thedenverpost--2020-10-16--With Cory Gardner trailing Hickenlooper, national GOP groups scale back their spending in Colorado

Faced with a consistent stream of polls showing U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner headed for a loss next month , national Republican groups are spending far less in Colorado than in other battleground states this fall .
“ There is no reason for either side to put another dime into this state .
It ’ s over , ” said David Flaherty , a Republican pollster in Colorado who predicts “ historic ” losses for his party Nov. 3 .
“ It is undeniable .
The train wreck and implosion of the president will bring a historic number of other Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t believe that then you have your head in the sand , ” he added .
The National Republican Senatorial Committee , which Gardner led two years ago , has spent $ 145,000 in Colorado in the first half of October , according to a Denver Post review of campaign finance filings through Wednesday .
That is far less than in the other five states the NRSC has focused on : Iowa ( $ 3.2 million ) , Michigan ( $ 3.2 million ) , Montana ( $ 2.2 million ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona ( $ 1.7 million ) .
The Senate Leadership Fund , a Republican super PAC with ties to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , has spent less in Colorado this month than in the 10 other states it has focused on , according to the review of campaign finance filings .
When SLF announced Tuesday it was spending $ 22.5 million to boost eight Republican Senate candidates , it set aside just $ 1 million of that for Colorado .
“ Where the NRSC spends its money signals to everybody else what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t in play , and where they think they can most effectively allocate their resources , ” said Kyle Saunders , a professor of political science at Colorado State University , “ and right now that just isn ’ t Colorado.
” The reasons for this are twofold , election observers say .
First , Gardner has never led in a public poll and four taken this month showed Democratic challenger John Hickenlooper leading by an average of 10 percentage points .
Second , the national map of Senate seats in play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground in Michigan and Democrats doing so in several Republican states , including Kansas , which hasn ’ t sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1932 .
SLF announced Tuesday it is spending $ 3.3 million in Alaska — more than it has spent in Colorado all month — to protect a once-safe Republican incumbent there .
“ It ’ s unbelievable , ” said Flaherty , the pollster .
“ Republicans are trying to defend South Carolina , Georgia , arguably Texas , Kansas , and that is 100 % due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate , on addressing COVID , and on a number of issues .
That ’ s why the Republicans really have their backs up against the wall.
” There was a time when national Republican groups spent a lot in Colorado just before an election .
That was in June , before the Democratic primary Hickenlooper won .
The NRSC spent several million dollars that month bashing Hickenlooper before he easily beat Andrew Romanoff .
The next month , it began an $ 8.7 million spending spree here , making Colorado its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the seasons .
In September , the NRSC spent about $ 1 million in Colorado , considerably less than in the other states it has prioritized .
In Arizona , where a Republican incumbent is trailing by similar margins as Gardner , it spent $ 3.3 million that month .
In Maine , where Republicans have a better chance of re-electing an incumbent than in Colorado , it spent $ 4.5 million in September .
“ The NRSC is proud of its significant investment in this race and our efforts to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his scandal-plagued opponent , ” said an NRSC spokeswoman , Joanna Rodriguez , when asked whether the Republican group has given up on Colorado .
Jack Pandol , a spokesman for SLF , said in a statement that his political action committee is holding Hickenlooper accountable through “ aggressive advertising efforts ” and called this article “ false and ridiculous.
” Republican groups rightly point out that they have already injected a lot of money into Colorado this year — about $ 15 million total from the NRSC and SLF alone — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to come , even if it is far less than what they are spending elsewhere in the country .
“ My perception is that Cory and his allies have together bought a huge amount of television time .
At some point , does another $ 100,000 make any difference ?
I ’ m not sure it does , ” said Dick Wadhams , a former Colorado Republican Party chair who has managed successful U.S. Senate campaigns .
“ Cory ’ s problem is not that he does not have enough money in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not enough spending on that side .
Cory ’ s biggest problem right now is the national political environment , and that has been driven by President Trump ’ s numbers against Joe Biden , ” Wadhams said .
“ I ’ m not sure any money can offset that right now .
”

Faced with a consistent stream of polls showing U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner headed for a loss next month, national Republican groups are spending far less in Colorado than in other battleground states this fall.
“There is no reason for either side to put another dime into this state. It’s over,” said David Flaherty, a Republican pollster in Colorado who predicts “historic” losses for his party Nov. 3.
“It is undeniable. The train wreck and implosion of the president will bring a historic number of other Republican candidates down, and if you don’t believe that then you have your head in the sand,” he added.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which Gardner led two years ago, has spent $145,000 in Colorado in the first half of October, according to a Denver Post review of campaign finance filings through Wednesday. That is far less than in the other five states the NRSC has focused on: Iowa ($3.2 million), Michigan ($3.2 million), Montana ($2.2 million), Maine ($2.2 million) and Arizona ($1.7 million).
The Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican super PAC with ties to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, has spent less in Colorado this month than in the 10 other states it has focused on, according to the review of campaign finance filings. When SLF announced Tuesday it was spending $22.5 million to boost eight Republican Senate candidates, it set aside just $1 million of that for Colorado.
“Where the NRSC spends its money signals to everybody else what’s in play, what isn’t in play, and where they think they can most effectively allocate their resources,” said Kyle Saunders, a professor of political science at Colorado State University, “and right now that just isn’t Colorado.”
The reasons for this are twofold, election observers say. First, Gardner has never led in a public poll and four taken this month showed Democratic challenger John Hickenlooper leading by an average of 10 percentage points.
Second, the national map of Senate seats in play has expanded greatly, with Republicans gaining ground in Michigan and Democrats doing so in several Republican states, including Kansas, which hasn’t sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1932. SLF announced Tuesday it is spending $3.3 million in Alaska — more than it has spent in Colorado all month — to protect a once-safe Republican incumbent there.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Flaherty, the pollster. “Republicans are trying to defend South Carolina, Georgia, arguably Texas, Kansas, and that is 100% due to the president’s failures as a candidate, on addressing COVID, and on a number of issues. That’s why the Republicans really have their backs up against the wall.”
There was a time when national Republican groups spent a lot in Colorado just before an election. That was in June, before the Democratic primary Hickenlooper won. The NRSC spent several million dollars that month bashing Hickenlooper before he easily beat Andrew Romanoff. The next month, it began an $8.7 million spending spree here, making Colorado its second-highest priority.
But that has changed with the seasons. In September, the NRSC spent about $1 million in Colorado, considerably less than in the other states it has prioritized. In Arizona, where a Republican incumbent is trailing by similar margins as Gardner, it spent $3.3 million that month. In Maine, where Republicans have a better chance of re-electing an incumbent than in Colorado, it spent $4.5 million in September.
“The NRSC is proud of its significant investment in this race and our efforts to help Senator Gardner draw an important contrast with his scandal-plagued opponent,” said an NRSC spokeswoman, Joanna Rodriguez, when asked whether the Republican group has given up on Colorado.
Jack Pandol, a spokesman for SLF, said in a statement that his political action committee is holding Hickenlooper accountable through “aggressive advertising efforts” and called this article “false and ridiculous.”
Republican groups rightly point out that they have already injected a lot of money into Colorado this year — about $15 million total from the NRSC and SLF alone — and are scheduled to spend more in the weeks to come, even if it is far less than what they are spending elsewhere in the country.
“My perception is that Cory and his allies have together bought a huge amount of television time. At some point, does another $100,000 make any difference? I’m not sure it does,” said Dick Wadhams, a former Colorado Republican Party chair who has managed successful U.S. Senate campaigns.
“Cory’s problem is not that he does not have enough money in his account or that there’s not enough spending on that side. Cory’s biggest problem right now is the national political environment, and that has been driven by President Trump’s numbers against Joe Biden,” Wadhams said. “I’m not sure any money can offset that right now.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-16--Amid bounce-back season, Bryce Callahan not trying to return to past form, but be “The New Bryce”

The goal of the drill wasn ’ t to follow the bouncing ball , but to catch it .
Training at Ollin Athletic and Sports Medicine in suburban Houston this offseason , Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan was being led through a workout by Minh Luu .
Luu would release the tennis ball for an initial bounce .
“ The goal is to start from a dead-stop or back-pedaling and get the ball before it bounces a second time , ” he said .
“ Bryce was doing the drill and I was like , ‘ Hey , be careful.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from surgery to repair a foot injury that cost him all of last season .
Luu didn ’ t want him to take any chances and wanted him to be cautious in his movements .
Feeling he needed to move quickly , Callahan took off his shoes and started 7-8 yards ahead of Luu .
He got the ball before the second bounce .
Callahan was good … and has started the season just as well , playing all but three of 291 defensive snaps entering Sunday ’ s game at New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoulder ) , Callahan has been the team ’ s No .
1 cornerback and moved to the nickel spot covering New York Jets slot receiver Jamison Crowder mid-game in Week 4 , a role he will continue to play against Patriots receiver Julian Edelman .
In man coverage , according to The Denver Post ’ s game charting , Callahan has allowed 14 completions for only 121 yards ( no touchdowns/no penalties ) .
The frustrations of last year — gone .
The work ethic to regain his form — a constant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s at because he outworked people and is talented , ” said David Bailiff , his coach at Rice .
“ That ’ s just how he ’ s made .
He ’ s a gritty guy who never complains and he ’ s going to figure out a way through his intelligence and hard work to overcome obstacles.
” And Callahan has experienced some obstacles .
Callahan , who turns 29 later this month , was born in Moscow , Idaho , which is where his stepfather worked for a company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he finished a project , we would get in our trailer and go to the next one , ” Callahan said in a phone interview with The Post last week .
“ We probably lived in 15 , 16 states before settling in Texas.
” Callahan said his favorite stops were in California and North Carolina and the moves were so frequent that he would attend the fall semester in one state and the spring semester in another .
His family moved to Texas when Bryce was in the third grade .
Callahan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his high school in Cypress , located about 40 minutes northwest of downtown Houston .
But the college recruiters never flooded him with offers .
According to 247Sports , Callahan was ranked No .
2,149 nationally and No .
323 in Texas in the Class of 2010 .
Callahan visited Kentucky , but committed to Rice after touring its campus .
He credits high school teammate Sam McGuffie , who was transferring from Michigan to Rice , for convincing him that even a lower-profile program gets noticed .
“ He told me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big school to make it to the NFL , ’ ” Callahan said .
Callahan redshirted in 2010 ; Bailiff said the coaches could have played him but wanted to foster his progress .
Once he started playing , he started producing takeaways .
Playing opposite current Houston Texans cornerback Phillip Gaines , Callahan led all FBS freshmen with six interceptions .
“ Teams ( threw at him ) and we loved it , ” Bailiff said with a laugh .
“ If you threw a 50-50 ball , it was 100 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to hang in the air almost like he ’ s defying gravity and come up with the big play .
He just made play after play and was very courageous — he wouldn ’ t shy away from contact and tackle.
” Chris Thurmond was hired as Rice ’ s cornerbacks coach in 2011 and was the defensive coordinator in Callahan ’ s final two years .
“ He has unbelievable athleticism , ” said Thurmond , now a coaching analyst at Oklahoma State .
“ Almost every day we would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end , he would do a standing flip .
Unbelievably explosive — probably the biggest advantage he had .
That ’ s how he makes up for his lack of height.
” Callahan played 47 games for Rice , intercepting 13 passes and making 143 tackles .
He was so advanced and trusted so much , Thurmond would run two coverages on certain plays — man on Callahan ’ s side and zone in the middle of the field .
Despite the production , Callahan wasn ’ t invited to the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Pro Day with a 4.32-second 40-yard dash , 43 1/2-inch vertical jump and 11-foot broad jump .
It didn ’ t get him drafted , though .
Leading into the 2015 draft , Thurmond tried to sell an NFL team — any team — on the value of Callahan .
He knew what Callahan could add to a locker room , a culture , a game plan .
“ I kept trying to tell people before the draft , not that I ’ m the ‘ Oracle of Delphi , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew he could play , ” Thurmond said .
“ Thankfully , the Bears took a chance on him and it panned out.
” Chicago reached out after more than 30 cornerbacks were drafted .
Callahan had no time to mourn .
He reached a contract agreement to join recently-hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and secondary coach Ed Donatell .
“ He was ( a priority ) , ” said Donatell , in his second year as the Broncos ’ defensive coordinator .
“ We have a profile for ( cornerbacks ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in college and sometimes , a player is missing an inch or two and we go get those guys and look to develop them.
” Donatell remembered it was in training camp when he , Fangio and coach John Fox realized they had a diamond in Callahan .
“ When he did some ( scout-team ) work against our offense , he displayed really nice movement and mirror-ability , ” Donatell said .
“ Vic spotted it .
John Fox spotted it .
There were a couple of us who said , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” New for Callahan was where he was moved to get going — inside over the slot receiver .
At Rice , Bailiff and Thurmond would have liked to play Callahan inside , but passed because of depth issues .
They saw Callahan as a nickel .
But … “ I didn ’ t see myself as a nickel , ” he said .
“ But the coaches convinced me to give it a shot and I really ended up liking it.
” Said Thurmond : “ Playing in the slot really fits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay on the top shoulder of routes and to play with great technique.
” Callahan saw his playing time increase each year with Chicago , from 322 snaps to 489 to 512 to 675 while starting 29-of-45 games played .
Fangio and Donatell left for the Broncos after the 2018 season and prioritized bringing one player with them : Callahan .
Callahan signed a three-year , $ 21 million contract with the Broncos in March 2019 , the idea being to play him opposite Chris Harris in the base defense and slide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those situations .
It would be Callahan ’ s first chance to be an every-down NFL player .
“ The thing we always thought is he had the ability to play inside and outside , ” Donatell said .
“ He didn ’ t play a lot of outside ( for the Bears ) , but we thought he had the capability because of his ball skills and long speed.
” Callahan ’ s first year with the Broncos never got out of the starting block because of a broken screw in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple rehabilitation ideas until shutting him down and inserting new hardware .
After the season , Callahan returned to the Houston area for a process that began as rehabilitation before turning into preparation .
In addition to the bouncing ball drill , Luu ’ s focus for Callahan was having proper deceleration — fluidly stopping and starting is a pre-requisite for playing cornerback .
For workouts that lasted 2-4 hours early in the morning , Callahan went to work .
“ Everybody works on the engine and the transmission of their bodies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on Bryce ’ s brakes .
He ’ s one of the most explosive athletes I know so I knew that would be easy to get back .
We worked on decelerating from a sprint and once we got that , we started implementing change of direction.
” The offseason work paid off when Callahan reported to training camp in late July , but the motivation remained — prove he can be an all-situations cornerback .
Another obstacle to climb .
Is Callahan playing like he the old Callahan in Chicago two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , man , ” he said .
“ We ’ re not looking back at the past .
Just trying to play some good ball here .
”

The goal of the drill wasn’t to follow the bouncing ball, but to catch it.
Training at Ollin Athletic and Sports Medicine in suburban Houston this offseason, Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan was being led through a workout by Minh Luu.
Luu would release the tennis ball for an initial bounce.
“The goal is to start from a dead-stop or back-pedaling and get the ball before it bounces a second time,” he said. “Bryce was doing the drill and I was like, ‘Hey, be careful.’”
Careful because Callahan was only months removed from surgery to repair a foot injury that cost him all of last season. Luu didn’t want him to take any chances and wanted him to be cautious in his movements. Feeling he needed to move quickly, Callahan took off his shoes and started 7-8 yards ahead of Luu. He got the ball before the second bounce.
Luu: “Does it hurt?”
Callahan: “Nah.”
Luu: “OK, I guess you’re good.”
Callahan was good … and has started the season just as well, playing all but three of 291 defensive snaps entering Sunday’s game at New England. Minus A.J. Bouye (shoulder), Callahan has been the team’s No. 1 cornerback and moved to the nickel spot covering New York Jets slot receiver Jamison Crowder mid-game in Week 4, a role he will continue to play against Patriots receiver Julian Edelman.
In man coverage, according to The Denver Post’s game charting, Callahan has allowed 14 completions for only 121 yards (no touchdowns/no penalties). The frustrations of last year — gone. The work ethic to regain his form — a constant.
“He’s where he’s at because he outworked people and is talented,” said David Bailiff, his coach at Rice. “That’s just how he’s made. He’s a gritty guy who never complains and he’s going to figure out a way through his intelligence and hard work to overcome obstacles.”
And Callahan has experienced some obstacles.
”He made play after play”
Callahan, who turns 29 later this month, was born in Moscow, Idaho, which is where his stepfather worked for a company that constructed water towers.
“Anytime he finished a project, we would get in our trailer and go to the next one,” Callahan said in a phone interview with The Post last week. “We probably lived in 15, 16 states before settling in Texas.”
Callahan said his favorite stops were in California and North Carolina and the moves were so frequent that he would attend the fall semester in one state and the spring semester in another. His family moved to Texas when Bryce was in the third grade. Callahan was an all-star safety and returner for his high school in Cypress, located about 40 minutes northwest of downtown Houston.
But the college recruiters never flooded him with offers. According to 247Sports, Callahan was ranked No. 2,149 nationally and No. 323 in Texas in the Class of 2010. Callahan visited Kentucky, but committed to Rice after touring its campus. He credits high school teammate Sam McGuffie, who was transferring from Michigan to Rice, for convincing him that even a lower-profile program gets noticed.
“He told me, ‘You don’t need a big school to make it to the NFL,’” Callahan said.
Callahan redshirted in 2010; Bailiff said the coaches could have played him but wanted to foster his progress. Once he started playing, he started producing takeaways. Playing opposite current Houston Texans cornerback Phillip Gaines, Callahan led all FBS freshmen with six interceptions.
“Teams (threw at him) and we loved it,” Bailiff said with a laugh. “If you threw a 50-50 ball, it was 100% Bryce’s. He has the ability to hang in the air almost like he’s defying gravity and come up with the big play. He just made play after play and was very courageous — he wouldn’t shy away from contact and tackle.”
Chris Thurmond was hired as Rice’s cornerbacks coach in 2011 and was the defensive coordinator in Callahan’s final two years.
“He has unbelievable athleticism,” said Thurmond, now a coaching analyst at Oklahoma State. “Almost every day we would do 7-on-7 in the red zone, at the end, he would do a standing flip. Unbelievably explosive — probably the biggest advantage he had. That’s how he makes up for his lack of height.”
Callahan played 47 games for Rice, intercepting 13 passes and making 143 tackles. He was so advanced and trusted so much, Thurmond would run two coverages on certain plays — man on Callahan’s side and zone in the middle of the field.
Despite the production, Callahan wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but shined at Rice’s Pro Day with a 4.32-second 40-yard dash, 43 1/2-inch vertical jump and 11-foot broad jump. It didn’t get him drafted, though.
Undrafted, undaunted
Leading into the 2015 draft, Thurmond tried to sell an NFL team — any team — on the value of Callahan. He knew what Callahan could add to a locker room, a culture, a game plan.
“I kept trying to tell people before the draft, not that I’m the ‘Oracle of Delphi,’ but I saw him every day and knew he could play,” Thurmond said. “Thankfully, the Bears took a chance on him and it panned out.”
Chicago reached out after more than 30 cornerbacks were drafted. Callahan had no time to mourn. He reached a contract agreement to join recently-hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and secondary coach Ed Donatell.
“He was (a priority),” said Donatell, in his second year as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator. “We have a profile for (cornerbacks) and Bryce was a guy who was productive in college and sometimes, a player is missing an inch or two and we go get those guys and look to develop them.”
Donatell remembered it was in training camp when he, Fangio and coach John Fox realized they had a diamond in Callahan.
“When he did some (scout-team) work against our offense, he displayed really nice movement and mirror-ability,” Donatell said. “Vic spotted it. John Fox spotted it. There were a couple of us who said, ‘We need to get him going.’”
New for Callahan was where he was moved to get going — inside over the slot receiver.
At Rice, Bailiff and Thurmond would have liked to play Callahan inside, but passed because of depth issues. They saw Callahan as a nickel. But …
“I didn’t see myself as a nickel,” he said. “But the coaches convinced me to give it a shot and I really ended up liking it.”
Said Thurmond: “Playing in the slot really fits his skill set because of his ability to stay on the top shoulder of routes and to play with great technique.”
Callahan saw his playing time increase each year with Chicago, from 322 snaps to 489 to 512 to 675 while starting 29-of-45 games played.
Fangio and Donatell left for the Broncos after the 2018 season and prioritized bringing one player with them: Callahan.
Getting ready for 2020
Callahan signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Broncos in March 2019, the idea being to play him opposite Chris Harris in the base defense and slide inside to cover the slot receiver in those situations. It would be Callahan’s first chance to be an every-down NFL player.
“The thing we always thought is he had the ability to play inside and outside,” Donatell said. “He didn’t play a lot of outside (for the Bears), but we thought he had the capability because of his ball skills and long speed.”
Callahan’s first year with the Broncos never got out of the starting block because of a broken screw in his foot. The Broncos and Callahan exhausted multiple rehabilitation ideas until shutting him down and inserting new hardware. After the season, Callahan returned to the Houston area for a process that began as rehabilitation before turning into preparation.
In addition to the bouncing ball drill, Luu’s focus for Callahan was having proper deceleration — fluidly stopping and starting is a pre-requisite for playing cornerback. For workouts that lasted 2-4 hours early in the morning, Callahan went to work.
“Everybody works on the engine and the transmission of their bodies,” Luu said. “But we worked on Bryce’s brakes. He’s one of the most explosive athletes I know so I knew that would be easy to get back. We worked on decelerating from a sprint and once we got that, we started implementing change of direction.”
The offseason work paid off when Callahan reported to training camp in late July, but the motivation remained — prove he can be an all-situations cornerback. Another obstacle to climb.
Is Callahan playing like he the old Callahan in Chicago two years ago?
“The new Bryce, man,” he said. “We’re not looking back at the past. Just trying to play some good ball here.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-16--Pick 6: Odds the Nuggets win the NBA Finals, Russell Wilson wins MVP, LeBron James becomes president

Election Day 2020 is still weeks away , but oddsmakers are already taking a gander at who could be president in 2024 .
One name on the list : LeBron James .
BetOnline put the reigning NBA Finals MVP at +15,000 — meaning a $ 100 bet would win $ 15,000 — to become the commander-in-chief in the next presidential election .
Also on the list , former WWE star turned movie star Dwayne “ The Rock ” Johnson at +5,000 and WWE superstar John Cena at +50,000 .
Here ’ s a look at some of the current odds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado Rapids ’ odds to win the MLS Cup , according to Bovada .
The odds Lakers forward LeBron James will win the 2024 U.S. presidential election , according to BetOnline .
Kamala Harris is favored at +300 , followed by Nikki Haley ( +600 ) .
The odds the Nuggets will win the 2020-21 NBA championship , according to BetMGM .
Denver is tied for the ninth-best odds with the Mavericks .
The Lakers ( +400 ) are favored to repeat .
The Heat , who lost in this year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ +900 .
The odds Seahawks quarterback — and former Rockies infield prospect — Russell Wilson has to win the NFL MVP award , according to BetMGM .
A bet on the rest of the field — meaning anyone but Wilson — is only slightly worst at -125 .
The odds either the Patriots or the Broncos will score at least 40 points Sunday , according to BetOnline .
The over-under for total points by both teams in the game is 44.5 .
The odds Martin Truex Jr. will win the Hollywood Casino 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Election Day 2020 is still weeks away, but oddsmakers are already taking a gander at who could be president in 2024. One name on the list: LeBron James.
BetOnline put the reigning NBA Finals MVP at +15,000 — meaning a $100 bet would win $15,000 — to become the commander-in-chief in the next presidential election. Also on the list, former WWE star turned movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at +5,000 and WWE superstar John Cena at +50,000.
Here’s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports.
+2,200
The Colorado Rapids’ odds to win the MLS Cup, according to Bovada.
+15,000
The odds Lakers forward LeBron James will win the 2024 U.S. presidential election, according to BetOnline. Kamala Harris is favored at +300, followed by Nikki Haley (+600).
+2,000
The odds the Nuggets will win the 2020-21 NBA championship, according to BetMGM. Denver is tied for the ninth-best odds with the Mavericks. The Lakers (+400) are favored to repeat. The Heat, who lost in this year’s finals, are tied for fifth at +900.
-110
The odds Seahawks quarterback — and former Rockies infield prospect — Russell Wilson has to win the NFL MVP award, according to BetMGM. A bet on the rest of the field — meaning anyone but Wilson — is only slightly worst at -125.
+550
The odds either the Patriots or the Broncos will score at least 40 points Sunday, according to BetOnline. The over-under for total points by both teams in the game is 44.5.
+500
The odds Martin Truex Jr. will win the Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday, according to BetMGM.


thedenverpost--2020-10-16--Ask Amy: Political views end a long friendship

Dear Amy : A friend of 35 years recently “ broke up ” with me via email .
It was due to politics , I conclude , although we have never discussed politics in person , by phone , or email .
However , I frequently post my convictions on Facebook .
I aim to be civil and to back up my opinions with factual , credible links .
My friend and I have never had a dialogue on FB about politics or candidates .
Still , out of the blue , she sent me an email and said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you put on Facebook and I can ’ t be friends with you anymore .
Have a nice life.
” That was it .
After 35 years .
I could understand that action if I had pressed my case over lunch or sent links in emails .
I never did .
I have a couple of relatives/friends who post on FB extolling their support for the candidate I find objectionable , and my choice is just to scroll by and not engage .
My husband says , “ You ’ ve been treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done and move on.
” Still , there ’ s a deep hurt over this .
Dear Hurt : You seem to believe that others should use Facebook , and respond to postings , the way you do .
But when you post opinions on Facebook , you are ( basically ) shouting into a megaphone in the town square .
Some people may choose to walk on by , but others will listen , pay attention , and may object to your positions .
You seem to believe that your friend should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you share them personally .
That is extremely naïve , and somewhat disingenuous .
Because you two have never discussed politics , it ’ s possible that she simply did not know where you stood — until now .
I agree that it is unfortunate that this friend of many decades has slammed the door on your relationship .
Her behavior reveals her own limitations and extreme sensitivities .
If I were you , I would respond to her email , saying , “ I am very shocked about your choice to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that you found personally offensive , I am truly sorry .
I believe our long friendship is worth at least a conversation , but you don ’ t seem open to that .
I wish you were.
” Dear Amy : I ’ m so upset .
My youngest daughter is pregnant with her second child .
My oldest daughter has planned a baby shower for next month .
I am 63 years old and my spouse is 74 .
I am so scared to attend this shower , but I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There have been 30 guests invited , and it will be held indoors .
What should I do ?
This has me totally stressed out .
Dear Mom : You would ( and should ) expect your daughters to take good care of themselves , correct ?
Well , you have to take care of yourself , too .
Taking care of yourself is quite literally your first job in life .
Consider this : If you or your spouse got seriously ill , it would quite literally blow a hole through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nobody who loves you should ever attempt to make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself .
It is a given that you wish you could attend this event safely .
Yes , you will feel sad to miss it .
But if you are feeling guilty with no prompting , that ’ s on you .
My take on this is that if anyone should feel guilty , it might be the people who are planning this event .
If they are diminishing your very rational concerns or pressuring you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this shower , then they are being shortsighted and selfish .
More likely , they have invited you because they love you and don ’ t want you to feel left out , but they don ’ t want you to override your own concerns , and are just waiting for you to regretfully decline .
Dear Amy : Thanks for the advice you provided to “ Trying to Do the Right Thing , ” the couple who planned to foster children of color in their white family .
I am a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and subtle racist comments and actions from others .
Racism and racists will always be with us .
Children will learn and grow .
The parents should prepare the children that such people exist and help them to develop skills to react and respond appropriately .
And people do change , too .
Seeing the extended family growing multi-racially may change a person ’ s racial perspectives .
Dear Been There : Absolutely .
Thank you .

Dear Amy: A friend of 35 years recently “broke up” with me via email.
It was due to politics, I conclude, although we have never discussed politics in person, by phone, or email.
However, I frequently post my convictions on Facebook. I aim to be civil and to back up my opinions with factual, credible links.
My friend and I have never had a dialogue on FB about politics or candidates. Still, out of the blue, she sent me an email and said, “I don’t like what you put on Facebook and I can’t be friends with you anymore. Have a nice life.” That was it. After 35 years.
I could understand that action if I had pressed my case over lunch or sent links in emails. I never did. I have a couple of relatives/friends who post on FB extolling their support for the candidate I find objectionable, and my choice is just to scroll by and not engage.
My husband says, “You’ve been treated unfairly and poorly, so consider it done and move on.” Still, there’s a deep hurt over this.
Your suggestions?
— Hurt
Dear Hurt: You seem to believe that others should use Facebook, and respond to postings, the way you do. But when you post opinions on Facebook, you are (basically) shouting into a megaphone in the town square. Some people may choose to walk on by, but others will listen, pay attention, and may object to your positions.
You seem to believe that your friend should only object to your political opinions if you share them personally. That is extremely naïve, and somewhat disingenuous. Because you two have never discussed politics, it’s possible that she simply did not know where you stood — until now.
I agree that it is unfortunate that this friend of many decades has slammed the door on your relationship. Her behavior reveals her own limitations and extreme sensitivities.
If I were you, I would respond to her email, saying, “I am very shocked about your choice to end our friendship. If I have posted something that you found personally offensive, I am truly sorry. I believe our long friendship is worth at least a conversation, but you don’t seem open to that. I wish you were.”
Dear Amy: I’m so upset. My youngest daughter is pregnant with her second child. My oldest daughter has planned a baby shower for next month.
I am 63 years old and my spouse is 74.
I am so scared to attend this shower, but I will feel guilty if I don’t.
There have been 30 guests invited, and it will be held indoors.
What should I do? This has me totally stressed out.
— Mom and Gram
Dear Mom: You would (and should) expect your daughters to take good care of themselves, correct? Well, you have to take care of yourself, too. Taking care of yourself is quite literally your first job in life.
Consider this: If you or your spouse got seriously ill, it would quite literally blow a hole through the center of your entire family.
Nobody who loves you should ever attempt to make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself.
It is a given that you wish you could attend this event safely. Yes, you will feel sad to miss it. But if you are feeling guilty with no prompting, that’s on you.
My take on this is that if anyone should feel guilty, it might be the people who are planning this event. If they are diminishing your very rational concerns or pressuring you to override your concerns in order to attend this shower, then they are being shortsighted and selfish.
More likely, they have invited you because they love you and don’t want you to feel left out, but they don’t want you to override your own concerns, and are just waiting for you to regretfully decline.
Dear Amy: Thanks for the advice you provided to “Trying to Do the Right Thing,” the couple who planned to foster children of color in their white family.
I am a person of color. I have faced obvious and subtle racist comments and actions from others. Racism and racists will always be with us.
Children will learn and grow. The parents should prepare the children that such people exist and help them to develop skills to react and respond appropriately.
And people do change, too. Seeing the extended family growing multi-racially may change a person’s racial perspectives.
— Been There
Dear Been There: Absolutely. Thank you.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-10-16--Eaglecrest outlasts Grandview 43-42 on JP Luketu’s two-point conversion in Class 5A top-10 showdown

AURORA — Eaglecrest mulled over two options during a timeout with about 30 seconds left Thursday night in an instant classic against Grandview : Kick an extra-point to force overtime or attempt a 2-point conversion for the victory .
“ We ’ ve got them big boys up front , ” senior Eaglecrest quarterback Khalil Howard said .
“ They couldn ’ t stop us.
” Eaglecrest didn ’ t blink , and in a wild back-and-forth contest , the Raptors risked it all in regulation .
Their guts paid off in a dramatic victory , 43-42 , between top-10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punctuated by senior Eaglecrest running back JP Luketu rushing into the end zone for the go-ahead 2-point try .
Grandview made one final push to reach long field goal range , but the Wolves ’ kick sailed wide left as time expired in the Centennial League showdown .
The No .
7 Raptors ( 2-0 ) coughed up five turnovers , two for touchdowns , and trailed No .
6 Grandview ( 1-1 ) late in the fourth quarter .
The Wolves also scored on a kick return touchdown from junior Evan Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eaglecrest ’ s path back to victory after they squandered a quick 14-0 lead to begin the game .
“ We have heart , ” said Howard , who rushed for a 74-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter .
“ We were down in the second half , but we were going to come back .
There ’ s no quit in us .
We ’ re going to come to win the game.
” Grandview was bolstered by the big-play ability of junior cornerback Kahden Rullo .
He returned an interception for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick return for another score .
Grandview also showcased its own dominant run game behind tailback Moosa Alsafar .
The junior found the end zone on a 62-yard sprint and again from the goal line in the fourth quarter — putting Grandview up 42-35 with 3:16 left in the game .
It just wasn ’ t enough .
Luketu ’ s final touchdown was his third trip to the end zone on Thursday night .
His 2-point punch gave Eaglecrest the final advantage it needed to remain undefeated early in the season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Keep playing hard , then come back and score .
”

AURORA — Eaglecrest mulled over two options during a timeout with about 30 seconds left Thursday night in an instant classic against Grandview: Kick an extra-point to force overtime or attempt a 2-point conversion for the victory.
“We’ve got them big boys up front,” senior Eaglecrest quarterback Khalil Howard said. “They couldn’t stop us.”
Eaglecrest didn’t blink, and in a wild back-and-forth contest, the Raptors risked it all in regulation. Their guts paid off in a dramatic victory, 43-42, between top-10 Class 5A schools at Legacy Field — punctuated by senior Eaglecrest running back JP Luketu rushing into the end zone for the go-ahead 2-point try.
Grandview made one final push to reach long field goal range, but the Wolves’ kick sailed wide left as time expired in the Centennial League showdown.
The No. 7 Raptors (2-0) coughed up five turnovers, two for touchdowns, and trailed No. 6 Grandview (1-1) late in the fourth quarter. The Wolves also scored on a kick return touchdown from junior Evan Johnson. But a dynamic ground attack paved Eaglecrest’s path back to victory after they squandered a quick 14-0 lead to begin the game.
“We have heart,” said Howard, who rushed for a 74-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. “We were down in the second half, but we were going to come back. There’s no quit in us. We’re going to come to win the game.”
Grandview was bolstered by the big-play ability of junior cornerback Kahden Rullo. He returned an interception for a touchdown and recovered a muffed Eaglecrest kick return for another score. Grandview also showcased its own dominant run game behind tailback Moosa Alsafar. The junior found the end zone on a 62-yard sprint and again from the goal line in the fourth quarter — putting Grandview up 42-35 with 3:16 left in the game.
It just wasn’t enough.
Luketu’s final touchdown was his third trip to the end zone on Thursday night. His 2-point punch gave Eaglecrest the final advantage it needed to remain undefeated early in the season.
“Everybody makes mistakes,” Howard said. “Keep playing hard, then come back and score.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-16--Braves 1 win from WS after 10-2 win over Dodgers in NLCS

ARLINGTON , Texas — Marcell Ozuna homered twice , MVP candidate Freddie Freeman delivered the go-ahead hit off Clayton Kershaw and the Atlanta Braves moved within one win of ending a two-decade World Series drought by routing the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-2 on Thursday night .
The Braves took a 3-1 lead in the NL Championship Series , bouncing back from getting pounded 15-3 the previous night .
Atlanta will try to reach its first World Series since 1999 when it plays Game 5 Friday night .
Ozuna had four hits and drove in four runs .
It was 1-all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six times , with Freeman hitting a tiebreaking double and Ozuna following with an RBI double that chased Kershaw .
A night after the Dodgers had a record 11-run first , they managed only one hit — a solo homer by Edwin Ríos — over six innings against 22-year-old rookie right-hander Bryse Wilson in his postseason debut .
While the Braves ’ outburst also lasted more than a half-hour but without as many runs as LA ’ s a day earlier , it was more than big enough enough after Ronald Acuña Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an infield single on a play that ended with him , Kershaw and second baseman Kiké Hernández all on the ground .
They all took tumbles because of their effort , and weren ’ t knocked down by the sometimes bothersome breezy conditions in the new Texas ballpark with the roof open .
Kershaw fell down after coming off the mound while reaching up to try to field the high-chopper .
Hernández went to the ground after grabbing the ball and making a sidearm throw then went wide while Acuña tumbled after passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left wrist that was irritated twice during the regular season .
Acuña went to second base because of the errant throw after being tended to for several moments .
After trying glasses in the field and getting eyedrops early in the game , Freeman apparently had no problems seeing when he doubled home Acuña for a 2-1 lead before Ozuna followed with another double .
Reliever Brusdar Graterol got the first out before giving up three consecutive hits , including Dansby Swanson ’ s two-run double and Austin Riley ’ s RBI single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inning with an RBI single made it 7-1 .
Freeman and Ozuna each added RBI singles in the eighth .
Atlanta had gotten even 1-1 in the fourth when Ozuna turned an 86-mph slider from Kershaw into a 109-mph rocket that went 422 feet to left for his second postseason homer .
Ozuna went even deeper in the seventh , a 434-foot shot to straight away center .
Wilson became the third-youngest pitcher to allow one or no hits over at least six innings in a postseason game .
The right-hander struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a 1-2-3 first on 10 pitches and throwing his last pitch before .
Kershaw , scratched from his scheduled start in Game 2 two days earlier because of back spams , struck out four , walked one and allowed four runs on seven hits in five-plus innings .
The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner is now 11-12 with 4.31 ERA in postseason , as opposed to his 175-76 record and 2.43 ERA in the regular season during his 13 years in the big leagues .
Ríos , batting seventh and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodgers starting lineup against Wilson , homered to right leading off the third .
The ball landed on the tarp covering the first several rows of seats closest to the field , and separating fans sitting in socially distanced pods of up to four people beyond that .
After being left off the NL Division Series roster because of a groin injury , and not playing in the NLCS opener , Ríos homered when starting the last two games .
He had one of the Dodgers ’ postseason record five on Wednesday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the roof open at $ 1.2 billion Globe Life Field — barring rain — when the agreement was reached for the new home of the Texas Rangers to host three rounds of the playoffs in the pandemic-shortened season .
Fox reported during the telecast that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told umpire Cory Blaser between innings that Kershaw and first baseman Max Muncy were having trouble seeing .
The reported wind speed at the start of the game was 6 to 15 mph .
Muncy scrambled from foul ground to the infield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he caught a high infield pop from Riley to end the second inning .
Kershaw has now allowed 27 postseason homers , second most in history behind Andy Pettitte ( 31 ) .
He had been tied for second-most with Verlander before Ozuna ’ s first blast .

ARLINGTON, Texas — Marcell Ozuna homered twice, MVP candidate Freddie Freeman delivered the go-ahead hit off Clayton Kershaw and the Atlanta Braves moved within one win of ending a two-decade World Series drought by routing the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-2 on Thursday night.
The Braves took a 3-1 lead in the NL Championship Series, bouncing back from getting pounded 15-3 the previous night. Atlanta will try to reach its first World Series since 1999 when it plays Game 5 Friday night.
Ozuna had four hits and drove in four runs. It was 1-all in the sixth when the Braves scored six times, with Freeman hitting a tiebreaking double and Ozuna following with an RBI double that chased Kershaw.
A night after the Dodgers had a record 11-run first, they managed only one hit — a solo homer by Edwin Ríos — over six innings against 22-year-old rookie right-hander Bryse Wilson in his postseason debut.
While the Braves’ outburst also lasted more than a half-hour but without as many runs as LA’s a day earlier, it was more than big enough enough after Ronald Acuña Jr. led off the decisive six-run sixth with an infield single on a play that ended with him, Kershaw and second baseman Kiké Hernández all on the ground. They all took tumbles because of their effort, and weren’t knocked down by the sometimes bothersome breezy conditions in the new Texas ballpark with the roof open.
Kershaw fell down after coming off the mound while reaching up to try to field the high-chopper. Hernández went to the ground after grabbing the ball and making a sidearm throw then went wide while Acuña tumbled after passing the base and landed awkwardly on his left wrist that was irritated twice during the regular season. Acuña went to second base because of the errant throw after being tended to for several moments.
After trying glasses in the field and getting eyedrops early in the game, Freeman apparently had no problems seeing when he doubled home Acuña for a 2-1 lead before Ozuna followed with another double. Reliever Brusdar Graterol got the first out before giving up three consecutive hits, including Dansby Swanson’s two-run double and Austin Riley’s RBI single. Rookie center fielder Cristian Pache capped the inning with an RBI single made it 7-1.
Freeman and Ozuna each added RBI singles in the eighth.
Atlanta had gotten even 1-1 in the fourth when Ozuna turned an 86-mph slider from Kershaw into a 109-mph rocket that went 422 feet to left for his second postseason homer. Ozuna went even deeper in the seventh, a 434-foot shot to straight away center.
Wilson became the third-youngest pitcher to allow one or no hits over at least six innings in a postseason game. The right-hander struck out five and walked one, starting with a 1-2-3 first on 10 pitches and throwing his last pitch before .
Kershaw, scratched from his scheduled start in Game 2 two days earlier because of back spams, struck out four, walked one and allowed four runs on seven hits in five-plus innings. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner is now 11-12 with 4.31 ERA in postseason, as opposed to his 175-76 record and 2.43 ERA in the regular season during his 13 years in the big leagues.
Ríos, batting seventh and the fourth left-hander in a row in the Dodgers starting lineup against Wilson, homered to right leading off the third. The ball landed on the tarp covering the first several rows of seats closest to the field, and separating fans sitting in socially distanced pods of up to four people beyond that.
After being left off the NL Division Series roster because of a groin injury, and not playing in the NLCS opener, Ríos homered when starting the last two games. He had one of the Dodgers’ postseason record five on Wednesday night.
WIND BLOWN
Major League Baseball said it wanted to keep the roof open at $1.2 billion Globe Life Field — barring rain — when the agreement was reached for the new home of the Texas Rangers to host three rounds of the playoffs in the pandemic-shortened season. Fox reported during the telecast that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told umpire Cory Blaser between innings that Kershaw and first baseman Max Muncy were having trouble seeing. The reported wind speed at the start of the game was 6 to 15 mph. Muncy scrambled from foul ground to the infield grass and was still on the move when he caught a high infield pop from Riley to end the second inning.
GIVING ’EM UP
Kershaw has now allowed 27 postseason homers, second most in history behind Andy Pettitte (31). He had been tied for second-most with Verlander before Ozuna’s first blast.


thedenverpost--2020-10-16--Chiefs sign Le’Veon Bell 2 days after release from Jets

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
— The Kansas City Chiefs signed Le ’ Veon Bell late Thursday , two days after he was released by the New York Jets , giving them some much-needed depth at running back and another weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes .
“ Kansas City , # ChiefsKingdom , thank you for the opportunity let ’ s go !
” Bell tweeted .
Bell , a two-time All-Pro with the Pittsburgh Steelers , was cut by the Jets after a disappointing tenure in New York that lasted less than two full seasons .
Bell and coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the running back signed a four-year , $ 52.5 million contract with $ 35 million guaranteed last year as a free agent .
He will slot into one of the NFL ’ s most dynamic offenses behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire , who has been one of the league ’ s most impressive rookies this season .
But the Chiefs have little depth behind him with only Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson getting regular work — DeAndre Washington was signed in free agency but has been a protected player on the practice squad , unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first five games .
The Chiefs thought they would have Damien Williams , one of the heroes of their comeback victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl , but he opted out because of the COVID-19 pandemic before the start of the season .
Bell , who no doubt is eying the Chiefs ’ game against the Jets in Week 8 , has a similar skillset to Williams in his patience and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield .
And he has far better career credentials , topping 1,200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season on three different occasions .
“ A tremendous player , someone that can do it all , ” Mahomes said earlier in the day , when word began to spread that Bell was considering the Chiefs among a trio of teams .
“ Whoever is in this locker room , we make sure they ’ re ready to go.
” Exactly when Bell will be ready to go is unclear .
The Chiefs were supposed to play in Buffalo on Thursday night , but the game was pushed back to Monday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear to play until this past Tuesday .
“ Welcome my brother !
Let ’ s get it !
” Mahomes tweeted in response to Bell signing with Kansas City .
While the financial terms of the one-year deal with Kansas City were unknown , the Jets are responsible for the remaining $ 6 million in base pay on his salary with an offset clause the defrays the amount based on his salary with the Chiefs .
Whenever he steps onto the field , Bell should provide a spark as the Chiefs ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first loss .
He spent his first six years in Pittsburgh , where the former Michigan State star was among the best dual-purpose running backs in the league , ranking second in yards from scrimmage with 7,996 from 2012-17 .
Some of his best games actually came against the Chiefs , including a 179-yard rushing day in October 2017 and a 144-yard outing in October 2016 .
Bell also churned through the frigid cold for 170 yards rushing in a playoff game in January 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium , helping the Steelers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bell sat out the 2018 season in a contract dispute with the Steelers .
He became a free agent and joined the Jets in March 2019 , but he was never the dynamic presence in Gase ’ s offense that New York envisioned .
He ran for just 789 yards and three touchdowns and wasn ’ t prominent in the passing game , catching 66 passes for 461 yards and a score .
Bell also missed three games this season with a hamstring injury and had just 74 yards on 19 carries before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bell has more left in the tank than the last erstwhile star they signed for their backfield .
LeSean McCoy appeared in 13 games last season , running 101 times for 465 yards and four scores , but his role in the offense was slowly ratcheted back as the Chiefs made a push for their first Super Bowl championship in five decades .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs signed Le’Veon Bell late Thursday, two days after he was released by the New York Jets, giving them some much-needed depth at running back and another weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“Kansas City, #ChiefsKingdom, thank you for the opportunity let’s go!” Bell tweeted.
Bell, a two-time All-Pro with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was cut by the Jets after a disappointing tenure in New York that lasted less than two full seasons. Bell and coach Adam Gase appeared to not mesh since the running back signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with $35 million guaranteed last year as a free agent.
He will slot into one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has been one of the league’s most impressive rookies this season. But the Chiefs have little depth behind him with only Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson getting regular work — DeAndre Washington was signed in free agency but has been a protected player on the practice squad, unable to crack the game-day roster through the first five games.
The Chiefs thought they would have Damien Williams, one of the heroes of their comeback victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl, but he opted out because of the COVID-19 pandemic before the start of the season.
Bell, who no doubt is eying the Chiefs’ game against the Jets in Week 8, has a similar skillset to Williams in his patience and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. And he has far better career credentials, topping 1,200 yards rushing and 75 receptions in a season on three different occasions.
“A tremendous player, someone that can do it all,” Mahomes said earlier in the day, when word began to spread that Bell was considering the Chiefs among a trio of teams. “Whoever is in this locker room, we make sure they’re ready to go.”
Exactly when Bell will be ready to go is unclear. The Chiefs were supposed to play in Buffalo on Thursday night, but the game was pushed back to Monday night because the Bills and Titans were not clear to play until this past Tuesday.
“Welcome my brother! Let’s get it!” Mahomes tweeted in response to Bell signing with Kansas City.
While the financial terms of the one-year deal with Kansas City were unknown, the Jets are responsible for the remaining $6 million in base pay on his salary with an offset clause the defrays the amount based on his salary with the Chiefs.
Whenever he steps onto the field, Bell should provide a spark as the Chiefs (4-1) try to rebound from their first loss. He spent his first six years in Pittsburgh, where the former Michigan State star was among the best dual-purpose running backs in the league, ranking second in yards from scrimmage with 7,996 from 2012-17.
Some of his best games actually came against the Chiefs, including a 179-yard rushing day in October 2017 and a 144-yard outing in October 2016. Bell also churned through the frigid cold for 170 yards rushing in a playoff game in January 2017 at Arrowhead Stadium, helping the Steelers to an 18-16 victory over the Chiefs.
Bell sat out the 2018 season in a contract dispute with the Steelers. He became a free agent and joined the Jets in March 2019, but he was never the dynamic presence in Gase’s offense that New York envisioned. He ran for just 789 yards and three touchdowns and wasn’t prominent in the passing game, catching 66 passes for 461 yards and a score.
Bell also missed three games this season with a hamstring injury and had just 74 yards on 19 carries before his release.
The Chiefs clearly believe Bell has more left in the tank than the last erstwhile star they signed for their backfield. LeSean McCoy appeared in 13 games last season, running 101 times for 465 yards and four scores, but his role in the offense was slowly ratcheted back as the Chiefs made a push for their first Super Bowl championship in five decades.


thedenverpost--2020-10-17--23 Colorado breweries take home medals at 2020 Great American Beer Fest

The 2020 Great American Beer Festival was unlike any other since its founding in 1982 thanks to the pandemic , which forced the country ’ s biggest beer extravaganza to be canceled .
However , that didn ’ t keep the event ’ s signature beer competition , one of the most prestigious in the nation , from taking place virtually .
Colorado made an admirable showing , earning 26 medals , including eight gold .
The state ’ s biggest winner was Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. of Golden , which garnered a gold for its Featherweight pale ale and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Talk About Mex lager , which placed in the experimental India pale ale and international-style cream ale categories , respectively .
“ Featherweight was the very first beer we ever medaled for , eight years ago , ” said Jason Stengl , co-owner and general manager .
“ I ’ m proud of all of us , proud of my coworkers , my partner and our brewers .
It ’ s something we all feel very proud of.
” Denver Beer Co. made out with two awards : a gold for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brewed at its Arvada location , and a silver for Amburana Graham Cracker Porter , another wood-aged beer .
Colorado also dominated the American-style sour category , where Golden ’ s New Terrain Brewing Co. won a silver medal for a beer called Mirage and Fort Collins ’ New Belgium Brewing Co. won bronze for its Sour IPA .
“ With everything going on in 2020 , Colorado breweries were still able to show up and brew world-class beer , ” said Shawnee Adelson , executive director of the Colorado Brewers Guild .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see some people who ’ ve never won an award before being able to step up — Sanitas , Seedstock , Living the Dream — that shows our diversity in terms of size and the ability to brew amazing beer.
” Over the course of three weeks , judges evaluated more than 8,800 beers from breweries nationwide while wearing face shields and physically distancing , but it was clear the pandemic played a role in which breweries participated .
More than 1,700 beer makers entered this year ’ s competition , down from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Colorado breweries raked in an impressive 40 medals from the competition .
Here are the other Colorado winners from Friday ’ s awards ceremony , listed by category , brewery , city and beer name .
• Herb and Spice Beer — Living the Dream Brewing Co. , Littleton , Powder Run • International Pale Ale — Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co. , Denver , Inner Light See the full list of 2020 GABF winners .
RELATED : You only have to spend $ 20 to “ attend ” GABF this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

The 2020 Great American Beer Festival was unlike any other since its founding in 1982 thanks to the pandemic, which forced the country’s biggest beer extravaganza to be canceled. However, that didn’t keep the event’s signature beer competition, one of the most prestigious in the nation, from taking place virtually.
Colorado made an admirable showing, earning 26 medals, including eight gold. The state’s biggest winner was Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. of Golden, which garnered a gold for its Featherweight pale ale and two bronzes for Vladimir Brutin and Let’s Talk About Mex lager, which placed in the experimental India pale ale and international-style cream ale categories, respectively.
“Featherweight was the very first beer we ever medaled for, eight years ago,” said Jason Stengl, co-owner and general manager. “I’m proud of all of us, proud of my coworkers, my partner and our brewers. It’s something we all feel very proud of.”
RELATED: 35 Colorado breweries take home medals at 2019 Great American Beer Fest
Denver Beer Co. made out with two awards: a gold for Amburana Dream, a wood-aged imperial porter brewed at its Arvada location, and a silver for Amburana Graham Cracker Porter, another wood-aged beer.
Colorado also dominated the American-style sour category, where Golden’s New Terrain Brewing Co. won a silver medal for a beer called Mirage and Fort Collins’ New Belgium Brewing Co. won bronze for its Sour IPA.
“With everything going on in 2020, Colorado breweries were still able to show up and brew world-class beer,” said Shawnee Adelson, executive director of the Colorado Brewers Guild. “It’s also awesome to see some people who’ve never won an award before being able to step up — Sanitas, Seedstock, Living the Dream — that shows our diversity in terms of size and the ability to brew amazing beer.”
Over the course of three weeks, judges evaluated more than 8,800 beers from breweries nationwide while wearing face shields and physically distancing, but it was clear the pandemic played a role in which breweries participated. More than 1,700 beer makers entered this year’s competition, down from nearly 2,300 in 2019.
Last year, Colorado breweries raked in an impressive 40 medals from the competition.
Here are the other Colorado winners from Friday’s awards ceremony, listed by category, brewery, city and beer name.
Gold
Fruit Wheat Beer — Avery Brewing Co. , Boulder, Liliko’i Kepolo
, Boulder, Liliko’i Kepolo Wood- and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer — Denver Beer Co. , Arvada, Amburana Dream
, Arvada, Amburana Dream American Amber Lager — Wibby Brewing , Longmont, Volksbier Vienna
, Longmont, Volksbier Vienna German-style Maerzen — Irwin Brewing Co. , Crested Butte, Amber’s Lager-Amber Lager
, Crested Butte, Amber’s Lager-Amber Lager American-style Pale Ale — Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. , Golden, Featherweight pale ale
, Golden, Featherweight pale ale Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale — Blue Moon Brewing Co. , Denver, Moon Haze
, Denver, Moon Haze Irish-style Red Ale — Mirror Image Brewing Co. , Frederick, Balefire Irish red
, Frederick, Balefire Irish red German-style Altbier — Red Leg Brewing Co., Colorado Springs, Howitzer Amber
Silver
Field Beer — Dry Dock Brewing Co.-North Dock , Aurora, Coconut Bligh’s Barleywine
, Aurora, Coconut Bligh’s Barleywine Chili Beer — Cervecería Colorado , Denver, Poblano Pills
, Denver, Poblano Pills Historical Beer — Seedstock Brewery , Denver, Seedstock Gratzer
, Denver, Seedstock Gratzer American-Belgo-style Ale — Ratio Beerworks , Denver, Dear You
, Denver, Dear You American-style Sour Ale — New Terrain Brewing Co. , Golden, Mirage
, Golden, Mirage Mixed-Culture Brett Beer — Sanitas Brewing Co. , Boulder, Déluge
, Boulder, Déluge Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer — Denver Beer Co. , Denver, Amburana Graham Cracker Porter
, Denver, Amburana Graham Cracker Porter German-style Pilsener — Prost Brewing Co. , Denver, Prost Pils
, Denver, Prost Pils American-style Strong Pale Ale — Comrade Brewing Co. , Denver, Superpower IPA
, Denver, Superpower IPA American-style Amber/Red Ale — Zuni Street Brewing Co. , Denver, Justin’s Easy Going Amber
, Denver, Justin’s Easy Going Amber Scottish-style Ale — Goat Patch Brewing Co., Colorado Springs, It Takes a Tribe red ale
Bronze
Fruit Wheat Beer — Storm Peak Brewing Co. , Steamboat Springs, Afternoon Delight
, Steamboat Springs, Afternoon Delight Herb and Spice Beer — Living the Dream Brewing Co. , Littleton, Powder Run
, Littleton, Powder Run Experimental India Pale Ale — Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. , Golden, Vladimir Brutin
, Golden, Vladimir Brutin American-style Sour Ale — New Belgium Brewing Co. , Fort Collins, Sour IPA
, Fort Collins, Sour IPA American-style Cream Ale — Cannonball Creek Brewing Co. , Golden, Let’s Talk About Mex
, Golden, Let’s Talk About Mex International Pale Ale — Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co. , Denver, Inner Light
, Denver, Inner Light Stout — The Post Brewing Co., Lafayette, Dry Stout
RELATED: You only have to spend $20 to “attend” GABF this year. Here’s how.
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thedenverpost--2020-10-17--Coronavirus surges in key battleground states as election nears

MADISON , Wis. — Rising coronavirus cases in key presidential battleground states a little more than two weeks before Election Day are the latest worry for election officials and voters fearing chaos or exposure to the virus at polling places despite months of planning .
The prospect of poll workers backing out at the last minute because they are infected , quarantined or scared of getting sick has local election officials in Midwest states such as Iowa and Wisconsin opening more early voting locations , recruiting backup workers and encouraging voters to plan for long lines and other inconveniences .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rise in the swing states of Iowa , Michigan , Minnesota , Pennsylvania , Ohio and Wisconsin .
Wisconsin broke records this week for new coronavirus cases , deaths and hospitalizations , leading to the opening of a field hospital to handle COVID-19 patients .
Gov .
Tony Evers said he plans to activate the Wisconsin National Guard to fill any staffing shortages at election sites .
While holding a competitive presidential election during a pandemic is “ tricky business , ” the governor said , “ People are ready to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be a successful election with very few hiccups.
” In Iowa , Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz opened additional early voting sites in and around Davenport , the state ’ s third-largest city , to try to reduce the number of people casting ballots on Election Day and to keep the virus from spreading in large precincts .
“ We have to remember that there is this thing called COVID , ” Moritz said .
“ Our numbers aren ’ t getting any better .
The more people I can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pandemic ’ s recent trajectory close to home has some voters reconsidering a lifetime habit of entering a voting booth on Election Day .
Tim Tompkins , a welding engineer in Iowa , took the day off work to cast an early ballot at the Bettendorf Community Center .
Tompkins , 62 , said he and his wife , Pat , were afraid of coronavirus exposure in Election Day crowds but determined to vote , so they brought their own sanitizer to the community center Friday .
“ We ’ d go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the current president out of office , ” Tompkins said .
In some states , voting early still has carried health risks .
Voters in Georgia , Texas and elsewhere encountered hours-long lines that required congregating with hundreds of other people this week .
In Georgia , nearly a quarter of the workers in a warehouse where Fulton County ’ s election supplies are kept and voting equipment is readied tested positive for COVID-19 .
The positive test results for 13 of the preparation center ’ s 60 workers shouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rick Barron said .
Barron said Georgia ’ s most populous county is working to hire replacement staff and to implement additional safety measures , including daily rapid testing .
Voters in several Midwest states contested by U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger , former Vice President Joe Biden , encountered lines when they went to cast early ballots on Friday .
Some described the decision to vote this year as one that required deliberation and even courage .
Robert Baccus , 52 , an independent contractor from Columbus , Ohio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Franklin County Board of Elections early voting center .
He said he doesn ’ t trust voting by mail , so early voting was his best option for casting a ballot while trying to safeguard his health .
“ It ’ s a choice between life and death , really , ” said Baccus , a supporter of Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
“ We could not do it and our votes won ’ t be counted .
It ’ s a choice I ’ ve got to make for my children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a TSA worker from Columbus , said it was obvious Friday that the record virus cases Ohio reported this week had not deterred fellow voters .
“ Did you see the lines ?
There are three lines trying to get up this way , ” Howard-Penn said outside the Franklin County election board .
She also planned to vote for Biden .
At some polling places , workers wore masks , gloves and face shields .
Lines and voting stations were set up six feet apart and the stations and pens were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers are not required to wear masks everywhere .
In Kansas , the secretary of state ’ s office did not make masks mandatory at the polls , drawing objections from some voters , particularly older ones .
Election officials in Wisconsin said the state ’ s presidential primary provided lessons that were guiding current preparations .
Wisconsin held its presidential primary early in the pandemic after Democratic attempts to delay the April voting were thwarted .
Voters waited in long lines in Milwaukee and elsewhere because a worker shortage meant there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were confident they would have enough poll workers , sanitation supplies and protective gear to ensure Election Day goes smoothly and safely .
But they are also encouraging voters to cast their ballots early , if they can .
“ Our clerks and communities have learned a lot since the April election , ” Waukesha County Clerk Meg Wartman said .
“ Our community members , our voters , are a lot more confident about how they can be out ( safely ) ….I wouldn ’ t want people to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we ’ re better prepared.
” Wisconsin voter Jon Gausewitz , 37 , still plans to vote in person on Election Day .
He said that could change if the virus situation worsens where he lives outside Madison , the state capital .
“ I ’ m just watching the numbers and rates and hospitalizations , that sort of thing , to see where we ’ re at , ” Gausewitz said .
“ I ’ m still feeling pretty safe about it.
” In Ohio , county election boards have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters safe during in-person voting that began Oct. 6 , Ohio Association of Election Officials spokesman Aaron Ockerman said .
Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose updated a 61-point health and safety plan in late September that provides boards with detailed guidance on sanitation , use of personal protective gear , social distancing and other measures .
Anxiety among older Ohio voters may have helped drive the huge turnout at an online AARP-sponsored town hall with the secretary of state this week .
More than 15,000 people dialed in , peppering the elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail .
As reassurance , LaRose provided his personal email address to participants and urged them to write with questions .
Elections officials are preparing lists of reserve poll workers who are willing to be called on at the last minute .
Minnesota election officials have recruited all 30,000 poll workers they believe are needed to run the general election .
They have cross-trained numerous others , including county and city workers , as reserves in case they ’ re needed , Risikat Adesaogun , a spokeswoman for Minnesota Secretary of State Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battleground states reported no plans to close polling places , even if virus cases continue to spike .
“ Obviously , we would try to open as many polling places as possible , ” Nick Custodio , a deputy commissioner for Philadelphia ’ s election office , said .
“ We don ’ t want to close polling places unless that is what is advised.
” This story has been corrected to show the surname of a voter in Iowa is Tompkins , not Tomkins .
Associated Press writers Kate Brumback and Christina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foley in Iowa City , Iowa ; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis ; Geoff Mulvihill in Davenport , Iowa ; Anna Nichols in Lansing , Michigan ; David Pitt in Des Moines , Iowa ; and Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus , Ohio , contributed to this report .

MADISON, Wis. — Rising coronavirus cases in key presidential battleground states a little more than two weeks before Election Day are the latest worry for election officials and voters fearing chaos or exposure to the virus at polling places despite months of planning.
The prospect of poll workers backing out at the last minute because they are infected, quarantined or scared of getting sick has local election officials in Midwest states such as Iowa and Wisconsin opening more early voting locations, recruiting backup workers and encouraging voters to plan for long lines and other inconveniences.
Confirmed virus cases and deaths are on the rise in the swing states of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin broke records this week for new coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations, leading to the opening of a field hospital to handle COVID-19 patients. Gov. Tony Evers said he plans to activate the Wisconsin National Guard to fill any staffing shortages at election sites.
While holding a competitive presidential election during a pandemic is “tricky business,” the governor said, “People are ready to have this election over, and I think it will be a successful election with very few hiccups.”
In Iowa, Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz opened additional early voting sites in and around Davenport, the state’s third-largest city, to try to reduce the number of people casting ballots on Election Day and to keep the virus from spreading in large precincts.
“We have to remember that there is this thing called COVID,” Moritz said. “Our numbers aren’t getting any better. The more people I can get to early vote, the better.”
The pandemic’s recent trajectory close to home has some voters reconsidering a lifetime habit of entering a voting booth on Election Day.
Tim Tompkins, a welding engineer in Iowa, took the day off work to cast an early ballot at the Bettendorf Community Center. Tompkins, 62, said he and his wife, Pat, were afraid of coronavirus exposure in Election Day crowds but determined to vote, so they brought their own sanitizer to the community center Friday.
“We’d go through a vat of boiling COVID to get the current president out of office,” Tompkins said.
In some states, voting early still has carried health risks. Voters in Georgia, Texas and elsewhere encountered hours-long lines that required congregating with hundreds of other people this week. In Georgia, nearly a quarter of the workers in a warehouse where Fulton County’s election supplies are kept and voting equipment is readied tested positive for COVID-19.
The positive test results for 13 of the preparation center’s 60 workers shouldn’t delay election operations, county elections director Rick Barron said. Barron said Georgia’s most populous county is working to hire replacement staff and to implement additional safety measures, including daily rapid testing.
Voters in several Midwest states contested by U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden, encountered lines when they went to cast early ballots on Friday. Some described the decision to vote this year as one that required deliberation and even courage.
Robert Baccus, 52, an independent contractor from Columbus, Ohio, was among hundreds in line at the Franklin County Board of Elections early voting center. He said he doesn’t trust voting by mail, so early voting was his best option for casting a ballot while trying to safeguard his health.
“It’s a choice between life and death, really,” said Baccus, a supporter of Democratic nominee Joe Biden. “We could not do it and our votes won’t be counted. It’s a choice I’ve got to make for my children and grandchildren.”
Vickie Howard-Penn, 50, a TSA worker from Columbus, said it was obvious Friday that the record virus cases Ohio reported this week had not deterred fellow voters.
“Did you see the lines? There are three lines trying to get up this way,” Howard-Penn said outside the Franklin County election board. She also planned to vote for Biden.
At some polling places, workers wore masks, gloves and face shields. Lines and voting stations were set up six feet apart and the stations and pens were sanitized between users.
However, poll workers are not required to wear masks everywhere. In Kansas, the secretary of state’s office did not make masks mandatory at the polls, drawing objections from some voters, particularly older ones.
Election officials in Wisconsin said the state’s presidential primary provided lessons that were guiding current preparations.
Wisconsin held its presidential primary early in the pandemic after Democratic attempts to delay the April voting were thwarted. Voters waited in long lines in Milwaukee and elsewhere because a worker shortage meant there were fewer polling places.
Several election officials said they were confident they would have enough poll workers, sanitation supplies and protective gear to ensure Election Day goes smoothly and safely. But they are also encouraging voters to cast their ballots early, if they can.
“Our clerks and communities have learned a lot since the April election,” Waukesha County Clerk Meg Wartman said. “Our community members, our voters, are a lot more confident about how they can be out (safely)….I wouldn’t want people to be afraid to go to the polls because I think we’re better prepared.”
Wisconsin voter Jon Gausewitz, 37, still plans to vote in person on Election Day. He said that could change if the virus situation worsens where he lives outside Madison, the state capital.
“I’m just watching the numbers and rates and hospitalizations, that sort of thing, to see where we’re at,” Gausewitz said. “I’m still feeling pretty safe about it.”
In Ohio, county election boards have put elaborate plans in place to keep voters safe during in-person voting that began Oct. 6, Ohio Association of Election Officials spokesman Aaron Ockerman said.
Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose updated a 61-point health and safety plan in late September that provides boards with detailed guidance on sanitation, use of personal protective gear, social distancing and other measures.
Anxiety among older Ohio voters may have helped drive the huge turnout at an online AARP-sponsored town hall with the secretary of state this week. More than 15,000 people dialed in, peppering the elections chief with technical questions about voting by mail.
As reassurance, LaRose provided his personal email address to participants and urged them to write with questions. Elections officials are preparing lists of reserve poll workers who are willing to be called on at the last minute.
Minnesota election officials have recruited all 30,000 poll workers they believe are needed to run the general election. They have cross-trained numerous others, including county and city workers, as reserves in case they’re needed, Risikat Adesaogun, a spokeswoman for Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, said.
Officials in the battleground states reported no plans to close polling places, even if virus cases continue to spike.
“Obviously, we would try to open as many polling places as possible,” Nick Custodio, a deputy commissioner for Philadelphia’s election office, said. “We don’t want to close polling places unless that is what is advised.”
___
This story has been corrected to show the surname of a voter in Iowa is Tompkins, not Tomkins.
___
Associated Press writers Kate Brumback and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta; Ryan J. Foley in Iowa City, Iowa; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Geoff Mulvihill in Davenport, Iowa; Anna Nichols in Lansing, Michigan; David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa; and Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-10-17--Twitter CEO says it was wrong to block links to Biden story

Twitter was wrong to block weblinks to an unverified political story , CEO Jack Dorsey said on Friday , as the company responded to criticism over its handling of the story that had prompted cries of censorship from the right .
“ Straight blocking of URLs was wrong , and we updated our policy and enforcement to fix , ” he tweeted .
“ Our goal is to attempt to add context , and now we have capabilities to do that.
” After initially blocking people from sharing links to the story Wednesday , on Friday Twitter was letting its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served as demonstration of how quickly things can change when it comes to social media , misinformation and the coming U.S. election as companies try to navigate unprecedented times .
Dorsey was weighing in after an executive at the social media company announced changes late Thursday to its policy on hacked content following an onslaught of criticism .
Twitter will no longer remove hacked material unless it ’ s directly shared by hackers or those working with them , the company ’ s head of legal , policy , trust and safety , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thread .
And instead of blocking links from being shared , tweets will be labeled to provide context , Gadde said .
“ We want to address the concerns that there could be many unintended consequences to journalists , whistleblowers and others in ways that are contrary to Twitter ’ s purpose of serving the public conversation , ” she said .
Twitter and Facebook had moved quickly this week to limit the spread of the story published by the conservative-leaning New York Post , which cited unverified emails from Democratic presidential nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly discovered by President Donald Trump ’ s allies .
The story has not been confirmed by other publications .
San Francisco-based Twitter initially responded by banning users from sharing links to the article in tweets and direct messages because it violated the company ’ s policy prohibiting hacked content .
But it didn ’ t alert users about why they couldn ’ t share the link until hours later .
But by Friday , people were free to post the links again .
Twitter said that was because the “ once-private ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely available ” in the press and on other platforms .
Dorsey had first tweeted that it was “ unacceptable ” the company hadn ’ t provided more context around its action .
A little over 24 hours later , Gadde announced the company was making changes after receiving “ significant feedback ( from critical to supportive ) ” about how it enforced the policy .
Facebook said it was “ reducing ” the story ’ s distribution on its platform while waiting for third-party fact-checkers to verify it , something it regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned outright from its service , though it risks spreading lies or causing harm in other ways .
Trump is now incorporating Twitter ’ s action into his campaign rallies , pleading with his supporters to send a message on Election Day to what he described as “ censors.
” “ We ’ re not just running against Joe Biden .
We ’ re running against left-wing media and we ’ re running against big tech , ” Trump said .
AP Technology Writer Barbara Ortutay in Oakland , California , contributed to @ @ @

By KELVIN CHAN
Twitter was wrong to block weblinks to an unverified political story, CEO Jack Dorsey said on Friday, as the company responded to criticism over its handling of the story that had prompted cries of censorship from the right.
“Straight blocking of URLs was wrong, and we updated our policy and enforcement to fix,” he tweeted. “Our goal is to attempt to add context, and now we have capabilities to do that.”
After initially blocking people from sharing links to the story Wednesday, on Friday Twitter was letting its users to post the link. It served as demonstration of how quickly things can change when it comes to social media, misinformation and the coming U.S. election as companies try to navigate unprecedented times.
Dorsey was weighing in after an executive at the social media company announced changes late Thursday to its policy on hacked content following an onslaught of criticism.
Twitter will no longer remove hacked material unless it’s directly shared by hackers or those working with them, the company’s head of legal, policy, trust and safety, Vijaya Gadde, said in a Twitter thread.
And instead of blocking links from being shared, tweets will be labeled to provide context, Gadde said.
“We want to address the concerns that there could be many unintended consequences to journalists, whistleblowers and others in ways that are contrary to Twitter’s purpose of serving the public conversation,” she said.
Twitter and Facebook had moved quickly this week to limit the spread of the story published by the conservative-leaning New York Post, which cited unverified emails from Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s son that were reportedly discovered by President Donald Trump’s allies. The story has not been confirmed by other publications.
San Francisco-based Twitter initially responded by banning users from sharing links to the article in tweets and direct messages because it violated the company’s policy prohibiting hacked content. But it didn’t alert users about why they couldn’t share the link until hours later.
But by Friday, people were free to post the links again. Twitter said that was because the “once-private” information in the article is now “widely available” in the press and on other platforms.
Dorsey had first tweeted that it was “unacceptable” the company hadn’t provided more context around its action. A little over 24 hours later, Gadde announced the company was making changes after receiving “significant feedback (from critical to supportive)” about how it enforced the policy.
Facebook said it was “reducing” the story’s distribution on its platform while waiting for third-party fact-checkers to verify it, something it regularly does with material that’s not banned outright from its service, though it risks spreading lies or causing harm in other ways.
Trump is now incorporating Twitter’s action into his campaign rallies, pleading with his supporters to send a message on Election Day to what he described as “censors.”
“We’re not just running against Joe Biden. We’re running against left-wing media and we’re running against big tech,” Trump said.
___
AP Technology Writer Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, California, contributed to this story.


thedenverpost--2020-10-17--In head-to-head town halls, Biden beats Trump in audience

NEW YORK — It ’ s not the tally that really matters , but Joe Biden scored something of an upset over President Donald Trump .
In their dueling town halls , the Democratic presidential candidate reached more viewers on ABC than Trump did for NBC News Thursday night .
The Biden town hall reached 14.1 million people on ABC between 8 and 9 p.m. and Trump had 13.5 million combined on NBC , CNBC and MSNBC , the Nielsen company said .
It had been expected that Trump would reach more people simply because it was being seen on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lineup of liberal opinion hosts on MSNBC , Trump wasn ’ t particularly welcomed by either viewers or network personnel .
“ Well , that just happened , ” MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow said as soon as Trump ’ s town hall with Savannah Guthrie ended , proceeding to launch into a lengthy fact-check .
The Biden town hall , with questions from the audience and moderator George Stephanopoulos , lasted 90 minutes .
NBC had received sharp criticism for scheduling its event at the same time as Biden .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second debate , but the independent commission canceled it after Trump balked at doing a virtual debate .

NEW YORK — It’s not the tally that really matters, but Joe Biden scored something of an upset over President Donald Trump.
In their dueling town halls, the Democratic presidential candidate reached more viewers on ABC than Trump did for NBC News Thursday night.
The Biden town hall reached 14.1 million people on ABC between 8 and 9 p.m. and Trump had 13.5 million combined on NBC, CNBC and MSNBC, the Nielsen company said.
It had been expected that Trump would reach more people simply because it was being seen on three networks. But with a prime-time lineup of liberal opinion hosts on MSNBC, Trump wasn’t particularly welcomed by either viewers or network personnel.
“Well, that just happened,” MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow said as soon as Trump’s town hall with Savannah Guthrie ended, proceeding to launch into a lengthy fact-check.
The Biden town hall, with questions from the audience and moderator George Stephanopoulos, lasted 90 minutes.
NBC had received sharp criticism for scheduling its event at the same time as Biden. It was supposed to have been the night of the second debate, but the independent commission canceled it after Trump balked at doing a virtual debate.


thedenverpost--2020-10-17--ICE arrests 25 in Denver as part of campaign targeting “sanctuary” cities

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 25 people in Colorado as part of a nationwide enforcement operation targeting so-called sanctuary cities ahead of the November election .
More than 170 immigrants subject to potential deportation were arrested in total in Denver , Seattle , New York , Philadelphia , Baltimore and Washington , D.C. , according to an announcement from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security on Friday .
The Washington Post reported a plan Sept. 29 that would start in California and expand to other cities with “ sanctuary ” policies , including Denver .
It was described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeklong effort Oct. 5-9 focused on immigrants living in the country illegally who were arrested by local police for crimes but then released from the county jails , even though ICE wanted them detained , according to the ICE office for Colorado , Wyoming , Utah and Montana .
Officials highlighted in a news release the arrests of three Mexican citizens who were previously removed or granted voluntary removals , and the charges they faced or were convicted of , including strangulation , child abuse and felony menacing .
“ Local officials continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of public safety endangering the very people they say they are protecting , ” said John Fabbricatore , Denver field office director , in a statement .
“ We ’ ve repeatedly sent our teams into the field to arrest criminals who should have rightfully been handed to us in the safe confines of a jail .
Many of these individuals have assault charges and are dangerous to us and the community-at-large.
” Colorado law prohibits local jails and state prisons from holding anyone in jail for civil immigration arrests after they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ICE officials say that 86 % of their arrests in fiscal year 2019 were of immigrants living in the country illegally who had been convicted of crimes or were facing charges .
Immigrant rights groups denounced the roundups Friday , calling them a return to “ business as usual ” by ICE despite the pandemic .
“ There is a confirmed outbreak of COVID at their detention center in Aurora .
They are targeting essential workers in the midst of a pandemic where they are often the sole breadwinner , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition , in a statement .
“ The agency ’ s practices are part of the administration ’ s political theater and only endanger public health.
” One Colorado arrest included that of a father while he was with his 5-year-old daughter , according to CIRC .

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 25 people in Colorado as part of a nationwide enforcement operation targeting so-called sanctuary cities ahead of the November election.
More than 170 immigrants subject to potential deportation were arrested in total in Denver, Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., according to an announcement from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security on Friday.
The Washington Post reported a plan Sept. 29 that would start in California and expand to other cities with “sanctuary” policies, including Denver. It was described as a political messaging campaign.
The weeklong effort Oct. 5-9 focused on immigrants living in the country illegally who were arrested by local police for crimes but then released from the county jails, even though ICE wanted them detained, according to the ICE office for Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana. Officials highlighted in a news release the arrests of three Mexican citizens who were previously removed or granted voluntary removals, and the charges they faced or were convicted of, including strangulation, child abuse and felony menacing.
“Local officials continue to let politics get in the way of public safety endangering the very people they say they are protecting,” said John Fabbricatore, Denver field office director, in a statement. “We’ve repeatedly sent our teams into the field to arrest criminals who should have rightfully been handed to us in the safe confines of a jail. Many of these individuals have assault charges and are dangerous to us and the community-at-large.”
Colorado law prohibits local jails and state prisons from holding anyone in jail for civil immigration arrests after they’ve completed a sentence or bonded out.
ICE officials say that 86% of their arrests in fiscal year 2019 were of immigrants living in the country illegally who had been convicted of crimes or were facing charges.
Immigrant rights groups denounced the roundups Friday, calling them a return to “business as usual” by ICE despite the pandemic.
“There is a confirmed outbreak of COVID at their detention center in Aurora. They are targeting essential workers in the midst of a pandemic where they are often the sole breadwinner,” said Josh Stallings, an organizer with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, in a statement. “The agency’s practices are part of the administration’s political theater and only endanger public health.”
One Colorado arrest included that of a father while he was with his 5-year-old daughter, according to CIRC.