developed in the 1950s , now are so widely used — in firefighting foam , fast-food wrappers , nonstick coatings in households , stain-resistant recreational gear , even dental floss — that public health agencies are investigating other potential pathways .
Fish stand out because of their sponge-like absorption and may serve as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detected heavy contamination , state officials warned residents to limit fish consumption .
Colorado officials said they ’ re prepared to do the same .
“ Just as with water , we would have the same concerns for fish if people were being exposed at high levels , ” said Kristy Richardson , a toxicologist with the state health department .
“ We think eating fish is an important part of a balanced diet .
But it is important that people understand some chemicals can build up in fish.
” Take-backs , surveys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection Agency officials for a decade have been mulling whether to set cleanup standards and a national safety limit for PFAS in drinking water .
For now , EPA officials point to a health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for the combined total of just two PFAS chemicals , called PFOS and PFOA .
Colorado officials haven ’ t set a state-level regulatory limit , as counterparts around the country have done , but use the 70 ppt advisory level in supervising public utilities that provide water to more than 50,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groundwater testing in the Fountain Creek watershed south of the city measured PFAS at levels ranging from 150 ppt to 1,600 ppt for six different chemicals .
Setting a state limit to aid inspectors trying to control PFAS pollution in water and soil would be costly , officials said .
And while Colorado health officials are preparing to do so , the agency also is taking more aggressive action immediately , said John Putnam , environment programs director for the state health department .
“ We want to chase this down , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have a program set up for creating our own ‘ maximum contaminant level ’ independent from the EPA and we need to get funding for that .
… But we are actually jumping past the setting of standards into how we make sure we know where it is , intercept it , and avoid it being introduced into the environment.
” • Fire district surveys to determine who is using firefighting foam containing PFAS • Helping water utilities test for and remove PFAS from drinking water State health officials told The Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any PFAS , including newer short-chain varieties , because all are based on a carbon-fluorine bond that doesn ’ t break down easily even when ingested .
The Federal Aviation Administration has required use of firefighting foam that contains these forever chemicals because they are effective in snuffing fuel fires .
But Denver International Airport managers and their counterparts nationwide increasingly have faced environmental concerns , and fire chiefs are hearing from firefighters exposed on calls and in training .
Federal legislation in 2018 directed the FAA to stop requiring use of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have prohibited the use of firefighting foam containing forever chemicals at airport hangars starting in 2023 .
State health officials negotiating with airports and fire departments have emphasized “ working to find alternatives , ” Putnam said .
“ Our focus is going to be on finding fluorine-free foams.
” Firefighters and oil and gas industry crews that rely on foam containing forever chemicals to stop fuel fires “ can still do it , ” he said .
“ But we ’ re going to be much more vigilant than in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and cleaning up quickly.
” Lawmakers have ordered more groundwater tests after a lag blamed on insufficient funds .
A couple years ago , tests detected forever chemicals at maximum levels nearly 3,000 times higher than the EPA drinking water health advisory level in metro Denver groundwater .
Over the past year , testing along Sand Creek found a combined level of PFOA and PFOS at 77 ppt in surface water at the confluence in Commerce City , where the creek flows into the South Platte River .
And investigations into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanitation District municipal wells — which were shut down in 2018 — have determined an old Denver firefighter training center may be a source .
State records show that Suncor oil refinery discharges into Sand Creek contained combined levels of PFOA and PFOS as high as 199 ppt in January .
State officials said they plan to incorporate limits on forever chemicals into Suncor ’ s permits next year and require the company to monitor wastewater flows into the creek .
“ Suncor is working with CDPHE regarding the refinery ’ s water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said when asked about PFAS contamination .
“ We ’ re actively exploring PFOS/PFOA treatment options as part of our ongoing water improvement efforts at the Commerce City refinery.
” Suncor switched to a short-chain PFAS foam purchased from an EPA-approved manufacturer , Rees said .
“ In the event that firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals is needed in an actual emergency , Suncor will take all reasonable efforts to keep the material on site through containment or retention to prevent the migration to surface , ground or storm water , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemicals in people south of Colorado Springs in Fountain , Security and Widefield also has been expanded to include 1,000 more adults and 300 children .
“ Everyone in the United States has some PFAS exposure , ” said John Adgate , project leader for the Colorado School of Public Health .
“ Minimizing PFAS exposure is prudent advice for everyone.
” For fish , state health researchers are teaming with environmental engineers at the Colorado School of Mines .
They ’ ve set up a lab for analyzing the tissue samples .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ponds , Erickson and Barton placed dorsal fillets from each fish in jars and stored them on ice in coolers .
They hauled these to the lab for processing .
School of Mines technicians planned to use a mass spectrometer to measure several PFAS chemicals .
Fisherman at the ponds said they ’ d be interested to know the results .
“ I prefer to eat wild and native fish because they taste better .
You can tell from the color of the meat , ” said Jacob Grover , 33 , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new fly rod and didn ’ t plan to eat what he caught — pointing to a fertilizer plant next to the park as a possible source of other toxic pollution .
“ I would not want chemicals in my fish at all .
”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY REGIONAL PARK — Colorado health researcher Sarah Erickson spread her tools in a gazebo by Willow Springs Ponds one recent morning and sliced into a large-mouth bass, peeling away a potentially scrumptious dorsal fillet.
This bass could be a boast-able catch for the residents who flock here to fish. Grills at the ponds invite idyllic picnic feasts.
But Erickson was testing to measure toxic contamination — from PFAS, the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances called “forever chemicals” — that has spread through the Fountain Creek watershed south of Colorado Springs.
Fish can accumulate PFAS at concentrations up to 10,000 times higher than the already-elevated levels in groundwater connected to the ponds and creek, state officials said, and people eating toxic fish could face health harm ranging from autoimmune ailments to testicular cancer.
“I might need a bigger knife,” Erickson said.
She and Kelsey Barton, a colleague at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, had cut flesh from two dozen catfish, white crappie and green sunfish caught in a net state wildlife workers cast the night before. A large northern pike was up next. Families with kids were arriving with fishing poles.
“We want to make sure we have enough information to protect the public,” Erickson said.
The fish testing begun this month reflects an intensified scramble by Colorado public health officials to minimize human health and environmental harm as PFAS chemicals that don’t easily break down spread worldwide, with U.S. airports and military bases, where workers used toxic firefighting foam, standing out among the hot spots.
Colorado officials also are stepping up a campaign to contain these unregulated chemicals, declaring efforts to deal with PFAS a top state priority. The latest investigations found elevated levels of PFAS contaminating water in north metro Denver, including Sand Creek near the Suncor Energy oil refinery, as well as foothills sites west of Boulder, the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and the Buckley and Peterson Air Force bases.
Public water treatment plants in hard-hit areas have been retrofitted with granular carbon filters and other costly systems designed to remove PFAS, a class of about 5,000 widely used chemicals that rank among the most problematic in a growing multitude of unregulated toxic pollutants degrading groundwater, soil and drinking water.
Blood testing by a Colorado School of Public Health team on 213 residents south of Colorado Springs, who for years ingested PFAS in their drinking water, showed absorption of the chemicals at levels up to 15 times higher than the national norm.
That team is helping to conduct a federal investigation involving residents in Colorado and seven other states aims to determine the role of forever chemicals in health problems including kidney, liver and thyroid disease, spiking cholesterol, altered response to vaccines, asthma, decreased fertility, pre-eclampsia and lower birth weights.
The Colorado team published a study last year that concluded the PFAS they investigated probably reached people mostly through contaminated water.
But the forever chemicals, developed in the 1950s, now are so widely used — in firefighting foam, fast-food wrappers, nonstick coatings in households, stain-resistant recreational gear, even dental floss — that public health agencies are investigating other potential pathways.
Fish stand out because of their sponge-like absorption and may serve as an indicator species. When tests in Michigan detected heavy contamination, state officials warned residents to limit fish consumption. Colorado officials said they’re prepared to do the same.
“Just as with water, we would have the same concerns for fish if people were being exposed at high levels,” said Kristy Richardson, a toxicologist with the state health department. “We think eating fish is an important part of a balanced diet. But it is important that people understand some chemicals can build up in fish.”
Take-backs, surveys, disposal in push to contain
Environmental Protection Agency officials for a decade have been mulling whether to set cleanup standards and a national safety limit for PFAS in drinking water. For now, EPA officials point to a health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for the combined total of just two PFAS chemicals, called PFOS and PFOA.
Colorado officials haven’t set a state-level regulatory limit, as counterparts around the country have done, but use the 70 ppt advisory level in supervising public utilities that provide water to more than 50,000 people south of Colorado Springs. State-backed groundwater testing in the Fountain Creek watershed south of the city measured PFAS at levels ranging from 150 ppt to 1,600 ppt for six different chemicals.
Setting a state limit to aid inspectors trying to control PFAS pollution in water and soil would be costly, officials said. And while Colorado health officials are preparing to do so, the agency also is taking more aggressive action immediately, said John Putnam, environment programs director for the state health department.
“We want to chase this down,” Putnam said. “We don’t have a program set up for creating our own ‘maximum contaminant level’ independent from the EPA and we need to get funding for that. … But we are actually jumping past the setting of standards into how we make sure we know where it is, intercept it, and avoid it being introduced into the environment.”
An emerging state strategy calls for:
Fire district surveys to determine who is using firefighting foam containing PFAS
A broader statewide inventory of PFAS chemicals
A survey of water pollution permit holders combined with effluent tests
Proper disposal of firefighting foam as a hazardous waste
Taking back foams that contain PFAS
Helping water utilities test for and remove PFAS from drinking water
State health officials told The Denver Post they’re discouraging use of any PFAS, including newer short-chain varieties, because all are based on a carbon-fluorine bond that doesn’t break down easily even when ingested.
The Federal Aviation Administration has required use of firefighting foam that contains these forever chemicals because they are effective in snuffing fuel fires. But Denver International Airport managers and their counterparts nationwide increasingly have faced environmental concerns, and fire chiefs are hearing from firefighters exposed on calls and in training.
Federal legislation in 2018 directed the FAA to stop requiring use of the foam by October 2021. Colorado lawmakers have prohibited the use of firefighting foam containing forever chemicals at airport hangars starting in 2023.
State health officials negotiating with airports and fire departments have emphasized “working to find alternatives,” Putnam said. “Our focus is going to be on finding fluorine-free foams.”
Firefighters and oil and gas industry crews that rely on foam containing forever chemicals to stop fuel fires “can still do it,” he said. “But we’re going to be much more vigilant than in the past: seeing where it is, catching it and cleaning up quickly.”
Blood, groundwater testing expands
Lawmakers have ordered more groundwater tests after a lag blamed on insufficient funds. A couple years ago, tests detected forever chemicals at maximum levels nearly 3,000 times higher than the EPA drinking water health advisory level in metro Denver groundwater. Over the past year, testing along Sand Creek found a combined level of PFOA and PFOS at 77 ppt in surface water at the confluence in Commerce City, where the creek flows into the South Platte River.
And investigations into the contamination of South Adams County Water and Sanitation District municipal wells — which were shut down in 2018 — have determined an old Denver firefighter training center may be a source.
State records show that Suncor oil refinery discharges into Sand Creek contained combined levels of PFOA and PFOS as high as 199 ppt in January. State officials said they plan to incorporate limits on forever chemicals into Suncor’s permits next year and require the company to monitor wastewater flows into the creek.
“Suncor is working with CDPHE regarding the refinery’s water permit,” corporate spokeswoman Erin Rees said when asked about PFAS contamination. “We’re actively exploring PFOS/PFOA treatment options as part of our ongoing water improvement efforts at the Commerce City refinery.”
Suncor switched to a short-chain PFAS foam purchased from an EPA-approved manufacturer, Rees said.
“In the event that firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals is needed in an actual emergency, Suncor will take all reasonable efforts to keep the material on site through containment or retention to prevent the migration to surface, ground or storm water,” she said.
Blood testing to measure forever chemicals in people south of Colorado Springs in Fountain, Security and Widefield also has been expanded to include 1,000 more adults and 300 children.
“Everyone in the United States has some PFAS exposure,” said John Adgate, project leader for the Colorado School of Public Health. “Minimizing PFAS exposure is prudent advice for everyone.”
For fish, state health researchers are teaming with environmental engineers at the Colorado School of Mines.
They’ve set up a lab for analyzing the tissue samples. On a sterilized cutting table by Willow Ponds, Erickson and Barton placed dorsal fillets from each fish in jars and stored them on ice in coolers. They hauled these to the lab for processing. School of Mines technicians planned to use a mass spectrometer to measure several PFAS chemicals.
Fisherman at the ponds said they’d be interested to know the results.
“I prefer to eat wild and native fish because they taste better. You can tell from the color of the meat,” said Jacob Grover, 33, of Colorado Springs, who was practicing with a new fly rod and didn’t plan to eat what he caught — pointing to a fertilizer plant next to the park as a possible source of other toxic pollution.
“I would not want chemicals in my fish at all.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Improving Investor Behavior: Keep politics out of your portfolio

With the election just 45 days away , the information stream is unrelenting .
Political news coverage , TV ads , postcards , phone calls , etc.
, make for an all-out assault designed to convince you for whom to vote .
Regardless of where you stand , it ’ s essential to recognize the effect that this election might have on your portfolio .
This election will likely not have a substantial impact on the market , and there is historical evidence to support this viewpoint .
Over time , the stock market has does well under both Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average return on the S & P 500 from 1926 through 2019 is about 10 % per year .
This is easy to forget with the bombardment of polarizing news .
We ’ re led to believe that if the election results in the other candidate taking office , taxes could increase , the market could crash , etc .
The simple fact is that a market crash based solely on who wins the election is highly unlikely .
So instead , let ’ s focus on what we know to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term mistakes On and around Election Day , we can expect increased market volatility .
People may react or panic .
They may let their emotions get the best of them , and they will make decisions that will drive the market up and down .
The goal is not to be one of them .
Understand that though volatility will increase in the short-term , things will level out and ultimately continue higher over the long-term .
We need only to look back in history to see this same lesson .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ futures dipped by more than 4 % .
By market close the next day , stocks had rallied .
A month later , they were reaching all-time highs .
Those who stay invested do better than those who try to time the market If you could have invested $ 10,000 in the “ market ” in 1896 ( ETFs and other collective “ market ” funds didn ’ t exist back then , so this is purely a thought exercise ) and never touched it , today you ’ d have more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you had only invested during the years your preferred party was in the White House ?
Your total return drops to less than $ 1 million .
This same logic applies to people hoping to take advantage of the increased volatility around the election .
While we ’ re fans of investing in companies when they are down in price , trying to “ time the markets ” is a fool ’ s errand .
In my more than 40 years as a financial advisor , I ’ ve never met anyone able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistency .
Time in the market always beats timing the market .
The world will continue on It ’ s important to note that markets don ’ t care if you like the president .
According to data by Invesco , “ Some of the best returns in the market came when the presidential approval rating was in the low range of 36 % and 50 % .
” And while today ’ s rhetoric is at a fevered pitch , do not let emotion or fear drive your decisions .
Purchasing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the business .
Companies make products and services , earn a profit , reinvest a portion of those profits , and distribute a percentage of profits to their owners , the shareholders .
That mindset is entirely different than renting a stock by purchasing it at X , hope it goes up by Y , selling it at Z , and spending the profit .
Instead , focus on consistent cash flow .
Dividends are real cash payments , typically resulting in consistent , growing cash flow .
In this scenario , inflation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this tends to be affected more by monetary policy than who occupies the White House or Congress .
The flood of bad news will bury the good What would it look like if presidential candidates had to produce an ad in support of the other ?
What if our leaders took the time to listen , inspire , encourage , and generally try to unite folks in pursuit of a common good ?
For nearly a year before an election , bad news seems to dominate the good .
I wish my noise-canceling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow me to hear better the progress private companies are making in engineering , design , innovation , and even space travel .
Today , doctors and scientists have gone from recognizing the early signs of a completely new virus to developing a test for it .
All this while working to create a vaccine in record time !
The rhetoric may be negative , but the reality is far from it .
Part of improving investor behavior is guarding your mind .
Your attention is your property .
Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad news .
It can distract and distort your thinking .
Most importantly , it can cause bad investor behavior .
America is far from perfect , but we ’ re still pretty darn good .
I have never been more optimistic about our future .
Good investor behavior includes keeping politics out of your portfolio .
Steve Booren is the founder of Prosperion Financial Advisors in Greenwood Village .
He is the author of “ Intelligent Investing : Your Guide to a Growing Retirement Income , ” published in March 2019 .

With the election just 45 days away, the information stream is unrelenting. Political news coverage, TV ads, postcards, phone calls, etc., make for an all-out assault designed to convince you for whom to vote. Regardless of where you stand, it’s essential to recognize the effect that this election might have on your portfolio.
This election will likely not have a substantial impact on the market, and there is historical evidence to support this viewpoint. Over time, the stock market has does well under both Democrats and Republicans. According to Investopedia, the average return on the S&P 500 from 1926 through 2019 is about 10% per year.
This is easy to forget with the bombardment of polarizing news. We’re led to believe that if the election results in the other candidate taking office, taxes could increase, the market could crash, etc. The simple fact is that a market crash based solely on who wins the election is highly unlikely. So instead, let’s focus on what we know to be true.
Short-term volatility should not cause long-term mistakes
On and around Election Day, we can expect increased market volatility. People may react or panic. They may let their emotions get the best of them, and they will make decisions that will drive the market up and down. The goal is not to be one of them. Understand that though volatility will increase in the short-term, things will level out and ultimately continue higher over the long-term. We need only to look back in history to see this same lesson. The night Donald Trump was elected, overnight futures dipped by more than 4%. By market close the next day, stocks had rallied. A month later, they were reaching all-time highs.
Those who stay invested do better than those who try to time the market
If you could have invested $10,000 in the “market” in 1896 (ETFs and other collective “market” funds didn’t exist back then, so this is purely a thought exercise) and never touched it, today you’d have more than $7 million. But what if you had only invested during the years your preferred party was in the White House? Your total return drops to less than $1 million. This same logic applies to people hoping to take advantage of the increased volatility around the election. While we’re fans of investing in companies when they are down in price, trying to “time the markets” is a fool’s errand. In my more than 40 years as a financial advisor, I’ve never met anyone able to do this with any level of consistency. Time in the market always beats timing the market.
The world will continue on
It’s important to note that markets don’t care if you like the president. According to data by Invesco, “Some of the best returns in the market came when the presidential approval rating was in the low range of 36% and 50%.” And while today’s rhetoric is at a fevered pitch, do not let emotion or fear drive your decisions.
The things that matter won’t change
Purchasing a share is like buying a part of the business. Companies make products and services, earn a profit, reinvest a portion of those profits, and distribute a percentage of profits to their owners, the shareholders. That mindset is entirely different than renting a stock by purchasing it at X, hope it goes up by Y, selling it at Z, and spending the profit. Instead, focus on consistent cash flow. Dividends are real cash payments, typically resulting in consistent, growing cash flow. In this scenario, inflation is the only real concern, and this tends to be affected more by monetary policy than who occupies the White House or Congress.
The flood of bad news will bury the good
What would it look like if presidential candidates had to produce an ad in support of the other? What if our leaders took the time to listen, inspire, encourage, and generally try to unite folks in pursuit of a common good? For nearly a year before an election, bad news seems to dominate the good. I wish my noise-canceling headphones worked on negative stories. It would allow me to hear better the progress private companies are making in engineering, design, innovation, and even space travel. Today, doctors and scientists have gone from recognizing the early signs of a completely new virus to developing a test for it. All this while working to create a vaccine in record time! The rhetoric may be negative, but the reality is far from it.
Part of improving investor behavior is guarding your mind. Your attention is your property. Don’t let it be taken from you with bad news. It can distract and distort your thinking. Most importantly, it can cause bad investor behavior.
America is far from perfect, but we’re still pretty darn good. I have never been more optimistic about our future. Good investor behavior includes keeping politics out of your portfolio.
Steve Booren is the founder of Prosperion Financial Advisors in Greenwood Village. He is the author of “Intelligent Investing: Your Guide to a Growing Retirement Income,” published in March 2019.


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Denver weather: Sunday temps are not expected to break 90, but it’ll still be warm and dry

Denver set a record on Saturday when it marked the 74th day this year that the temperature broke 90 degrees .
The previous record was set in 2012 , when the city experienced 73 days at 90 or above .
Sunday isn ’ t supposed to widen the record-setting gap , but it won ’ t offer much of a reprieve .
It ’ s expected to be another very warm , mostly sunny day in the metro area with highs in the mid to upper 80s , said Bernie Meier , forecaster with the National Weather Service in Boulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the mid-50s .
Smoky conditions will likely linger thanks to the fires on the West Coast , Meier said .
On Sunday , the mountains , foothills , and mountain valleys are expected to experience wind gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour that will increase the fire danger in the afternoon .
Sept. 22 marks the first day of autumn , but Meier said not to expect fall-like weather yet .
Warm and dry will be the theme for the beginning of the week , though there is a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Any rainfall associated with that is expected to be light though , so it ’ s not much relief for the dryness we ’ ve been seeing , ” he said .

Denver set a record on Saturday when it marked the 74th day this year that the temperature broke 90 degrees. The previous record was set in 2012, when the city experienced 73 days at 90 or above.
Sunday isn’t supposed to widen the record-setting gap, but it won’t offer much of a reprieve. It’s expected to be another very warm, mostly sunny day in the metro area with highs in the mid to upper 80s, said Bernie Meier, forecaster with the National Weather Service in Boulder. Lows Sunday night are expected to hit the mid-50s.
Smoky conditions will likely linger thanks to the fires on the West Coast, Meier said. On Sunday, the mountains, foothills, and mountain valleys are expected to experience wind gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour that will increase the fire danger in the afternoon.
Sept. 22 marks the first day of autumn, but Meier said not to expect fall-like weather yet. Warm and dry will be the theme for the beginning of the week, though there is a chance of showers in the mountains on Tuesday.
“Any rainfall associated with that is expected to be light though, so it’s not much relief for the dryness we’ve been seeing,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Week 2 NFL Picks: After winning debut, Cam Newton leads Patriots to Seattle

The Patriots are a four-point underdog , but really , this game should be a pick ’ em because the stadium will be empty .
Russell Wilson ’ s Week 1 was overlooked by other quarterbacks , but he was 31-of-35 passing for 322 yards and four touchdowns .
Both teams turned in Week 1 clunkers .
The Vikings allowed 522 yards in a 43-34 home loss to Green Bay in which they trailed by as many as 19 points .
The Colts allowed Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew to complete 19-of-20 passes .
The Vikings are a three-point dog .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but their minds may be back in Week 1 , when they had a come-from-ahead loss to Chicago ( blew 23-6 lead ) .
Those are tough to immediately overcome .
Green Bay ’ s offense should continue to go through receiver Davante Adams ( 14 catches-156 yards last week ) .
Browns intriguing .
As bad as Cleveland was in Week 1 at Baltimore ( 38-6 loss ) , it looked as good Thursday , albeit against Cincinnati .
In a 35-30 win , the Browns rushed 35 times for 215 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nick Chubb ( 22 carries-124 yards ) and Kareem Hunt ( 10-86 ) are a terrific duo who make the Browns an interesting watch because the running game in coach Kevin Stefanski ’ s offensive system sets up the play action and shots downfield to receiver Odell Beckham ( 43-yard touchdown ) .
Getting Ekeler involved .
Now the Chargers ’ no-doubt starting running back following Melvin Gordon ’ s departure to the Broncos , Austin Ekeler had only 19 of the Chargers ’ 39 carries and only one of their 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Cincinnati .
That must change , beginning Sunday against Kansas City .
Last year , Ekeler had 92 catches , including at least two in every game and at least five in 10 games .
Underrated matchup .
An under-the-radar intriguing 11 a.m. game is Jacksonville ( 1-0 ) , off an upset home win over Indianapolis , against Tennessee ( 1-0 ) , off a late Monday night win at the Broncos .
The Titans have controlled the Jaguars in Nashville ( six consecutive wins ) .
New Jaguars play-caller Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quarterback Gardner Minshew had a 142.3 rating , rookie undrafted running back James Robinson rushed for 62 yards and second-round receiver Laviska Shenault caught a touchdown .
The Jaguars aren ’ t tanking as evident last week .
Around the NFC : Winning debut for former Broncos assistant Brandon Staley Winning debut .
Former Broncos outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley won his first game as the Los Angeles Rams ’ defensive coordinator , 20-17 over Dallas .
The Cowboys gained 380 yards , but were 3-of-12 on third down .
“ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ( Division III ) national semifinal against Wisconsin-Oshkosh when I was at John Carroll ( Ohio ) , ” Staley told reporters .
“ As a competitor , every time you get a chance to perform , it means the world to you.
” Goff vs. Wentz .
In 2016 , the Rams traded from No .
15 to No .
1 and Philadelphia from No .
8 to No .
2 to draft quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz , respectively .
Goff has reached a Super Bowl and Wentz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was hurt ) and both have signed second contracts .
They meet for the third time Sunday .
Had the Rams taken Wentz , would Goff be an Eagle ?
“ I think looking back , ( taking Goff ) probably would have been the next step for us , ” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said .
“ We were prepared in that situation.
” Saints ’ Thomas injured .
Unpopular Opinion Alert — Why do coaches keep star players in the game at garbage time ?
Last week , New Orleans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when receiver Michael Thomas , while blocking on a downfield run , got rolled into by running back Latavius Murray .
Thomas sustained a high ankle sprain .
Reckless roster management , period .
The Saints had five other receivers dressed .
Use any of them except for Thomas .

Game of the week
New England at Seattle
The Patriots are a four-point underdog, but really, this game should be a pick’em because the stadium will be empty. Russell Wilson’s Week 1 was overlooked by other quarterbacks, but he was 31-of-35 passing for 322 yards and four touchdowns.
Seahawks 27, Patriots 24
Upset of the week
Minnesota (plus-3) at Indianapolis
Both teams turned in Week 1 clunkers. The Vikings allowed 522 yards in a 43-34 home loss to Green Bay in which they trailed by as many as 19 points. The Colts allowed Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew to complete 19-of-20 passes. The Vikings are a three-point dog.
Vikings 20, Colts 14
Lock of the week
Detroit (plus-6) at Green Bay
The Lions will travel to Lambeau Field but their minds may be back in Week 1, when they had a come-from-ahead loss to Chicago (blew 23-6 lead). Those are tough to immediately overcome. Green Bay’s offense should continue to go through receiver Davante Adams (14 catches-156 yards last week).
Packers 35, Lions 20
Around the AFC: Running game makes Cleveland offense intriguing
Browns intriguing. As bad as Cleveland was in Week 1 at Baltimore (38-6 loss), it looked as good Thursday, albeit against Cincinnati. In a 35-30 win, the Browns rushed 35 times for 215 yards (6.1 average) and six touchdowns. Nick Chubb (22 carries-124 yards) and Kareem Hunt (10-86) are a terrific duo who make the Browns an interesting watch because the running game in coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system sets up the play action and shots downfield to receiver Odell Beckham (43-yard touchdown).
Getting Ekeler involved. Now the Chargers’ no-doubt starting running back following Melvin Gordon’s departure to the Broncos, Austin Ekeler had only 19 of the Chargers’ 39 carries and only one of their 16 catches in last week’s win over Cincinnati. That must change, beginning Sunday against Kansas City. Last year, Ekeler had 92 catches, including at least two in every game and at least five in 10 games.
Underrated matchup. An under-the-radar intriguing 11 a.m. game is Jacksonville (1-0), off an upset home win over Indianapolis, against Tennessee (1-0), off a late Monday night win at the Broncos. The Titans have controlled the Jaguars in Nashville (six consecutive wins). New Jaguars play-caller Jay Gruden has some talent to direct. Quarterback Gardner Minshew had a 142.3 rating, rookie undrafted running back James Robinson rushed for 62 yards and second-round receiver Laviska Shenault caught a touchdown. The Jaguars aren’t tanking as evident last week.
Around the NFC: Winning debut for former Broncos assistant Brandon Staley
Winning debut. Former Broncos outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley won his first game as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, 20-17 over Dallas. The Cowboys gained 380 yards, but were 3-of-12 on third down. “I think I felt a lot like I did in the (Division III) national semifinal against Wisconsin-Oshkosh when I was at John Carroll (Ohio),” Staley told reporters. “As a competitor, every time you get a chance to perform, it means the world to you.”
Goff vs. Wentz. In 2016, the Rams traded from No. 15 to No. 1 and Philadelphia from No. 8 to No. 2 to draft quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, respectively. Goff has reached a Super Bowl and Wentz’s Eagles won the title (he was hurt) and both have signed second contracts. They meet for the third time Sunday. Had the Rams taken Wentz, would Goff be an Eagle? “I think looking back, (taking Goff) probably would have been the next step for us,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. “We were prepared in that situation.”
Saints’ Thomas injured. Unpopular Opinion Alert — Why do coaches keep star players in the game at garbage time? Last week, New Orleans led Tampa Bay 34-23 with 2:14 remaining when receiver Michael Thomas, while blocking on a downfield run, got rolled into by running back Latavius Murray. Thomas sustained a high ankle sprain. Reckless roster management, period. The Saints had five other receivers dressed. Use any of them except for Thomas.