thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Half of Colorado’s district attorneys will be replaced after election, setting scene for future of c

Half of Colorado’s district attorneys will be replaced after election, setting scene for future of criminal justice reform

Alonzo Payne wants to eliminate cash bail in the San Luis Valley , and as soon as he becomes the region ’ s top prosecutor in January , he ’ ll be in a prime position to do exactly that .
Payne decided to challenge the incumbent district attorney in the Democratic primary in part because he saw people sit in jail for months because they couldn ’ t afford bond , while more affluent people charged with the same crimes were set free while they waited for trial .
Despite the fact he has no prosecutorial experience , Payne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election — ran because he knew he ’ d have the ability to affect widespread change as district attorney .
“ I was getting really upset at the way things were being handled , ” said Payne , who spent a brief stint as a public defender .
“ It was really criminalization of poverty .
I decided I wanted to bring some human compassion to the DA ’ s office.
” Payne is not the only candidate for district attorney this year who wants to make broad changes .
After months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice system , hundreds of thousands of Coloradans are being asked to vote on some of the most influential positions in the criminal legal system : their local district attorneys .
Voters will have a chance to choose who will set the tone for the criminal legal system in their judicial district .
With at least half of the seats poised to turn over , the results could alter how — and how quickly — change will come to Colorado ’ s criminal justice system , which has been the topic of major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ These people matter , ” said Juston Cooper , executive director of CCJRC4Action , a nonprofit organization launched in September that advocates on criminal justice policies .
“ They are the gatekeepers .
They are the reason we have mass incarceration and overcriminalization in the state , and in the country.
” District attorneys oversee all other prosecutors in their office and lead decision-making about what charges should be filed , which defendants should be offered plea deals , what kind of bonds should be requested , how trials are handled and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete rehabilitation instead of a jail or prison sentence .
They also often play a role in the statehouse and local governments regarding criminal justice policy .
At least half of the state ’ s 22 judicial districts will have new district attorneys on Jan. 1 .
Every district attorney seat is up for election this year , though many candidates and a handful of incumbents are running unopposed after victories in the primaries .
Seven races — including those for many of the large jurisdictions in the Denver area — are contested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 3 .
Some of Colorado ’ s district attorney races have drawn national attention and high-profile endorsements , like from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vermont .
A few of the districts have not seen a competitive race for district attorney in years .
Until this year , voters in the Eighth Judicial District , which covers Larimer and Jackson counties , had not had a contested district attorney race on Election Day since 1992 .
“ You ’ re seeing folks being willing to step up who are not the anointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic candidate for district attorney in the Eighth Judicial District .
“ Candidates are willing to challenge the status quo now and I think part of that is because the community is willing to challenge the status quo.
” Many of the candidates — Democrats and Republicans — are pushing for reform , Cooper said , especially focusing on programs that divert defendants from jail or prison and instead place them in specialized programs that address the underlying causes of their crime .
“ The candidates across the board , regardless of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked to capitalize on the racial reckoning , the reckoning around substance use and mental health we ’ re having , ” he said .
McLaughlin said he had to do a lot of voter education while campaigning about the role of a district attorney , but believes many people are generally more engaged with the criminal justice system as a whole because of the protests this summer .
“ I think people are starting to realize , ‘ Why don ’ t I know who my DA is ?
Who my sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? '
” McLaughlin said .
“ It ’ s brought criminal justice into the main conversation.
” That ’ s exactly the kind of education Cooper wants to provide through CCJRC4Action .
Through previous work with the affiliated Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition , Cooper found that many voters didn ’ t even know a district attorney is elected , much less what they did .
This year , CCJRC4Action created voter guides for the four contested races in populous judicial districts and hosted panels with many of the candidates .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been slowly brought into the limelight as communities across the country grapple with police violence , Cooper said .
The country has watched again and again as prosecutors fail to bring charges against officers involved in the killing of Black people — from the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in 2014 to the killing of Breonna Taylor in March — and each case has prompted a conversation about prosecutors ’ powers , Cooper said .
“ People are having this reckoning , ‘ Wait a minute , the criminal legal system is racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The conversation often defaults to police , but now they ’ re saying , ‘ What about prosecutors ?
’ ” Another crisis has also elevated the role of district attorney in Colorado — a swelling prison budget .
The budget for the Colorado Department of Corrections last year approached $ 1 billion for the first time as the inmate population continued to grow .
District attorneys impact the state budget because they help decide how many people are sent to prison and for how long , Cooper said .
“ Any time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people looking at where they ’ re dollars are going , and is it working ?
” he said .
“ You get the attention of a broader base of people.
” Payne , slated to become DA in the Eighth Judicial District in January , hopes that his district can become a testing ground for progressive change .
The district — comprised of Alamosa , Conejos , Costilla , Mineral , Rio Grande and Saguache counties — is low in population , which makes it a less expensive place to try new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope a whole bunch of country bumpkins can show liberal bastions how to get it done , ” Payne said .

Alonzo Payne wants to eliminate cash bail in the San Luis Valley, and as soon as he becomes the region’s top prosecutor in January, he’ll be in a prime position to do exactly that.
Payne decided to challenge the incumbent district attorney in the Democratic primary in part because he saw people sit in jail for months because they couldn’t afford bond, while more affluent people charged with the same crimes were set free while they waited for trial.
Despite the fact he has no prosecutorial experience, Payne — who’s unopposed in the general election — ran because he knew he’d have the ability to affect widespread change as district attorney.
“I was getting really upset at the way things were being handled,” said Payne, who spent a brief stint as a public defender. “It was really criminalization of poverty. I decided I wanted to bring some human compassion to the DA’s office.”
Payne is not the only candidate for district attorney this year who wants to make broad changes.
After months of protests about racism in the criminal justice system, hundreds of thousands of Coloradans are being asked to vote on some of the most influential positions in the criminal legal system: their local district attorneys.
Voters will have a chance to choose who will set the tone for the criminal legal system in their judicial district. With at least half of the seats poised to turn over, the results could alter how — and how quickly — change will come to Colorado’s criminal justice system, which has been the topic of major legislation over the past few years.
“These people matter,” said Juston Cooper, executive director of CCJRC4Action, a nonprofit organization launched in September that advocates on criminal justice policies. “They are the gatekeepers. They are the reason we have mass incarceration and overcriminalization in the state, and in the country.”
District attorneys oversee all other prosecutors in their office and lead decision-making about what charges should be filed, which defendants should be offered plea deals, what kind of bonds should be requested, how trials are handled and which defendants are allowed a chance to complete rehabilitation instead of a jail or prison sentence. They also often play a role in the statehouse and local governments regarding criminal justice policy.
At least half of the state’s 22 judicial districts will have new district attorneys on Jan. 1. Every district attorney seat is up for election this year, though many candidates and a handful of incumbents are running unopposed after victories in the primaries.
Seven races — including those for many of the large jurisdictions in the Denver area — are contested and will be decided by voters on Nov. 3. Some of Colorado’s district attorney races have drawn national attention and high-profile endorsements, like from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont.
A few of the districts have not seen a competitive race for district attorney in years. Until this year, voters in the Eighth Judicial District, which covers Larimer and Jackson counties, had not had a contested district attorney race on Election Day since 1992.
“You’re seeing folks being willing to step up who are not the anointed successor,” said Gordon McLaughlin, Democratic candidate for district attorney in the Eighth Judicial District. “Candidates are willing to challenge the status quo now and I think part of that is because the community is willing to challenge the status quo.”
Many of the candidates — Democrats and Republicans — are pushing for reform, Cooper said, especially focusing on programs that divert defendants from jail or prison and instead place them in specialized programs that address the underlying causes of their crime.
“The candidates across the board, regardless of the letter behind their name, have all worked to capitalize on the racial reckoning, the reckoning around substance use and mental health we’re having,” he said.
McLaughlin said he had to do a lot of voter education while campaigning about the role of a district attorney, but believes many people are generally more engaged with the criminal justice system as a whole because of the protests this summer.
“I think people are starting to realize, ‘Why don’t I know who my DA is? Who my sheriff is? Who my police chief is?'” McLaughlin said. “It’s brought criminal justice into the main conversation.”
That’s exactly the kind of education Cooper wants to provide through CCJRC4Action. Through previous work with the affiliated Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, Cooper found that many voters didn’t even know a district attorney is elected, much less what they did. This year, CCJRC4Action created voter guides for the four contested races in populous judicial districts and hosted panels with many of the candidates.
The often low-profile role many prosecutors have has been slowly brought into the limelight as communities across the country grapple with police violence, Cooper said. The country has watched again and again as prosecutors fail to bring charges against officers involved in the killing of Black people — from the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in 2014 to the killing of Breonna Taylor in March — and each case has prompted a conversation about prosecutors’ powers, Cooper said.
“People are having this reckoning, ‘Wait a minute, the criminal legal system is racist,'” Cooper said. “The conversation often defaults to police, but now they’re saying, ‘What about prosecutors?’”
Another crisis has also elevated the role of district attorney in Colorado — a swelling prison budget. The budget for the Colorado Department of Corrections last year approached $1 billion for the first time as the inmate population continued to grow. District attorneys impact the state budget because they help decide how many people are sent to prison and for how long, Cooper said.
“Any time there’s an economic pinch, people looking at where they’re dollars are going, and is it working?” he said. “You get the attention of a broader base of people.”
Payne, slated to become DA in the 12th Judicial District in January, hopes that his district can become a testing ground for progressive change. The district — comprised of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties — is low in population, which makes it a less expensive place to try new things, he said.
“I hope a whole bunch of country bumpkins can show liberal bastions how to get it done,” Payne said.
Updated 2:15 p.m. Oct. 26, 2020 This story has been corrected to report that Alonzo Payne is a candidate for district attorney in Colorado’s 12th Judicial District.


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Grading the Week: Much like a cold can of Pepsi, Ball Arena is fine

We here at Grading the Week are nothing if not serious thinkers .
Which is why we have chosen to waste no time in addressing the most important topic of week in Colorado sports scene… Nobody chooses Pepsi .
At least not with their first choice .
Generally , it ’ s something you agree to drink only after your server informs you , “ Sorry , we only carry Pepsi products.
” .
So should we really be heartbroken that Kroenke Sports and Entertainment decided to say goodbye to Pepsi Center and hello to Ball Arena ?
Probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate partners , after all .
And at least Ball Corporation is local , with headquarters in Broomfield .
Then again , we ’ re former Chicago residents who steadfastly refuse to refer to Sears Tower by anything other than the name the Good Lord gave it .
So we get it : People and places should be called by their right name .
Apt as the name might be for a basketball venue , it ’ s going to take some time before Ball Arena sounds right .
Let ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ball the wrong message .
Is it just us , or is there a new Vic Fangio in town ?
The Broncos head coach has dialed up blitzes in key moments , let his young quarterbacks chuck it all over the place ( perhaps even when he shouldn ’ t ) and generally coached to win the past couple of weeks .
It ’ s helped them ( those blitz calls , especially the last one in New England ) , and it ’ s hurt them ( four , count ’ em @ @ @ @ @ @ @ darn if it isn ’ t fun to watch .
The Grading the Week staff could get used to this new version of Vic .
We ’ re here for the entertainment .
Even if it ’ s a comedy .
Speaking of the Broncos , how about McMoney ?
Brandon McManus does not need your thin air to boot field goals from 50-plus .
Just look at what he ’ s done in the team ’ s previous two games , connecting on kicks of 52 , 53 and 54 yards ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seaboard .
We ’ re pretty sure a few of those would ’ ve been good from much longer .
It seemed weird at the time when Denver signed McManus to a four-year extension days before the 2020 season began .
Now , it looks like John Elway might ’ ve bought low .
There would ’ ve been only one defense for keeping the Rebels nickname at Denver South High School : If the powers that be had changed the mascot to Admiral Ackbar and aligned themselves with Luke Skywalker and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got the thumbs up from the Grading the Week offices .
• Nuggets journal : What clues are there for Denver ’ s No .
22 pick ?
• Nuggets Mailbag : What sort of offseason trades might Denver be able to swing ?
• After 21 years , Pepsi Center to be renamed Ball Arena as part of new partnership • Former Nuggets forward in cast of Adam Sandler ’ s Netflix film “ Hustle ” • Why Nuggets are unlikely to trade for all-stars Bradley Beal or Victor Oladipo Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t have signed off on that — grand as it may have been .
Thus , without Ackbar available , the school made the right move by retiring a nickname with clear ties to the Confederacy .
While we might have gone with something a little less offensive than the Ravens — Are we the only ones who remember Joe Flacco ’ s Mile High miracle bomb ?
— it ’ s certainly not worth making a fuss over .
Like a cold can of Pepsi , it ’ s fine @

We here at Grading the Week are nothing if not serious thinkers.
Which is why we have chosen to waste no time in addressing the most important topic of week in Colorado sports scene…
Ball Arena — C
Nobody chooses Pepsi. At least not with their first choice.
Generally, it’s something you agree to drink only after your server informs you, “Sorry, we only carry Pepsi products.”.
So should we really be heartbroken that Kroenke Sports and Entertainment decided to say goodbye to Pepsi Center and hello to Ball Arena? Probably not.
We’re only talking about corporate partners, after all. And at least Ball Corporation is local, with headquarters in Broomfield.
Then again, we’re former Chicago residents who steadfastly refuse to refer to Sears Tower by anything other than the name the Good Lord gave it. So we get it: People and places should be called by their right name.
Apt as the name might be for a basketball venue, it’s going to take some time before Ball Arena sounds right.
Let’s just hope it doesn’t send LaVar Ball the wrong message.
Vic Fangio — B+
Is it just us, or is there a new Vic Fangio in town?
The Broncos head coach has dialed up blitzes in key moments, let his young quarterbacks chuck it all over the place (perhaps even when he shouldn’t) and generally coached to win the past couple of weeks.
It’s helped them (those blitz calls, especially the last one in New England), and it’s hurt them (four, count ’em, four fourth-quarter interceptions). But darn if it isn’t fun to watch.
The Grading the Week staff could get used to this new version of Vic.
We’re here for the entertainment. Even if it’s a comedy.
Brandon McManus — A
Speaking of the Broncos, how about McMoney?
Brandon McManus does not need your thin air to boot field goals from 50-plus.
Just look at what he’s done in the team’s previous two games, connecting on kicks of 52, 53 and 54 yards (twice) while playing on the Eastern Seaboard. We’re pretty sure a few of those would’ve been good from much longer.
It seemed weird at the time when Denver signed McManus to a four-year extension days before the 2020 season began. Now, it looks like John Elway might’ve bought low.
Denver South — A-
There would’ve been only one defense for keeping the Rebels nickname at Denver South High School:
If the powers that be had changed the mascot to Admiral Ackbar and aligned themselves with Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance, they would’ve got the thumbs up from the Grading the Week offices.
Unfortunately, there’s a good chance Disney wouldn’t have signed off on that — grand as it may have been.
Thus, without Ackbar available, the school made the right move by retiring a nickname with clear ties to the Confederacy.
While we might have gone with something a little less offensive than the Ravens — Are we the only ones who remember Joe Flacco’s Mile High miracle bomb? — it’s certainly not worth making a fuss over.
Like a cold can of Pepsi, it’s fine.


thedenverpost--2020-10-25--Justin Fields, No. 5 Ohio State run away from Nebraska in opener

COLUMBUS , Ohio — Justin Fields and No .
5 Ohio State shook off the rust in the first half and then buried Nebraska the rest of the way .
Fields completed 20 of 21 passes for two touchdowns and ran for another , Master Teague III rushed for a pair of scores and the Buckeyes rolled over Nebraska 52-17 Saturday in the Big Ten teams ’ pandemic-delayed opener .
Fields , a Heisman Trophy finalist last season , completed his first 12 passes and threw for 276 yards .
He ran for another 52 — including a stunning 17-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that saw him spin past a defender and into the end zone .
His 42-yard touchdown pass to slot receiver Garrett Wilson on Ohio State ’ s second drive of the game couldn ’ t have been prettier .
The only pass he missed on , in the second quarter , may have been catchable , but Chris Olave couldn ’ t hold on in the end zone .
“ You guys saw the arm we saw , ” Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller said .
“ He ’ s making throws guys on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 104 yards , and Wilson had seven for 129 .
The Ohio State defense took most of the first half to figure out a way to contain quarterback Adrian Martinez , who marched the Huskers down for a touchdown in the opening 2 minutes of the game .
Nebraska tied it at 14 in the second quarter , but an Ohio State field goal , a defensive stop and Teague ’ s second TD run gave the Buckeyes a 24-14 lead at the half .
Then came Fields ’ nifty touchdown run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks , and Ohio State had it under control .
“ That ’ s one heck of a run right there , ” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said .
“ It ’ s the best way you can end a half and start a half , and I thought it flipped the game.
” Nebraska : Effective against the Ohio State defense to start the game , the Huskers couldn ’ t keep up .
But Martinez showed flashes of his excellent freshman season in 2018 , rushing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Braden Miller , Kaden Weatherby continue Eaglecrest tradition of elite offensive linemen : “ We call them the twins ” • Colorado season preview : Game-by-game predictions , program trajectory , coach and quarterback assessment and more • LSU working with NCAA to self-impose penalties for football • Steve Addazio “ disappointed ” CSU Rams couldn ’ t find replacement for New Mexico , turning page to Fresno State “ The first half I thought we did a pretty good job , ” Martinez said .
“ We came out aggressive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second half but made mistakes that we can ’ t make against a really good team in Ohio State .
” Ohio State : Once they got going , Fields made good decisions and Buckeyes receivers were terrific .
The defense gave up some chunk plays that kept Nebraska in the game early but tightened up .
Now that voters have finally gotten a look at the stacked Buckeyes , there could be some more love on the way .
SORRY ABOUT THAT Day said he would text Nebraska coach Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which came on freshman quarterback Jack Miller III ’ s 2-yard run with 18 seconds left and the Buckeyes leading by 28 points .
“ At the end of the game , if I could do that again , I would have taken a knee , ” Day said .
“ I feel bad about that at the end of the game .
I had a younger quarterback in the game and didn ’ t feel like we had the personnel to take the knee , and I probably should have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologize for that to Scott.
” If there was a concern offensively for Ohio State , it was the inability to get running backs to the second level for significant gains .
Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon was the leading rusher with just 55 yards , although Teague got the touchdown carries , scoring from 1 yard and 6 yards .
Olave went out after a hard hit in the third quarter and did not return .
Day didn ’ t have any information on his condition after the game .
Ohio State players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a specially designed pre-game tshirt .
Stickers on Nebraska helmets paid tribute to George Flippin , the first African American football player for the University of Nebraska .
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith predicted a “ weird ” atmosphere in Ohio Stadium , and he wasn ’ t kidding .
Because of coronavirus restrictions , there were just 1,344 people in the 105,000-capacity venue , counting staff and media .
Family and friends of players and coaches were spread out in the lower deck .
Even with 4,700 cutouts the place looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band and no “ script Ohio , ” which has been tradition at home games for 84 years .
It is believed to be the smallest crowd to watch an Ohio State game since sometime before 1910 .
Ohio State : Faces No .
8 Penn State on the road .

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Justin Fields and No. 5 Ohio State shook off the rust in the first half and then buried Nebraska the rest of the way.
Fields completed 20 of 21 passes for two touchdowns and ran for another, Master Teague III rushed for a pair of scores and the Buckeyes rolled over Nebraska 52-17 Saturday in the Big Ten teams’ pandemic-delayed opener.
Fields, a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, completed his first 12 passes and threw for 276 yards. He ran for another 52 — including a stunning 17-yard third-quarter touchdown scramble around the left side that saw him spin past a defender and into the end zone.
His 42-yard touchdown pass to slot receiver Garrett Wilson on Ohio State’s second drive of the game couldn’t have been prettier. The only pass he missed on, in the second quarter, may have been catchable, but Chris Olave couldn’t hold on in the end zone.
“You guys saw the arm we saw,” Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller said. “He’s making throws guys on Sundays make.”
Olave caught six passes for 104 yards, and Wilson had seven for 129.
The Ohio State defense took most of the first half to figure out a way to contain quarterback Adrian Martinez, who marched the Huskers down for a touchdown in the opening 2 minutes of the game.
Nebraska tied it at 14 in the second quarter, but an Ohio State field goal, a defensive stop and Teague’s second TD run gave the Buckeyes a 24-14 lead at the half. Then came Fields’ nifty touchdown run and a 55-yard scoop and score by Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks, and Ohio State had it under control.
“That’s one heck of a run right there,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “It’s the best way you can end a half and start a half, and I thought it flipped the game.”
THE TAKEAWAY
Nebraska: Effective against the Ohio State defense to start the game, the Huskers couldn’t keep up. But Martinez showed flashes of his excellent freshman season in 2018, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown.
“The first half I thought we did a pretty good job,” Martinez said. “We came out aggressive, and I think we continued to do that in the second half but made mistakes that we can’t make against a really good team in Ohio State. ”
Ohio State: Once they got going, Fields made good decisions and Buckeyes receivers were terrific. The defense gave up some chunk plays that kept Nebraska in the game early but tightened up.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Now that voters have finally gotten a look at the stacked Buckeyes, there could be some more love on the way.
SORRY ABOUT THAT
Day said he would text Nebraska coach Scott Frost to apologize for the last touchdown, which came on freshman quarterback Jack Miller III’s 2-yard run with 18 seconds left and the Buckeyes leading by 28 points.
“At the end of the game, if I could do that again, I would have taken a knee,” Day said. “I feel bad about that at the end of the game. I had a younger quarterback in the game and didn’t feel like we had the personnel to take the knee, and I probably should have done that. I just want to publicly apologize for that to Scott.”
RUN GAME STUCK
If there was a concern offensively for Ohio State, it was the inability to get running backs to the second level for significant gains. Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon was the leading rusher with just 55 yards, although Teague got the touchdown carries, scoring from 1 yard and 6 yards.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Olave went out after a hard hit in the third quarter and did not return. Day didn’t have any information on his condition after the game.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Ohio State players wore “Equality” helmet stickers and a specially designed pre-game tshirt. Stickers on Nebraska helmets paid tribute to George Flippin, the first African American football player for the University of Nebraska.
“WEIRD” ATMOSPHERE
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith predicted a “weird” atmosphere in Ohio Stadium, and he wasn’t kidding. Because of coronavirus restrictions, there were just 1,344 people in the 105,000-capacity venue, counting staff and media. Family and friends of players and coaches were spread out in the lower deck. Even with 4,700 cutouts the place looked empty. No cheerleaders, no marching band and no “script Ohio,” which has been tradition at home games for 84 years. It is believed to be the smallest crowd to watch an Ohio State game since sometime before 1910.
UP NEXT
Nebraska: Hosts No. 14 Wisconsin.
Ohio State: Faces No. 8 Penn State on the road.


thedenverpost--2020-10-25--CU Buffs’ Antonio Alfano battling epilepsy

A battle with epilepsy has kept highly touted defensive end Antonio Alfano from being cleared to practice with the Colorado football team .
Earlier this week , CU head coach Karl Dorrell told media , “ We don ’ t quite have a handle on his medical situation well enough to be released to practice and to compete right now.
” HIPAA laws have prevented CU from giving information on Alfano ’ s health , but Alfano reached out to BuffZone to provide clarity to his situation .
“ My seizures are not under control right now , so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure out what is causing them , ” he said in a message to BuffZone .
“ I can not practice or compete until I ’ m seizure free.
” Rated the No .
1 recruit in the country for the 2019 class by 247Sports.com , Alfano , from Rahway , N.J. , signed with Alabama and enrolled there in January of 2019 .
After going through the 2019 spring semester and fall camp with the Crimson Tide , he left the team and entered the NCAA transfer portal about a year ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then recruited Alfano , who announced his decision last November to come to CU .
Last winter , Alfano , a redshirt freshman , told BuffZone that while he was at Alabama , his grandmother , Victoria Richardson , had a stroke and went into a coma .
Alfano was very close with his grandmother and it became difficult to focus on football because of her health .
Richardson died Nov. 29 and Alfano came to CU looking to play in her honor .
Less than six weeks after Alfano ’ s arrival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Michigan State and defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh left for Tennessee .
Shortly after Dorrell was hired on Feb. 23 , Alfano was “ suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules.
” His battle with epilepsy also prevented him from completing the spring semester academically .
In August , Dorrell told BuffZone that Alfano had been reinstated after doing well in summer classes and taking care of what was required to return to the team .
“ I ’ m going to give him credit , ” Dorrell said in August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ I want to be a football player and I want to be at the University of Colorado .
What do I need to do , coach ?
’ So , I mapped it out for him and he was able to come through with all of it.
” At this time , however , Alfano ’ s seizures are preventing him from participating with the Buffs .
In addition , CU and Alfano are still waiting to hear back from the NCAA on a transfer waiver that would allow him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared medically .
CU is scheduled to open its seven-game season Nov. 7 against UCLA at Folsom Field .

A battle with epilepsy has kept highly touted defensive end Antonio Alfano from being cleared to practice with the Colorado football team.
Earlier this week, CU head coach Karl Dorrell told media, “We don’t quite have a handle on his medical situation well enough to be released to practice and to compete right now.”
HIPAA laws have prevented CU from giving information on Alfano’s health, but Alfano reached out to BuffZone to provide clarity to his situation.
“My seizures are not under control right now, so I’m working with multiple doctors to figure out what is causing them,” he said in a message to BuffZone. “I cannot practice or compete until I’m seizure free.”
Rated the No. 1 recruit in the country for the 2019 class by 247Sports.com, Alfano, from Rahway, N.J., signed with Alabama and enrolled there in January of 2019.
After going through the 2019 spring semester and fall camp with the Crimson Tide, he left the team and entered the NCAA transfer portal about a year ago. Former CU head coach Mel Tucker then recruited Alfano, who announced his decision last November to come to CU.
Last winter, Alfano, a redshirt freshman, told BuffZone that while he was at Alabama, his grandmother, Victoria Richardson, had a stroke and went into a coma. Alfano was very close with his grandmother and it became difficult to focus on football because of her health. Richardson died Nov. 29 and Alfano came to CU looking to play in her honor.
Less than six weeks after Alfano’s arrival in Boulder, however, Tucker bolted for Michigan State and defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh left for Tennessee. Shortly after Dorrell was hired on Feb. 23, Alfano was “suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules.” His battle with epilepsy also prevented him from completing the spring semester academically.
In August, Dorrell told BuffZone that Alfano had been reinstated after doing well in summer classes and taking care of what was required to return to the team.
“I’m going to give him credit,” Dorrell said in August, “because he buckled down and said, ‘I want to be a football player and I want to be at the University of Colorado. What do I need to do, coach?’ So, I mapped it out for him and he was able to come through with all of it.”
At this time, however, Alfano’s seizures are preventing him from participating with the Buffs.
In addition, CU and Alfano are still waiting to hear back from the NCAA on a transfer waiver that would allow him to compete this year if he’s cleared medically.
CU is scheduled to open its seven-game season Nov. 7 against UCLA at Folsom Field.


thedenverpost--2020-10-25--Freshmen from CU Buffs men’s basketball adjusting to college life in pandemic era

For Luke O ’ Brien , the first few months of college have found the Columbine High School graduate often making a beeline from practice at the CU Events Center back to his room as quickly as possible .
Instead of rushing across campus to get to class on time , fellow freshman Jabari Walker frequently finds himself simply logging on to his class from the locker room , still sweating from that day ’ s workout .
Adjusting to college life isn ’ t easy for any freshman , basketball component notwithstanding .
But in the dawning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acclimated has presented challenges to the freshmen on the CU men ’ s basketball team unlike anything their older teammates had to face when they were bright-eyed newcomers .
“ It ’ s been tough in that sense , ” O ’ Brien said .
“ I ’ ve been really careful of trying not to get COVID , so I ’ ve been in my room right after practice and stuff .
That way I ’ m safe from all the stuff I can get .
So it ’ s been tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got to make sacrifices to help the team and not bring that stuff in here.
” The Buffs ’ talented and intriguing quartet of true freshmen — Walker , O ’ Brien , Nique Clifford and Tristan da Silva — haven ’ t needed to find their way around campus much , as the Buffs are taking the bulk of their classes online .
Their summer and fall workouts , which are critical for newcomers to start getting accustomed to the speed and intensity of the game at the Pac-12 level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and within small groups .
Head coach Tad Boyle admitted this week information is getting thrown at the freshmen at a dizzying pace .
“ It ’ s definitely different this year , ” Walker said .
“ It ’ s a lot easier being on Zoom .
I kind of recognize that .
You don ’ t have to go from practice to class .
You just log on and we usually do some of the classes from here .
That ’ s a little bit easier .
Just having that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to log on to a Zoom class after practice , being tired .
You still have to get that knowledge and get all the information that they ’ re giving you .
Do your homework , even when you ’ re tired .
And you ’ ve got to be ready to wake up the next morning and work .
It can be mentally draining , but I signed up for it and I ’ m ready for it.
” Clifford this week said they have dubbed the freshman quartet “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be seen just how the newcomers will fit into the rotation .
Without the freshmen , Boyle ’ s rotation already has seven players slotted for roles in McKinley Wright IV , D ’ Shawn Schwartz , Evan Battey , Eli Parquet , Keeshawn Barthelemy , Jeriah Horne and Dallas Walton .
Because of somewhat tenuous depth in the frontcourt , Walker appears destined to be part of the forward rotation .
And Clifford ’ s immense raw talent will be difficult to keep off the floor .
That likely will leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior Maddox Daniels for minutes as bigger wings off the bench behind Schwartz .
“ It ’ s definitely been an adjustment , ” Clifford said .
“ We can ’ t get into the gym all the time and get shots up do other things that we usually would be able to .
So that ’ s a little tough .
So that means I have to do a little extra on my own .
Watching film and stuff , coming in on my off days , just doing all the little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the game since I ’ m a freshman and catch up to the guys who have been here .
It ’ s definitely been tough with all the COVID stuff .
We got shut down at one point , so we weren ’ t even in the gym for two weeks .
So we were doing workouts outside and stuff , just doing anything we can to stay in shape and get ready for the season .
”

For Luke O’Brien, the first few months of college have found the Columbine High School graduate often making a beeline from practice at the CU Events Center back to his room as quickly as possible.
Instead of rushing across campus to get to class on time, fellow freshman Jabari Walker frequently finds himself simply logging on to his class from the locker room, still sweating from that day’s workout.
Adjusting to college life isn’t easy for any freshman, basketball component notwithstanding. But in the dawning of the pandemic era of college basketball, getting acclimated has presented challenges to the freshmen on the CU men’s basketball team unlike anything their older teammates had to face when they were bright-eyed newcomers.
“It’s been tough in that sense,” O’Brien said. “I’ve been really careful of trying not to get COVID, so I’ve been in my room right after practice and stuff. That way I’m safe from all the stuff I can get. So it’s been tough in that sense. But sometimes I’ve got to make sacrifices to help the team and not bring that stuff in here.”
The Buffs’ talented and intriguing quartet of true freshmen — Walker, O’Brien, Nique Clifford and Tristan da Silva — haven’t needed to find their way around campus much, as the Buffs are taking the bulk of their classes online. Their summer and fall workouts, which are critical for newcomers to start getting accustomed to the speed and intensity of the game at the Pac-12 level, occurred in fits and starts, and within small groups. Head coach Tad Boyle admitted this week information is getting thrown at the freshmen at a dizzying pace.
“It’s definitely different this year,” Walker said. “It’s a lot easier being on Zoom. I kind of recognize that. You don’t have to go from practice to class. You just log on and we usually do some of the classes from here. That’s a little bit easier. Just having that time management. Sometimes you don’t want to log on to a Zoom class after practice, being tired. You still have to get that knowledge and get all the information that they’re giving you. Do your homework, even when you’re tired. And you’ve got to be ready to wake up the next morning and work. It can be mentally draining, but I signed up for it and I’m ready for it.”
Clifford this week said they have dubbed the freshman quartet “The Fantastic Four,” but it remains to be seen just how the newcomers will fit into the rotation.
Without the freshmen, Boyle’s rotation already has seven players slotted for roles in McKinley Wright IV, D’Shawn Schwartz, Evan Battey, Eli Parquet, Keeshawn Barthelemy, Jeriah Horne and Dallas Walton. Because of somewhat tenuous depth in the frontcourt, Walker appears destined to be part of the forward rotation. And Clifford’s immense raw talent will be difficult to keep off the floor. That likely will leave da Silva and O’Brien battling senior Maddox Daniels for minutes as bigger wings off the bench behind Schwartz.
“It’s definitely been an adjustment,” Clifford said. “We can’t get into the gym all the time and get shots up do other things that we usually would be able to. So that’s a little tough. So that means I have to do a little extra on my own. Watching film and stuff, coming in on my off days, just doing all the little stuff to prepare me to be ahead of the game since I’m a freshman and catch up to the guys who have been here. It’s definitely been tough with all the COVID stuff. We got shut down at one point, so we weren’t even in the gym for two weeks. So we were doing workouts outside and stuff, just doing anything we can to stay in shape and get ready for the season.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-25--Small airplane crash-lands on Airport Road in Longmont

A small yellow two-person plane crash-landed on a field near Airport Road shortly after take-off about 11:15 a.m. Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ the roadway , according to Longmont police Sgt .
Colin Jessen .
The pilot , @ @ @ @ @ flying as a student , received minor injuries and went to Longmont United Hospital as @ @ @ @ @ .
His passenger , the instructor , wasn ’ t injured .
The plane had @ @ @ @ @ and collided with an airport sign on the runway as it was lifting off , @ @ @ @ @ attempted to steer the plane back toward the airport , but didn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ landed in the field , he said .
The plane came to rest partially on @ @ @ @ @ Public Works building .
The road was closed northbound for about an hour while the @ @ @ @ @ plane moved , Jessen said .

A small yellow two-person plane crash-landed on a field near Airport Road shortly after take-off about 11:15 a.m. Saturday, coming to rest partially in the roadway, according to Longmont police Sgt. Colin Jessen.
The pilot, a 47-year-old man who was flying as a student, received minor injuries and went to Longmont United Hospital as a precaution, Jessen said. His passenger, the instructor, wasn’t injured.
The plane had a mechanical problem at take-off and collided with an airport sign on the runway as it was lifting off, Jessen said. The pilot attempted to steer the plane back toward the airport, but didn’t have enough altitude or speed and landed in the field, he said.
The plane came to rest partially on the roadway near the Longmont Public Works building. The road was closed northbound for about an hour while the crash was investigated and the plane moved, Jessen said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Kiszla: When are these young Broncos going to stop making excuses and start scoring touchdowns?

The Broncos offense is running out of scapegoats and excuses .
“ As a quarterback , you pretty much feel that pressure every single game to put up points , ” said Denver quarterback Drew Lock , who has averaged 20.0 points per game in his eight NFL starts .
Way back in 2018 , when Vance Joseph was the coach and Case Keenum was the quarterback , the Broncos averaged 20.6 points per game .
Patience is required for an NFL team with a young quarterback .
But progress has been painstakingly slow .
Although director of football operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrounding Lock with talent , the Broncos have been so hesitant to turn Lock loose it sometimes feels as if he ’ s wearing the same old shackles coach Dan Reeves clamped on Elway way back in the 1980s .
Ranked near the bottom of the 32-team NFL in nearly every meaningful statistical category from yards per play to red-zone efficiency , what ’ s the excuse for Denver ’ s lack of offensive production now ?
It can ’ t be quarterback Joe Flacco .
He ’ s long gone .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Jets , Flacco has thrown one touchdown pass this season , which ties him with Lock in that category .
Remember when everything was the fault of either offensive tackle Garett Bolles or offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello ?
Well , Bolles is playing as if feeding his family depended on it .
Although coach Vic Fangio dumped Scangarello for Pat Shurmur , the Broncos look still uncoordinated on offense .
Injuries , especially the dings that cost Lock two starts and sent No .
1 receiver Courtland Sutton to the sideline for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly played a role in the Broncos averaging 28.39 yards per drive , which ranks ahead of only the Jets and Washington .
But Shurmur has yet to optimize the talent of first-round draft pick Jerry Jeudy or find a way to make Lock any more productive than backups Jeff Driskel or Brett Rypien .
“ We know our plays , we know our scripts , ” Lock said .
“ We know everything to be able to go out there and play big and take our shots.
” With the reigning Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maybe now would be a good time for the Denver offense to come up big , because field goals won ’ t beat the Chiefs .
A point Broncos coach Vic Fangio made way back in February still holds true : You ’ ve got to score big to beat K.C .
• Kickin ’ It with Kiz : Is Ball Arena another example of Kroenke family loving Nuggets more than Avs ?
• Kiszla : Drew Lock talks like gunslinger , but produces like game manager .
That won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West arms race .
• Lunch Special : Could the Broncos be playoff-bound with Drew Lock back ?
• Kiszla : When Phillip Lindsay runs for 100 yards , Broncos don ’ t lose .
Pay him , John Elway , before Lindsay makes “ business decision ” to play in another NFL city .
• Kiszla : Best outcome for Broncos in New England ?
Game isn ’ t super-spreader event for two NFL teams stung by COVID .
Since the outset of the 2018 NFL season , Kansas City ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 33-10 .
In those 10 losses , opponents scored an average of 34.9 points .
In his brief pro career , Lock has thrown for more 300 yards only once and led the Broncos to more than 30 points only once , reaching both achievements in a victory at Houston in December .
It was an outstanding performance he hasn ’ t been able to replicate .
A week after dropping three TD passes on the Texans , Lock returned to his home state of Missouri and bombed , producing only three points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shurmur seems like a coordinator in search of an offensive identity .
Does he truly have a vision of how to utilize both Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon effectively in the same game ?
In the absence of Sutton , it ’ s a mystery why the Broncos have not leaned on more big plays from Jeudy , in the manner Minnesota depends on rookie Justin Jefferson or Dallas features first-year receiver CeeDee Lamb .
Are Lock , Jeudy and the young Broncos ready to match Kanas City point for point on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game is a measuring stick .
You guys know better than anybody that we lead seven-day lives in this football world and everything depends upon what you did the last week and then what ’ s going to happen in the upcoming game , ” Fangio said .
A loss to Kansas City erases the momentum from wins against the Jets and Patriots .
Denver , however , can legitimately talk about rising from the ashes of an 0-3 start with a victory against the Chiefs .
“ We obviously respect the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are .
They ’ re the defending champs , ” Fangio said .
“ I ’ ve said it before that they were an offsides penalty in the 2019 AFC Championship game from probably winning that Super Bowl and going for a three-peat ( this year ) instead of a repeat .
They ’ ve won the division five years in a row.
” Maybe it ’ s too much too soon to expect Lock , 23 , and Jeudy , 21 , to beat the Chiefs , which would be Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl 50 .
But Mahomes was the NFL ’ s most valuable player at age 23 and the league champ only 12 months later .
True greatness grows up fast .

The Broncos offense is running out of scapegoats and excuses.
“As a quarterback, you pretty much feel that pressure every single game to put up points,” said Denver quarterback Drew Lock, who has averaged 20.0 points per game in his eight NFL starts.
Way back in 2018, when Vance Joseph was the coach and Case Keenum was the quarterback, the Broncos averaged 20.6 points per game.
Patience is required for an NFL team with a young quarterback. But progress has been painstakingly slow. Although director of football operations John Elway dedicated the 2020 draft to surrounding Lock with talent, the Broncos have been so hesitant to turn Lock loose it sometimes feels as if he’s wearing the same old shackles coach Dan Reeves clamped on Elway way back in the 1980s.
Ranked near the bottom of the 32-team NFL in nearly every meaningful statistical category from yards per play to red-zone efficiency, what’s the excuse for Denver’s lack of offensive production now?
It can’t be quarterback Joe Flacco. He’s long gone. But as a backup quarterback for the New York Jets, Flacco has thrown one touchdown pass this season, which ties him with Lock in that category.
Remember when everything was the fault of either offensive tackle Garett Bolles or offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello? Well, Bolles is playing as if feeding his family depended on it. Although coach Vic Fangio dumped Scangarello for Pat Shurmur, the Broncos look still uncoordinated on offense.
Injuries, especially the dings that cost Lock two starts and sent No. 1 receiver Courtland Sutton to the sideline for the remainder of this season, have certainly played a role in the Broncos averaging 28.39 yards per drive, which ranks ahead of only the Jets and Washington.
But Shurmur has yet to optimize the talent of first-round draft pick Jerry Jeudy or find a way to make Lock any more productive than backups Jeff Driskel or Brett Rypien.
“We know our plays, we know our scripts,” Lock said. “We know everything to be able to go out there and play big and take our shots.”
With the reigning Super Bowl champs on the scene in Denver, maybe now would be a good time for the Denver offense to come up big, because field goals won’t beat the Chiefs. A point Broncos coach Vic Fangio made way back in February still holds true: You’ve got to score big to beat K.C.
Since the outset of the 2018 NFL season, Kansas City’s record during regular-season and playoff games is 33-10. In those 10 losses, opponents scored an average of 34.9 points.
In his brief pro career, Lock has thrown for more 300 yards only once and led the Broncos to more than 30 points only once, reaching both achievements in a victory at Houston in December. It was an outstanding performance he hasn’t been able to replicate. A week after dropping three TD passes on the Texans, Lock returned to his home state of Missouri and bombed, producing only three points while completing 18-of-40 passes against the Chiefs.
Shurmur seems like a coordinator in search of an offensive identity. Does he truly have a vision of how to utilize both Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon effectively in the same game? In the absence of Sutton, it’s a mystery why the Broncos have not leaned on more big plays from Jeudy, in the manner Minnesota depends on rookie Justin Jefferson or Dallas features first-year receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Are Lock, Jeudy and the young Broncos ready to match Kanas City point for point on the scoreboard?
“I think every game is a measuring stick. You guys know better than anybody that we lead seven-day lives in this football world and everything depends upon what you did the last week and then what’s going to happen in the upcoming game,” Fangio said.
A loss to Kansas City erases the momentum from wins against the Jets and Patriots. Denver, however, can legitimately talk about rising from the ashes of an 0-3 start with a victory against the Chiefs.
“We obviously respect the fact that these guys are as good as they are. They’re the defending champs,” Fangio said. “I’ve said it before that they were an offsides penalty in the 2019 AFC Championship game from probably winning that Super Bowl and going for a three-peat (this year) instead of a repeat. They’ve won the division five years in a row.”
Maybe it’s too much too soon to expect Lock, 23, and Jeudy, 21, to beat the Chiefs, which would be Denver’s most meaningful victory since Super Bowl 50.
But Mahomes was the NFL’s most valuable player at age 23 and the league champ only 12 months later. True greatness grows up fast.


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Khabib Nurmagomedov stops Justin Gaethje, announces retirement at UFC 254

ABU DHABI , United Arab Emirates — Unbeaten lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts after stopping Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke early in the second round at UFC 254 on Saturday night .
Nurmagomedov ( 29-0 ) made the announcement immediately after he impressively finished his first fight since the death of his father and lifelong coach in July .
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had a heart problem exacerbated by COVID-19 , and his son was overcome by tears in the cage moments after choking Gaethje unconscious 1:34 into the second round of his third UFC title defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Nurmagomedov said .
“ There ’ s no way I ’ m going to be back without my father .
I spoke to my mother .
She don ’ t know how I fight without father , but I promised it ’ s going to be my last fight , and if I give my word , I have to follow it.
” The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov was active with strikes and with grappling against Gaethje ( 22-3 ) , the dangerous brawler who had knocked out four consecutive elite opponents while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title .
After spending the first round largely trading punches and kicks with the aggressive Gaethje , Nurmagomedov used his unparalleled wrestling skills to take down Gaethje early in the second round and then worked into position for the finishing choke .
Gaethje appeared to tap out at least twice before the referee noticed and stopped the bout , by which time Gaethje was unconscious .
He bounced up quickly and shared a moment of mutual respect with the dominant Russian champion .
“ I know he was in a bad spot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did what he needed to do , ” Gaethje said .
“ I know his father is so proud.
” Also at UFC 254 , former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker made his case for another title shot with a solid unanimous decision over fellow contender Jared Cannonier in the penultimate bout on Fight Island .
Nurmagomedov ’ s first fight in 13 months would be an appropriate farewell for one of the most dynamic competitors in recent MMA history .
The Dagestan-born grappling specialist developed a well-rounded game under the tutelage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gym , culminating in his ascent to the UFC title in 2018 .
Nurmagomedov stopped Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier in his next two bouts before his yearlong absence from competition .
His victory over McGregor made him one of the world ’ s most famous combat sports athletes , and the UFC scheduled this pay-per-view show at an earlier-than-normal time to cater to his vast fan base in Russia and Europe .
But Nurmagomedov has spoken of retirement before , and his announcement confirmed he is finished with the sport after running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Dustin and Conor are going to fight in January , ” Nurmagomedov said , referring to the probable meeting between the former contenders at UFC 257 .
“ I choked them both out .
I ’ m not interested in this.
” Earlier , Whittaker ( 22-5 ) gave a disciplined , active performance with impressive striking to earn his second straight UFC victory since losing his title to Israel Adesanya in late 2019 .
Capping his effort by dropping Cannonier with a combination midway through the final round , Whittaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scorecard while soundly outstriking Cannonier ( 13-5 ) , who took his first loss in nearly 2 1/2 years .
Whittaker likely earned a chance at a rematch with Adesanya with the victory , but he didn ’ t call out the champion after his bout , instead expressing only excitement about returning home to put up his family ’ s Christmas tree .
Whittaker withdrew from a bout with Cannonier scheduled for March in Las Vegas because he felt burned out on MMA .
“ I ’ m very happy it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We got the result we wanted .
Work ’ s done , baby .
I ’ m coming home.
” Earlier in the show , Russian heavyweight Alexander Volkov stopped Walt Harris with a kick to the chest and punches on the ground 1:15 into the second round .
Flyweight Lauren Murphy also bolstered her case for a title shot with a second-round stoppage of Liliya Shakirova by rear naked choke for her fourth straight victory .
UFC 254 was the last of five shows in a month inside the promotion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UFC , which paused competition for only eight weeks early in the coronavirus pandemic , returns to its hometown next week to begin a series of at least five consecutive shows on its corporate campus in Las Vegas .

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Unbeaten lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts after stopping Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke early in the second round at UFC 254 on Saturday night.
Nurmagomedov (29-0) made the announcement immediately after he impressively finished his first fight since the death of his father and lifelong coach in July. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had a heart problem exacerbated by COVID-19, and his son was overcome by tears in the cage moments after choking Gaethje unconscious 1:34 into the second round of his third UFC title defense.
“This is my last fight,” Nurmagomedov said. “There’s no way I’m going to be back without my father. I spoke to my mother. She don’t know how I fight without father, but I promised it’s going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow it.”
The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov was active with strikes and with grappling against Gaethje (22-3), the dangerous brawler who had knocked out four consecutive elite opponents while winning the UFC’s interim lightweight title.
After spending the first round largely trading punches and kicks with the aggressive Gaethje, Nurmagomedov used his unparalleled wrestling skills to take down Gaethje early in the second round and then worked into position for the finishing choke.
Gaethje appeared to tap out at least twice before the referee noticed and stopped the bout, by which time Gaethje was unconscious. He bounced up quickly and shared a moment of mutual respect with the dominant Russian champion.
“I know he was in a bad spot, but whether he was or not, he did what he needed to do,” Gaethje said. “I know his father is so proud.”
Also at UFC 254, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker made his case for another title shot with a solid unanimous decision over fellow contender Jared Cannonier in the penultimate bout on Fight Island.
Nurmagomedov’s first fight in 13 months would be an appropriate farewell for one of the most dynamic competitors in recent MMA history. The Dagestan-born grappling specialist developed a well-rounded game under the tutelage of his father and a Bay Area-based MMA gym, culminating in his ascent to the UFC title in 2018.
Nurmagomedov stopped Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier in his next two bouts before his yearlong absence from competition. His victory over McGregor made him one of the world’s most famous combat sports athletes, and the UFC scheduled this pay-per-view show at an earlier-than-normal time to cater to his vast fan base in Russia and Europe.
But Nurmagomedov has spoken of retirement before, and his announcement confirmed he is finished with the sport after running through most of the UFC lightweight division.
“Dustin and Conor are going to fight in January,” Nurmagomedov said, referring to the probable meeting between the former contenders at UFC 257. “I choked them both out. I’m not interested in this.”
Earlier, Whittaker (22-5) gave a disciplined, active performance with impressive striking to earn his second straight UFC victory since losing his title to Israel Adesanya in late 2019.
Capping his effort by dropping Cannonier with a combination midway through the final round, Whittaker won two of three rounds on every scorecard while soundly outstriking Cannonier (13-5), who took his first loss in nearly 2 1/2 years.
Whittaker likely earned a chance at a rematch with Adesanya with the victory, but he didn’t call out the champion after his bout, instead expressing only excitement about returning home to put up his family’s Christmas tree. Whittaker withdrew from a bout with Cannonier scheduled for March in Las Vegas because he felt burned out on MMA.
“I’m very happy it’s all over,” Whittaker said. “We got the result we wanted. Work’s done, baby. I’m coming home.”
Earlier in the show, Russian heavyweight Alexander Volkov stopped Walt Harris with a kick to the chest and punches on the ground 1:15 into the second round. Flyweight Lauren Murphy also bolstered her case for a title shot with a second-round stoppage of Liliya Shakirova by rear naked choke for her fourth straight victory.
UFC 254 was the last of five shows in a month inside the promotion’s secure bubble on Yas Island. The UFC, which paused competition for only eight weeks early in the coronavirus pandemic, returns to its hometown next week to begin a series of at least five consecutive shows on its corporate campus in Las Vegas.
___
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thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Here’s how much snow you might see during the weekend storm

As fires continue to burn at historic levels throughout the state , some relief is on its way .
But @ @ @ @ @ widely , according to the National Weather Service in Boulder .
Denver ’ s expected @ @ @ @ @ and 10 inches .
In Estes Park , where further evacuation issues were ordered Saturday @ @ @ @ @ pushed toward town , forecasters are calling for between 3 and 10 inches .
Fraser @ @ @ @ @ Fort Collins and Boulder , meanwhile , could see up to a foot of snow @ @ @ @ @ in effect from Sunday into Monday morning for the mountains , foothill and much of @ @ @ @ @ while the Eastern Plains will be under a winter weather advisory .

As fires continue to burn at historic levels throughout the state, some relief is on its way.
But the expected snow totals vary widely, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.
Denver’s expected forecast calls for between 6 and 10 inches. In Estes Park, where further evacuation issues were ordered Saturday as the East Troublesome fire pushed toward town, forecasters are calling for between 3 and 10 inches. Fraser could see similar totals.
Fort Collins and Boulder, meanwhile, could see up to a foot of snow.
Winter storm warnings are in effect from Sunday into Monday morning for the mountains, foothill and much of the Interstate 25 corridor, while the Eastern Plains will be under a winter weather advisory.


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Saunders: Weighing in on expanded playoffs, three-batter minimum and “California tie-breaker”

The coronavirus pandemic forced a 60-game season , which forced major rule changes , which forced fans to take a hard look at our National Pastime .
I ’ m something of a baseball traditionalist , and a complete romantic , tending to look at the game through the golden tones of the movie “ The Natural.
” So it ’ s wise for me to shake myself out of my nostalgic haze and take a hard look at the state of the game — and also remind myself that the game has never been static .
Night games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the designated hitter , protective netting , batting helmets , breaking the color barrier .
The list of changes goes on and on .
That said , let me weigh in on some of the changes we ’ ve seen that might stay put .
Expanded playoffs : The number of teams qualifying for the playoffs expanded from 10 to 16 this year .
Even before the pandemic , commissioner Rob Manfred advocated for a future expansion to 14 playoff teams .
“ I like the idea of , and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded playoff format , ” Manfred told The Associated Press last week .
“ I don ’ t think we would do 16 like we did this year .
I think we do have to be cognizant of making sure that we preserve the importance of our regular season .
But I think something beyond the 10 that we were at would be a good change.
” I agree .
Increasing the number of postseason teams adds excitement and interest to the long season .
However , teams that prove themselves to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be rewarded for their sustained excellence .
I like this idea from New York Post columnist Joel Sherman , who proposes a 14-team postseason : “ Give the team with the best record in each league a bye not to play in a best-of-three first round .
That means teams that can get that perk to avoid the two-of-three dice roll will play hard to the end of the regular season.
” Three-batter minimum : The move was made to reduce the number of relief pitchers used and speed up the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it messes with managers ’ strategy .
Average game time reached a new high ( or is it low ? )
this season for nine-inning games : 3 hours , 7 minutes .
I ’ m not a fan of super-agent Scott Boras , but he ’ s right about this topic .
“ Relievers are facing hitters their managers and coaches don ’ t want them to face , ” Boras told Forbes .
“ Guess what they ’ re telling them to do ?
They ’ re telling them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two or three .
Try to pitch around them .
Now all the sudden — look at the lengthy at-bats .
It takes more time when they ’ re doing this than it does to change the pitcher .
I don ’ t think it works.
” “ California tie-breaker : ” The idea of starting extra innings with a runner at second base seemed contrived and hokey to me , but I grew to like it .
It led to instant action and pressure and there were not nearly as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games are not as romantic or exciting as we ’ ve made them out to be .
That said , playoff games should not include the new rule .
If Game 7 goes 15 innings , all the better .
Universal designated hitter : I used to be adamantly opposed to the National League adopting the DH .
Now I ’ m starting to waver .
I think the players want it and so do most of the fans .
But I still haven ’ t made up my mind .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Baseball has reached a crossroads. Again.
The coronavirus pandemic forced a 60-game season, which forced major rule changes, which forced fans to take a hard look at our National Pastime.
I’m something of a baseball traditionalist, and a complete romantic, tending to look at the game through the golden tones of the movie “The Natural.” So it’s wise for me to shake myself out of my nostalgic haze and take a hard look at the state of the game — and also remind myself that the game has never been static.
Night games, wild-card playoff teams, free agency, the designated hitter, protective netting, batting helmets, breaking the color barrier. The list of changes goes on and on.
That said, let me weigh in on some of the changes we’ve seen that might stay put.
Expanded playoffs: The number of teams qualifying for the playoffs expanded from 10 to 16 this year. Even before the pandemic, commissioner Rob Manfred advocated for a future expansion to 14 playoff teams.
“I like the idea of, and I’m choosing my words carefully here, an expanded playoff format,” Manfred told The Associated Press last week. “I don’t think we would do 16 like we did this year. I think we do have to be cognizant of making sure that we preserve the importance of our regular season. But I think something beyond the 10 that we were at would be a good change.”
I agree. Increasing the number of postseason teams adds excitement and interest to the long season. However, teams that prove themselves to be superior over the course of 162 games should be rewarded for their sustained excellence.
I like this idea from New York Post columnist Joel Sherman, who proposes a 14-team postseason: “Give the team with the best record in each league a bye not to play in a best-of-three first round. That means teams that can get that perk to avoid the two-of-three dice roll will play hard to the end of the regular season.”
Three-batter minimum: The move was made to reduce the number of relief pitchers used and speed up the game. It hasn’t worked and I think it messes with managers’ strategy. Average game time reached a new high (or is it low?) this season for nine-inning games: 3 hours, 7 minutes.
I’m not a fan of super-agent Scott Boras, but he’s right about this topic.
“Relievers are facing hitters their managers and coaches don’t want them to face,” Boras told Forbes. “Guess what they’re telling them to do? They’re telling them to throw seven or eight pitches instead of two or three. Try to pitch around them. Now all the sudden — look at the lengthy at-bats. It takes more time when they’re doing this than it does to change the pitcher. I don’t think it works.”
“California tie-breaker:” The idea of starting extra innings with a runner at second base seemed contrived and hokey to me, but I grew to like it. It led to instant action and pressure and there were not nearly as many sacrifice bunts as many predicted. Marathon games are not as romantic or exciting as we’ve made them out to be.
That said, playoff games should not include the new rule. If Game 7 goes 15 innings, all the better.
Universal designated hitter: I used to be adamantly opposed to the National League adopting the DH. Now I’m starting to waver. I think the players want it and so do most of the fans. But I still haven’t made up my mind. I’ll let you know when I do.


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Surging COVID-19 colors presidential campaign trail in closing days

LUMBERTON , N.C. — President Donald Trump on Saturday mocked Democrat Joe Biden as “ an inspiring guy ” for raising alarm about the pandemic even as the president attracted sizable campaign crowds with coronavirus cases surging across the country in the closing days of the race .
Biden , pressing the case that Trump doesn ’ t deserve a second term because of his handling of the pandemic , said at his own smaller drive-in rally outside Philadelphia that he didn ’ t “ like the idea of all this distance but it ’ s necessary ” for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to become superspreaders , ” he said , using a term that has been used to described a Rose Garden event in late September where Trump announced his Supreme Court nominee .
More than two dozen people linked to the White House have contracted COVID-19 since that gathering .
Biden , with some help from rock legend Jon Bon Jovi , was courting voters in hotly contested pockets of Pennsylvania that could prove key to deciding the outcome of the race in the state .
Trump criticized Biden for saying during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is headed for a “ dark winter ” because of the pandemic — the scenario that health experts have warned about for months .
The president jabbed at television news outlets for covering the pandemic , which has killed nearly 224,000 people in the United States .
The nation ’ s coronavirus tally reached record heights with more than 83,000 infections reported on Friday .
“ We ’ re rounding the turn … our numbers are incredible , ” Trump told supporters at a rally in Lumberton , North Carolina , that drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoulder .
The president was scheduled to hold rallies later in Circleville , Ohio , and Waukesha , Wisconsin .
Trump said that he watched Biden ’ s Pennsylvania rally as he flew to North Carolina and said it appeared attendees , who were in their cars , weren ’ t properly socially distancing .
“ You know why we have cases ?
” Trump added .
“ ’ Cause we test so much .
And in many ways , it ’ s good .
And in many ways , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
In many ways it ’ s very foolish.
” Trump , who spent the night at his Mar-a-Lago resort after campaigning Friday in Florida , started his day by stopping at an early voting polling site set up at a public library to cast his own ballot .
The president last year switched his official residence from New York to his private Florida club , complaining that New York politicians had treated him badly .
Greeted at the polling site by a crowd of cheering supporters , Trump could have mailed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person .
He wore a mask inside , following local rules in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus .
He told reporters that he voted for “ a guy named Trump ” after casting his ballot .
Biden hasn ’ t voted and is likely do so in person on Election Day , Nov. 3. , as Delaware doesn ’ t offer early voting .
Trump , who has made unsubstantiated claims of massive fraud about mail-in voting , gave another plug to in-person voting .
“ When you send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that .
It could never be secure like that , ” Trump said .
The rise in coronavirus cases are an ominous sign the disease still has a firm grip on the nation that has more confirmed virus-related deaths and infections than any other in the world .
Many states are reporting a surge of cases and say hospitals are running out of space in areas where the pandemic seemed remote only months ago .
Biden ’ s first stop was in Bucks County , part of suburban Philadelphia that Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 White House race .
He was scheduled to host another rally later Saturday in Luzerne County , a blue-collar area that twice voted for Barack Obama but went overwhelmingly for Trump four years ago .
Biden ’ s campaign said the former vice president will be joined by Bon Jovi , a native of neighboring New Jersey , who will sing at the Luzerne event .
In the Nov. 3 election more than 54 million votes have already been cast , with an additional 100 million or so expected before a winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump onto the defensive for much of the fall , but for the moment it is Biden ’ s team that has been forced to explain itself .
In the final minutes of Thursday night ’ s debate , the former vice president said he supports a “ transition ” away from oil in the U.S. in favor of renewable energy .
The campaign released a statement hours later declaring that he would phase out taxpayer subsidies for fossil fuel companies , not the industry altogether .
But Trump , campaigning in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue .
“ He ’ s either crazy or he ’ s the worst liar , ” Trump said .
“ I actually think there ’ s a third category .
I think he doesn ’ t remember.
” As part of his damage control , Biden dispatched running mate Kamala Harris to help clarify his position as she campaigned in swing state Georgia on Friday .
He also sought to clarify his position during remarks in Bucks County .
“ Let me be clear , I ’ m not banning fracking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
As for Biden and oil , while ending the nation ’ s reliance on fossil fuel is popular among many liberals , the idea could hurt him among working-class voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania , Ohio and Texas who depend on the industry , and fracking in particular , to make a living .
Biden has said he would ban new gas and oil permits — including fracking — on federal lands only .
The vast majority of oil and gas does not come from federal lands .
Weissert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madhani from Washington .

Jill Colvin, Will Weissert, Aamer Madhani

WAUKESHA, Wis. — President Donald Trump assured supporters packed shoulder to shoulder at a trio of rallies Saturday that “we’re rounding the turn” on the coronavirus — despite spiking cases — and mocked challenger Joe Biden for raising alarms about the pandemic. Meanwhile, Biden bemoaned to a smaller gathering the need to campaign at a distance but said he understood the public health reasons behind it.
With coronavirus infections reaching their highest peak of the pandemic just as the election headed into the home stretch, Trump and Biden took starkly different approaches to the public health crisis in appealing for votes in battleground states.
“We don’t want to become superspreaders,” Biden told supporters at a “drive-in” rally Saturday in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, picking up a term that has been used to describe the Rose Garden event in late September in which Trump announced his latest Supreme Court nominee. More than two dozen people linked to the White House have contracted COVID-19 since that gathering, as have campaign aides.
The former vice president pressed his case that Trump was showing dangerous indifference to the surging virus on a day he looked to boost his candidacy with the star power of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, who performed before Biden took the stage at a second drive-in rally in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, in Lumberton, North Carolina, his tongue firmly in cheek, Trump called Biden “an inspiring guy” for raising alarm about the pandemic. The president said that he watched Biden’s Bucks County rally as he flew to North Carolina and sarcastically observed that it appeared attendees, who were in their cars, weren’t properly socially distancing.
Trump at his rallies repeatedly criticized the news media for focusing on the virus, which has killed about 224,000 people in the United States and more than 1 million across the globe.
“It’s always cases, cases, cases. They don’t talk about deaths,” Trump complained to a crowd of several thousand at an outdoor rally in Circleville Ohio, where few wore masks even as they stood and sat shoulder to shoulder. “They’re trying to scare everybody,” he said.
Earlier, at a rally in North Carolina, Trump questioned the value of testing, taking a stance in opposition to public health experts across the globe.
“You know why we have cases?” Trump asked. “’Cause we test so much. And in many ways, it’s good. And in many ways, it’s foolish. In many ways, OK? In many ways it’s very foolish.”
The rise in coronavirus cases is an ominous sign the disease still has a firm grip on the nation that has more confirmed virus-related deaths and infections than any other in the world. Many states say hospitals are running out of space in areas where the pandemic seemed remote only months ago. And in addition to the spike in cases, in many parts of the country, the percentage of people who are testing positive for COVID-19 is up as well.
Trump went further, pushing a conspiracy theory that hospitals are over-classifying coronavirus deaths because “doctors get more money and hospitals get more money” — even though there is no evidence of that and experts say the count is likely under-reported.
The U.S. and its reporting systems, “Are really not doing it right,” he claimed. “They have things a little bit backwards.”
As he dug in on his defense on the panic, Trump also criticized Biden for saying that the country was headed for a “dark winter” because of the pandemic — the scenario of a surge in infections that health experts have warned about for months.
“I thought Sleepy Joe was very dark,” he told his biggest crowd of the day at a night-time rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin. “How dark was that? How horrible was that?” he asked.
A record of more than 83,000 infections were reported on Friday alone.
Biden in his stop in Luzerne reminded supporters that Trump had suggested the COVID-19 mortality rate was lower outside predominantly Democratic states.
“Where does this guy come from?” Biden said.
The president has repeatedly accused Biden and other Democrats of pushing measures that are worse than the coronavirus itself by advocating for social distancing and limits on gatherings that Trump says wreak havoc on the economy.
Biden, in an interview with Pod Save America aired Saturday, said his first priority was to “get control of the virus” because the economy can’t move forward without stemming the disease.
“As I said before, I will shut down the virus, not the economy,” Biden said in Bucks County. “We can walk and chew gum at the same time, and build back better than before.”
Trump, who spent Friday night at his private Mar-a-Lago club after campaigning in Florida, visited an early voting polling site set up at a local public library to cast his own ballot Saturday morning. The president last year switched his official residence from New York to Florida, complaining that New York politicians had treated him badly.
Greeted at the polling site by a crowd of cheering supporters, Trump opted to vote in person rather than by mail. He wore a mask inside, following local rules to mitigate the spread of the virus. He later said that he voted for “a guy named Trump” and that a poll worker asked him identification. The president said he used his passport.
Biden hasn’t voted but is likely do so in person on Election Day, Nov. 3, as Delaware doesn’t offer early voting. Trump, who has made unsubstantiated claims of massive fraud about mail-in voting, gave another plug to in-person voting.
“When you send in your ballot it could never be like that. It could never be secure like that,” Trump said.
Biden’s focus on Pennsylvania, one of the election’s most competitive battleground states, highlights the decisive role it could play Nov. 3. Bucks County is part of suburban Philadelphia, which Democrat Hillary Clinton won by a slim margin in the 2016 White House race. Biden hosted another rally later Saturday in Luzerne County, a blue-collar area that twice voted for Barack Obama but went overwhelmingly for Trump four years ago.
Biden’s was joined by rock star Bon Jovi, a native of neighboring New Jersey who as a child spent summers with grandparents in Erie, Pennsylvania.
More than 54 million votes have already been cast, with an additional 100 million or so expected before a winner is declared.
The pandemic has pushed Trump onto the defensive for much of the fall, but for the moment it is Biden’s team that has been forced to explain itself. In the final minutes of Thursday night’s debate, the former vice president said he supports a “transition” away from oil in the U.S. in favor of renewable energy. The campaign released a statement hours later declaring that he would phase out taxpayer subsidies for fossil fuel companies, not the industry altogether.
But Trump, campaigning in North Carolina, hammered Biden on the issue and used it as a way to question his rival’s mental acuity.
“He’s either crazy or he’s the worst liar,” Trump said. “I actually think there’s a third category. I think he doesn’t remember.”
Biden has said he would ban new gas and oil permits — including fracking — on federal lands only. The vast majority of oil and gas does not come from federal lands.
“I will not ban fracking, period. I’ll protect Pennsylvania jobs, period,” Biden said. “No matter how many times Donald Trump says it. Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t think big oil companies need a handout from the federal government.
Weissert reported from Dallas, Pennsylvania, and Madhani from Washington.


thedenverpost--2020-10-24--Thornton officer shot at suspect who police say opened fire at a party early Saturday; no injures re

Thornton officer shot at suspect who police say opened fire at a party early Saturday; no injures reported

A Thornton police officer shot at but did not hit a suspect early Saturday morning after a man allegedly opened @ @ @ @ @ were leaving a party , police said in a news release .
Around 12:07 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ complaint at the Avana Eastlake Apartments , 2801 E. 120th St. , in Thornton .
@ @ @ @ @ party , an adult male fired several gunshots near the officers , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ , missing the suspect , police said .
Police arrested the suspect after a short @ @ @ @ @ was recovered at the location , authorities said .
The officer who fired the weapon @ @ @ @ @ leave , per department protocol , and the incident will be investigated by the 17th @ @ @ @ @ Team .
The incident marks the second time this year Thornton police have shot at @ @ @ @ @ police in Colorado have killed 34 people and injured another 15 this year .

A Thornton police officer shot at but did not hit a suspect early Saturday morning after a man allegedly opened fire near officers as people were leaving a party, police said in a news release.
Around 12:07 a.m., an officer responded to a noise complaint at the Avana Eastlake Apartments, 2801 E. 120th St., in Thornton. As people were leaving the party, an adult male fired several gunshots near the officers, police said.
One officer then returned fire, missing the suspect, police said. Police arrested the suspect after a short chase, and a handgun was recovered at the location, authorities said.
The officer who fired the weapon will be placed on administrative leave, per department protocol, and the incident will be investigated by the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Investigation Team.
The incident marks the second time this year Thornton police have shot at an individual. Overall, police in Colorado have killed 34 people and injured another 15 this year.


thedenverpost--2020-10-25--Kafer: Proposition 115, which would ban late-term abortion, may be this election’s only bipartisan o

Kafer: Proposition 115, which would ban late-term abortion, may be this election’s only bipartisan opportunity

Thirty-two years ago I voted for Michael Dukakis .
I was a liberal Democrat then ; I would have voted for Bernie Sanders if I could have .
Times have changed .
Given my contrarian streak and granola-ish lifestyle , perhaps “ Crunchy Con , ” a term popularized by writer Rod Dreher , best fits me today .
I can think of only a few policy positions that have remained constant from my liberal beginnings to my current state .
And one constant has been my opposition to late-term abortion .
Medical technology has advanced significantly since I cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980s sonograms were nothing like the 3D live-stream video images available today .
Nevertheless , they revealed to me a hidden world of fetal life , arms and legs , fingers and toes .
Today , we can watch a child in utero suck her thumb , interact with her twin , or respond to music .
Back then a baby born prematurely before 24 weeks had a one-in-five chance of surviving .
Today , more than half of these premature babies live .
In fact , even babies born as early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize that the level of development of babies late in pregnancy matters .
These 43 states limit late-term abortion .
Unfortunately , Colorado is one of the few places that still allows abortion until birth .
Physically speaking , a baby born prematurely at 22 weeks is the same as a baby in utero .
The preemie ’ s life is protected by law , while the same child in utero is not .
Given what we know about fetal development it is not surprising that most Americans , 74 % , want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable limits is bipartisan .
For example , according to a national poll , 78 % of Democrats oppose third-trimester abortion .
A high percentage of unaffiliated and Republican voters also want limits .
Here in Colorado , a third of voters who signed the petition to place Proposition 115 on the 2020 ballot were registered Democrats or unaffiliated .
Proposition 115 would end abortion after 22 weeks with an exception to save the life of the mother .
The exception will rarely be taken .
According to a statement backed by medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In the uncommon situations in which the pregnancy itself places the mother ’ s health at risk after 22-weeks , we know that delivery of the baby is safer and quicker than a multi-day abortion procedure.
” Some opponents of Proposition 115 want unnecessary loopholes added to the proposal .
Proposition 115 only impacts late-term abortion .
Abortions of babies conceived by rape or incest are almost always conducted early in the pregnancy .
There is no reason to wait until the child is viable .
Likewise , prenatal screening can detect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Risks to the mother ’ s life and health go up substantially the longer she delays .
Moreover , there is no reason to wait until the child can feel pain to conduct a painful , life-ending procedure .
As for babies with lethal prognoses , surely they deserve the same protection as the healthy and able-bodied .
As a hospice volunteer , I know that people with terminal diagnoses do not matter less than those of us with better short term prospects .
They are no less deserving of their days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heartbeats .
Proposition 115 could save as many as 300 lives a year in Colorado while placing our state within the mainstream of abortion law nationally and internationally .
Proposition 115 protects mothers and babies against the tragedy of late-term abortion .
In the midst of a partisan contentious election , there is a rare bipartisan vote before us , one I would have been eager to cast when I was of a different political persuasion .
Then as now , I support ending late-term abortion .
Join me in voting yes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a weekly Denver Post columnist .
Follow her on Twitter : @ kristakafer To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Thirty-two years ago I voted for Michael Dukakis. I was a liberal Democrat then; I would have voted for Bernie Sanders if I could have. Times have changed. Given my contrarian streak and granola-ish lifestyle, perhaps “Crunchy Con,” a term popularized by writer Rod Dreher, best fits me today. I can think of only a few policy positions that have remained constant from my liberal beginnings to my current state. And one constant has been my opposition to late-term abortion.
Medical technology has advanced significantly since I cast my vote for Dukakis. Those grainy 1980s sonograms were nothing like the 3D live-stream video images available today. Nevertheless, they revealed to me a hidden world of fetal life, arms and legs, fingers and toes. Today, we can watch a child in utero suck her thumb, interact with her twin, or respond to music. Back then a baby born prematurely before 24 weeks had a one-in-five chance of surviving. Today, more than half of these premature babies live. In fact, even babies born as early as 21 weeks have survived.
Most states recognize that the level of development of babies late in pregnancy matters. These 43 states limit late-term abortion. Unfortunately, Colorado is one of the few places that still allows abortion until birth. Physically speaking, a baby born prematurely at 22 weeks is the same as a baby in utero. The preemie’s life is protected by law, while the same child in utero is not.
Given what we know about fetal development it is not surprising that most Americans, 74%, want limits on late-term abortion. Support for reasonable limits is bipartisan. For example, according to a national poll, 78% of Democrats oppose third-trimester abortion. A high percentage of unaffiliated and Republican voters also want limits. Here in Colorado, a third of voters who signed the petition to place Proposition 115 on the 2020 ballot were registered Democrats or unaffiliated.
Proposition 115 would end abortion after 22 weeks with an exception to save the life of the mother. The exception will rarely be taken. According to a statement backed by medical professionals who publically endorsed Proposition 115: “In the uncommon situations in which the pregnancy itself places the mother’s health at risk after 22-weeks, we know that delivery of the baby is safer and quicker than a multi-day abortion procedure.”
Some opponents of Proposition 115 want unnecessary loopholes added to the proposal. Proposition 115 only impacts late-term abortion. Abortions of babies conceived by rape or incest are almost always conducted early in the pregnancy. There is no reason to wait until the child is viable. Likewise, prenatal screening can detect genetic or developmental problems before 22 weeks. Risks to the mother’s life and health go up substantially the longer she delays. Moreover, there is no reason to wait until the child can feel pain to conduct a painful, life-ending procedure.
As for babies with lethal prognoses, surely they deserve the same protection as the healthy and able-bodied. As a hospice volunteer, I know that people with terminal diagnoses do not matter less than those of us with better short term prospects. They are no less deserving of their days and hours, their breaths, their heartbeats.
Proposition 115 could save as many as 300 lives a year in Colorado while placing our state within the mainstream of abortion law nationally and internationally. Proposition 115 protects mothers and babies against the tragedy of late-term abortion. In the midst of a partisan contentious election, there is a rare bipartisan vote before us, one I would have been eager to cast when I was of a different political persuasion. Then as now, I support ending late-term abortion. Join me in voting yes on Proposition 115.
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @kristakafer
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.