thedenverpost--2020-11-20--Colorado Office of Economic Development readies several business assistance programs

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has gone from having its funding on the chopping block this spring to being asked to help distribute tens of millions of dollars to businesses at risk of failing because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ OEDIT is working with the state budget office and DOLA ( Department of Local Affairs ) to figure out the parameters on how we can get this money out as quickly as possible , ” Betsy Markey , OEDIT ’ s executive director , told the Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday morning .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting 27 % from OEDIT ’ s upcoming budget .
Now the state will ask the Colorado legislature , when it returns for its normal session in January , to provide an extra $ 10 million into the state ’ s Advanced Industries Accelerator grant program and another $ 15 million into the Strategic Fund , Markey said .
In a special session Gov .
Jared Polis has called for after Thanksgiving , the legislature will look at roughly $ 220 million in stimulus programs , a large share of which will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OEDIT will have a role in distributing those funds , which are designed to serve as a stopgap given the lack of additional federal assistance .
The commission on Thursday also approved awards out of what it had left in the state ’ s Strategic Fund , a pool of money that is usually used to recruit businesses to the state .
The EDC authorized $ 500,000 for the state ’ s Winter Outdoor Dining Fund , which is raising $ 5 million to help restaurants cover the costs of adding outdoor dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive the prohibition on indoor dining in counties under Level Red .
The fund awards grants of $ 10,000 per restaurant and is seeing strong demand , said Danielle Oliveto , Polis ’ deputy chief of staff .
“ We pushed hard to have winter dining be available when counties move to red , ” Oliveto said .
Fifteen counties are implementing that status on Friday .
But if they go to purple , even outdoor dining won ’ t be allowed .
The commission also approved $ 200,000 from the Strategic Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joining the Gates , El Pomar and Boettcher foundations , which have agreed to provide another $ 50,000 each .
The grants of up to $ 12,500 each are intended to help independent theaters in rural areas cover basic costs like insurance and utility bills and survive through the winter .
Kelly Baug , Colorado ’ s deputy film commissioner , said the theaters are important cultural landmarks in many rural communities and serve as a gathering place for a variety of events .
And while Hollywood isn ’ t producing much content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow buildings to remain operable until restrictions lift .
The commission approved a request to set aside $ 2 million from the Strategic Fund to guarantee loans made through the Colorado Energy Office , which is looking to create a Colorado Green Bank .
That set aside is needed so the office can apply for $ 5 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture .
That money will finance energy efficiency improvements at commercial buildings around the state , with a focus on using displaced coal industry workers to do the renovations .

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has gone from having its funding on the chopping block this spring to being asked to help distribute tens of millions of dollars to businesses at risk of failing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“OEDIT is working with the state budget office and DOLA (Department of Local Affairs) to figure out the parameters on how we can get this money out as quickly as possible,” Betsy Markey, OEDIT’s executive director, told the Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday morning.
In May, the Joint Budget Committee proposed cutting 27% from OEDIT’s upcoming budget. Now the state will ask the Colorado legislature, when it returns for its normal session in January, to provide an extra $10 million into the state’s Advanced Industries Accelerator grant program and another $15 million into the Strategic Fund, Markey said.
In a special session Gov. Jared Polis has called for after Thanksgiving, the legislature will look at roughly $220 million in stimulus programs, a large share of which will go to help struggling businesses. Markey said OEDIT will have a role in distributing those funds, which are designed to serve as a stopgap given the lack of additional federal assistance.
The commission on Thursday also approved awards out of what it had left in the state’s Strategic Fund, a pool of money that is usually used to recruit businesses to the state.
The EDC authorized $500,000 for the state’s Winter Outdoor Dining Fund, which is raising $5 million to help restaurants cover the costs of adding outdoor dining capacity, which will be needed to survive the prohibition on indoor dining in counties under Level Red.
The fund awards grants of $10,000 per restaurant and is seeing strong demand, said Danielle Oliveto, Polis’ deputy chief of staff.
“We pushed hard to have winter dining be available when counties move to red,” Oliveto said. Fifteen counties are implementing that status on Friday. But if they go to purple, even outdoor dining won’t be allowed.
The commission also approved $200,000 from the Strategic Fund for the Rural Theater Grant program, joining the Gates, El Pomar and Boettcher foundations, which have agreed to provide another $50,000 each. The grants of up to $12,500 each are intended to help independent theaters in rural areas cover basic costs like insurance and utility bills and survive through the winter.
Kelly Baug, Colorado’s deputy film commissioner, said the theaters are important cultural landmarks in many rural communities and serve as a gathering place for a variety of events. And while Hollywood isn’t producing much content, the hope is the grants will allow buildings to remain operable until restrictions lift.
The commission approved a request to set aside $2 million from the Strategic Fund to guarantee loans made through the Colorado Energy Office, which is looking to create a Colorado Green Bank. That set aside is needed so the office can apply for $5 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That money will finance energy efficiency improvements at commercial buildings around the state, with a focus on using displaced coal industry workers to do the renovations.


thedenverpost--2020-11-20--Regular unemployment claims in Colorado at highest level since early July

Regular unemployment claims in Colorado are running at their highest level in four months as tighter restrictions to fight COVID-19 squeeze economic activity around the state .
The number of claims that displaced workers filed under the state ’ s regular unemployment insurance program shot up to 9,171 on the week of Nov. 14 , a 22 % increase from the 7,483 claims filed the week of Nov. 7 , according to an update Thursday from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment .
That ’ s the highest total in Colorado since 10,506 regular claims were filed the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial claims rose by 31,000 to 742,000 last week .
But they remain below October levels , unlike Colorado .
The top industries for Colorado workers making regular claims last week were accommodations and food services , with 16.9 % of the total , followed by construction at 13.7 % , administrative and support service , 10.1 % , health care and social assistance at 8.8 % and retail trade at 8.5 % .
Normally , the state reports initial claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program alongside regular claims but withheld the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be a surge in fraudulent claims in the program created this year to help independent workers .
“ PUA initial claims for the week ending November 14th are not currently available , as CDLE continues to analyze PUA claim characteristics that may be contributing to the increase observed in recent weeks , ” the department said in its release .
“ Nationally , the PUA program has been inundated with fraud since its inception under the CARES Act.
” For the week of Nov. 7 , the department reported 7,281 initial PUA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to 6,121 .
But even after revision , the claims rose a suspicious 69 % in just one week .
“ After a strong recovery after the steep downturn of March and April , the economy faces heightened risk as we wait for delivery of reportedly effective vaccines providing us reason for real hope , ” said Bankrate.com senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick in comments on the national unemployment numbers .
A combined total of 224,076 continued claims were active in Colorado the week of Nov. 7 , including 86,142 regular claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation , which assists workers who need an extension of benefits .

Regular unemployment claims in Colorado are running at their highest level in four months as tighter restrictions to fight COVID-19 squeeze economic activity around the state.
The number of claims that displaced workers filed under the state’s regular unemployment insurance program shot up to 9,171 on the week of Nov. 14, a 22% increase from the 7,483 claims filed the week of Nov. 7, according to an update Thursday from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
That’s the highest total in Colorado since 10,506 regular claims were filed the week of July 11. Nationally, regular initial claims rose by 31,000 to 742,000 last week. But they remain below October levels, unlike Colorado.
The top industries for Colorado workers making regular claims last week were accommodations and food services, with 16.9% of the total, followed by construction at 13.7%, administrative and support service, 10.1%, health care and social assistance at 8.8% and retail trade at 8.5%.
Normally, the state reports initial claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program alongside regular claims but withheld the information so it could sort out what might be a surge in fraudulent claims in the program created this year to help independent workers.
“PUA initial claims for the week ending November 14th are not currently available, as CDLE continues to analyze PUA claim characteristics that may be contributing to the increase observed in recent weeks,” the department said in its release. “Nationally, the PUA program has been inundated with fraud since its inception under the CARES Act.”
For the week of Nov. 7, the department reported 7,281 initial PUA claims, which it revised down this week to 6,121. But even after revision, the claims rose a suspicious 69% in just one week.
“After a strong recovery after the steep downturn of March and April, the economy faces heightened risk as we wait for delivery of reportedly effective vaccines providing us reason for real hope,” said Bankrate.com senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick in comments on the national unemployment numbers.
A combined total of 224,076 continued claims were active in Colorado the week of Nov. 7, including 86,142 regular claims, 78,759 PUA claims and 59,175 claims under Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which assists workers who need an extension of benefits.


thedenverpost--2020-11-20--Colorado’s county-level COVID restrictions a result of politics, not just data, officials say

Colorado ’ s COVID-19 restriction dial is designed to be data-driven and binary .
If a county crosses certain thresholds that indicate worsening spread of the coronavirus , tougher restrictions follow via an order from the state .
But data and interviews with county health officials and political leaders throughout Colorado reveal that the dial system turns out to be highly fungible , delivering citizens and businesses a patchwork of regulations informed partly by data and partly by politics .
A person can run errands in two counties with roughly similar virus metrics and expect different levels of protection because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local officials in those counties .
The rules are different not only for retailers but for other businesses , schools and private gatherings .
The state recently revised its COVID dial to create a new , not-quite-stay-at-home level of restrictions — the new Level Red .
Level Purple was added to the top of the dial .
Colorado ’ s Department of Public Health and Environment on Tuesday named 15 counties that are moving to red Friday : Adams , Arapahoe , Boulder , Broomfield , Clear Creek , Denver , Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mesa , Morgan , Routt , Summit and Washington .
Five more were added late Thursday : Alamosa , Otero , Prowers , Pueblo and Weld .
Those counties reach Level Red on Sunday .
That means they must suspend in-person dining and heavily restrict capacity inside offices and gyms , among a slew of other requirements .
The revision of the dial to create Level Red was itself indication of the elasticity of the rules : If the state had strictly followed the dial in recent weeks , many counties would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revising the dial , the state protected counties from a full lockdown .
Ray Beck , a county commissioner in Moffat County in northwest Colorado , said that hours before those 15 counties were named , his commission spoke with the staff of Gov .
Jared Polis .
He described it as a positive , collaborative interaction .
“ The governor ’ s office was encouraging us to go to red , ” he said .
“ I asked if we could go to orange ( the level below red ) instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They said , ‘ Yeah , that ’ s an option . '
” Moffat borders Routt County , and the state ’ s COVID dial site shows that the two are at roughly equal levels on the three indicators the dial relies upon : incidence of new COVID cases , percentage of positive results over 14 days and hospitalization rate over 14 days .
Routt ’ s moving up to red , and Moffat isn ’ t .
Said Routt County Commissioner Beth Melton , “ I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response that hasn ’ t been influenced by politics in some way .
“ My experience and the conversations I ’ ve had with the state are that they believe — and I think understand , rightfully so — that if there ’ s a situation where local elected officials disagree with what they have done , that puts them in a situation where the measures taken are not going to be as effective , ” she said .
“ I can appreciate their efforts to have these decisions to be collaborative with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but added , “ a piecemeal or patchwork kind of approach to this is unlikely to be effective , and I think it ’ s critical that the state move those conversations forward as quickly as they can.
” Last week , the Greeley Tribune detailed a call between state officials including Polis and Weld County commissioners .
If the director of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment directed Weld to move up the dial , one commissioner reportedly said after the call , “ Tell her no.
” Weld County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving to Level Red , even though it ’ s in the red zone on two of the three dial indicators .
Boulder , Broomfield , Clear Creek , La Plata , Logan , Routt and Summit counties were in the first group despite having just one red indicator each .
It ’ s not coincidental that Boulder County , unlike Weld , has welcomed the tougher restrictions , said Chana Goussetis , spokeswoman for Boulder County Public Health .
“ I don ’ t know if there are reasons why , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sounds political , ” she said .
“ It ’ s very frustrating for us at a local level for things to not be applied equally .
When we have someone in another county saying , ‘ Well , I don ’ t have to do it , it ’ s really , really difficult for us.
” The upshot of a patchwork approach , Goussetis added , “ is increased transmission , of course.
” “ We ’ re very concerned about neighboring counties not having the same rules .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t all do it , ” she said .
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment ’ s communication office did not grant The Denver Post an interview for this story .
But in an email statement , it indicated movement on the dial can be subject to negotiation , not just data .
“ We are still in talks with several counties regarding where they fall on the dial , ” the email stated .
Polis has not addressed the discrepancies in how the dial is applied .
What use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t enforce it consistently , The Denver Post asked him in an interview last week .
He did not directly answer the question , instead discussing various precautions he hopes citizens take to protect themselves and others .
Pueblo County was not among the 15 named Tuesday , but it was one of the counties the state was “ in talks ” with .
The county was one of two in Colorado — Adams being the other — that was in the red zone in all three indicators on the dial as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t included on the initial list , Sarah Joseph , spokeswoman for the county health department , said , “ I don ’ t think we understand .
I was talking to some of my colleagues , other communicators throughout Pueblo County , and we were trying to understand how this works.
” Again , it seems no coincidence that Adams moved up the dial first even though Pueblo ’ s numbers were similarly high .
The Denver metro area counties have mostly been more welcoming of a tougher approach .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need more restrictions , ” said Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter .
“ We ’ re red on all three metrics , and I ’ m getting constant calls from nurses , folks that work in hospitals , that things are tenuous at best.
” Elisabeth Lawrence , a Summit County commissioner , noted that her county earlier this fall went above and beyond the restrictions the state imposed , limiting gatherings to six people while the state ’ s recommended number was still at 10 .
Though she believes bold action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public health , she said it ’ s not necessarily a bad thing for the dial to have some flexibility to it , particularly to accommodate counties that have their own , tough regulations in place .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock went as far last week as to call the dial — pre-revision — “ archaic ” and not reflective of all that the state and its counties have learned and improved upon since the pandemic began .
But Hancock said he ’ s also convinced that stricter rules are needed now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a press conference announcing the new Level Red .
Though there are many officials who share Hancock ’ s general mindset on dial flexibility , there remains significant concern about just how flexible it seems to have gotten .
“ The data is there , and that can not be argued with , ” Lawrence said .
“ But I believe some counties are interested in fighting against that.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado’s COVID-19 restriction dial is designed to be data-driven and binary. If a county crosses certain thresholds that indicate worsening spread of the coronavirus, tougher restrictions follow via an order from the state.
But data and interviews with county health officials and political leaders throughout Colorado reveal that the dial system turns out to be highly negotiable, delivering citizens and businesses a patchwork of regulations informed partly by data and partly by politics.
A person can run errands in two counties with roughly similar virus metrics and expect different levels of protection because of differences in relationships between the state and local officials in those counties. The rules are different not only for retailers but for other businesses, schools and private gatherings.
The state recently revised its COVID dial to create a new, not-quite-stay-at-home level of restrictions — the new Level Red. Level Purple was added to the top of the dial. Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment on Tuesday named 15 counties that are moving to red Friday: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, La Plata, Logan, Mesa, Morgan, Routt, Summit and Washington.
Five more were added late Thursday: Alamosa, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo and Weld. Those counties reach Level Red on Sunday.
That means they must suspend in-person dining and heavily restrict capacity inside offices and gyms, among a slew of other requirements.
The revision of the dial to create Level Red was itself indication of the elasticity of the rules: If the state had strictly followed the dial in recent weeks, many counties would already be under stay-at-home orders. By revising the dial, the state protected counties from a full lockdown.
Ray Beck, a county commissioner in Moffat County in northwest Colorado, said that hours before those 15 counties were named, his commission spoke with the staff of Gov. Jared Polis. He described it as a positive, collaborative interaction.
“The governor’s office was encouraging us to go to red,” he said. “I asked if we could go to orange (the level below red) instead, because red pretty much shuts us down. They said, ‘Yeah, that’s an option.'”
Moffat borders Routt County, and the state’s COVID dial site shows that the two are at roughly equal levels on the three indicators the dial relies upon: incidence of new COVID cases, percentage of positive results over 14 days and hospitalization rate over 14 days.
Routt’s moving up to red, and Moffat isn’t.
Said Routt County Commissioner Beth Melton, “I don’t think there’s much about this pandemic response that hasn’t been influenced by politics in some way.
“My experience and the conversations I’ve had with the state are that they believe — and I think understand, rightfully so — that if there’s a situation where local elected officials disagree with what they have done, that puts them in a situation where the measures taken are not going to be as effective,” she said.
“I can appreciate their efforts to have these decisions to be collaborative with the counties,” Melton said, but added, “a piecemeal or patchwork kind of approach to this is unlikely to be effective, and I think it’s critical that the state move those conversations forward as quickly as they can.”
Last week, the Greeley Tribune detailed a call between state officials including Polis and Weld County commissioners. If the director of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment directed Weld to move up the dial, one commissioner reportedly said after the call, “Tell her no.”
Weld County was not among the first 15 counties moving to Level Red, even though it’s in the red zone on two of the three dial indicators. Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, La Plata, Logan, Routt and Summit counties were in the first group despite having just one red indicator each.
It’s not coincidental that Boulder County, unlike Weld, has welcomed the tougher restrictions, said Chana Goussetis, spokeswoman for Boulder County Public Health.
“I don’t know if there are reasons why, but from what I’ve heard, it sounds political,” she said. “It’s very frustrating for us at a local level for things to not be applied equally. When we have someone in another county saying, ‘Well, I don’t have to do it, it’s really, really difficult for us.”
The upshot of a patchwork approach, Goussetis added, “is increased transmission, of course.”
“We’re very concerned about neighboring counties not having the same rules. It doesn’t work if we don’t all do it,” she said.
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s communication office did not grant The Denver Post an interview for this story. But in an email statement, it indicated movement on the dial can be subject to negotiation, not just data.
“We are still in talks with several counties regarding where they fall on the dial,” the email stated.
Polis has not addressed the discrepancies in how the dial is applied. What use is the dial if the state doesn’t enforce it consistently, The Denver Post asked him in an interview last week. He did not directly answer the question, instead discussing various precautions he hopes citizens take to protect themselves and others.
Pueblo County was not among the 15 named Tuesday, but it was one of the counties the state was “in talks” with. The county was one of two in Colorado — Adams being the other — that was in the red zone in all three indicators on the dial as of Thursday.
Asked why Pueblo wasn’t included on the initial list, Sarah Joseph, spokeswoman for the county health department, said, “I don’t think we understand. I was talking to some of my colleagues, other communicators throughout Pueblo County, and we were trying to understand how this works.”
Again, it seems no coincidence that Adams moved up the dial first even though Pueblo’s numbers were similarly high. The Denver metro area counties have mostly been more welcoming of a tougher approach.
“For us, it is clear: We need more restrictions,” said Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter. “We’re red on all three metrics, and I’m getting constant calls from nurses, folks that work in hospitals, that things are tenuous at best.”
Elisabeth Lawrence, a Summit County commissioner, noted that her county earlier this fall went above and beyond the restrictions the state imposed, limiting gatherings to six people while the state’s recommended number was still at 10. Though she believes bold action is needed now to protect the economy and public health, she said it’s not necessarily a bad thing for the dial to have some flexibility to it, particularly to accommodate counties that have their own, tough regulations in place.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock went as far last week as to call the dial — pre-revision — “archaic” and not reflective of all that the state and its counties have learned and improved upon since the pandemic began.
But Hancock said he’s also convinced that stricter rules are needed now in Denver, and he joined Polis for a press conference announcing the new Level Red.
Though there are many officials who share Hancock’s general mindset on dial flexibility, there remains significant concern about just how flexible it seems to have gotten.
“The data is there, and that cannot be argued with,” Lawrence said. “But I believe some counties are interested in fighting against that.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-11-20--Pick 6: Odds Jerry Jeudy will win rookie of the year, Rapids win MLS Cup, Nathan MacKinnon wins MVP

Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is quickly acclimating to the NFL game but is still a longshot to win the NFL offensive rookie of the year award , according to one oddsmaker .
Jeudy , who is fourth in the NFL among rookies with 552 yards receiving , has +10,000 odds — meaning a $ 100 bet would win $ 10,000 — to win the first-year honor .
He has the ninth-best chances , tied with Cowboy receiver CeeDee Lamb , Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire .
Here ’ s a look at some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sports .
The odds Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will win the NFL offensive rookie of the year award , according to BetMGM .
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is the favorite at +130 , followed by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow ( +145 ) .
The over-under for total points scored in Sunday ’ s Dolphins-Broncos game , according to BetMGM .
Miami is a 3.5-point favorite to win in Denver .
The odds the Rapids will win the MLS Cup this year , according to Bovada .
Philadelphia Union ( +400 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FC ( +500 ) and Seattle Sounders ( +500 ) .
The odds the Rockies will win the 2021 World Series , according to sportsbetting.com .
They are tied for the 25th-best odds .
The Dodgers are favored to repeat at +450 .
The odds the CU Buffs will win the Pac-12 football championship , according to betonline.ag .
They are tied for fifth best .
Oregon and USC , both at +150 , are favored .
The odds Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon will win the 2021 Hart Memorial Trophy for NHL MVP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favored , followed by Oilers ’ Connor McDavid ( +600 ) and Rangers ’ Artemi Panarin ( +800 ) .

Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is quickly acclimating to the NFL game but is still a longshot to win the NFL offensive rookie of the year award, according to one oddsmaker.
Jeudy, who is fourth in the NFL among rookies with 552 yards receiving, has +10,000 odds — meaning a $100 bet would win $10,000 — to win the first-year honor. He has the ninth-best chances, tied with Cowboy receiver CeeDee Lamb, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Here’s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports.
+10,000
The odds Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will win the NFL offensive rookie of the year award, according to BetMGM. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is the favorite at +130, followed by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (+145).
45.5
The over-under for total points scored in Sunday’s Dolphins-Broncos game, according to BetMGM. Miami is a 3.5-point favorite to win in Denver.
+8,000
The odds the Rapids will win the MLS Cup this year, according to Bovada. Philadelphia Union (+400) is favored, followed by Los Angeles FC (+500) and Seattle Sounders (+500).
+8,000
The odds the Rockies will win the 2021 World Series, according to sportsbetting.com. They are tied for the 25th-best odds. The Dodgers are favored to repeat at +450.
+2,000
The odds the CU Buffs will win the Pac-12 football championship, according to betonline.ag. They are tied for fifth best. Oregon and USC, both at +150, are favored.
+550
The odds Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon will win the 2021 Hart Memorial Trophy for NHL MVP, according to Bovada. He is favored, followed by Oilers’ Connor McDavid (+600) and Rangers’ Artemi Panarin (+800).


thedenverpost--2020-11-20--Avs Mailbag: When will top prospect Bo Byram get his NHL call-up?

Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers responds to questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season .
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag .
When I saw Bo Byram last year in spring training he clearly looked like the best player on the ice most shifts .
I could understand as an 18-year-old to send him back to his junior team for another year of seasoning .
Now in your latest article about the acquisition of Devon Toews you suggest Dennis Gilbert or Kyle Burroughs may be the extra defenseman this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team for another year .
Did Bo Byram take a step “ back ” after he looked so good last preseason or was I fantasizing that he looked as good as Makar at such a young age ?
Hey Scott , I ’ m not sure what you ’ re talking about “ spring training ” — but assuming you mean the 2019 development camp in late June/early July right after he was drafted .
If that ’ s the case , yes , he looked good but he was playing with and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Byram hasn ’ t taken a step back .
I hear he ’ s developing quite nicely .
But the Avs don ’ t want to rush him and all signs point towards him returning to his junior team since the club acquired Toews , who is what Byram hopes to become — and possibly more .
On paper , Byram is on the outside of Colorado ’ s top six and he won ’ t serve as the seventh or eighth guy — that ’ s why Gilbert and Burroughs were brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and since he can not play in the AHL because of the major-junior rule , he ’ ll likely return to the WHL ’ s Vancouver Giants .
Expect Byram to become a full-time Avs D-man in 2021-22 , replacing the expired contract of Ian Cole .
What is our goaltending situation right now ?
Do the Avs have the right guys between the pipes to lead them on a deep postseason run ?
That ’ s the most-asked question about this group .
Locally and throughout North America , seems like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philipp Grubauer or Pavel Francouz is good enough to lead this team to a deep run .
But that ’ s what they said about Anton Khudobin before the career backup led Dallas to the Stanley Cup Final and then signed a big deal to remain with the Stars .
Grubauer and Francouz are both around 5-foot-11 or 6-foot , very similar to Khudobin , and people don ’ t believe in the smaller guys unless they deliver big .
The Avs certainly believe in Grubauer and Francouz , and let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot better in the recent playoffs if one of them wasn ’ t on the injured list .
Love the retro Quebec Nordiques jerseys the Avalanche just released .
Is this something they are going to wear all season ?
Any chance they make this part of a permanent rotation , would love your thoughts on the new/old school look .
They ’ ll don those uniforms at least once next season , but probably more .
They will announce the schedule at a later date .
Also , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going with new blue breezers , gloves and helmets to support that look .
I saw Pepsi Center is no more as the naming rights have changed .
Are there any other updates being made to the arena before next season ?
I haven ’ t heard of any updates , Jen , and given that they might not play before any fans in the building or a small percentage of the 18,000-plus capacity , I don ’ t expect any .
Ball Arena might rub off on folks — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a hockey guy and former owner of the Denver Cutthroats .
Here is the link to that story .
Mike , it appears the Avs have strengthened their roster with the recent additions ; however , other than the Saad for Zadorov trade and the addition of Toews they really didn ’ t make the big splash that was anticipated .
Mainly , the signing of Taylor Hall or Alex Pietrangelo .
Sakic , understandably , refuses to discuss a deal and/or negotiation that didn ’ t happen .
Do you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A ) made an offer to either of those guys , and b ) do you have any info that they may still be looking for another forward that brings more “ grit ” to the position ?
In my opinion , the past Stanley Cup playoffs exposed their lack of toughness as Dallas ’ big guys pushed us around somewhat .
Great questions .
First of all , yes , they need a third- or fourth-line grinder , a tough guy like Kyle Clifford or Matt Martin , the latter of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , the Avs are just $ 1.8 million under the salary cap — and that ’ s based on just 20 players .
They still need an extra forward and an extra D , or one or the other .
As for the trades for Saad and Toews , two brilliant moves by Sakic and his staff .
No , they didn ’ t make a big slash in free agency but they didn ’ t have to — while moving a player they no longer wanted ( Zadorov ) and using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get Toews .
This was already a really good team and Saad and Toews will fit in well .
As for Hall and others , no , Sakic declined to say if he went after them .
But I ’ m betting he didn ’ t have a long conversation with anyone .
Hi Mike , great talking hockey with you via the mailbag .
With the start of hockey season pushed back , what other changes can we see the Avs making to better this team before the season starts up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can skate at depth forward , Joe .
But we don ’ t know the extent of the injured guys .
If some guys aren ’ t 100 percent , perhaps they continue to tinker .
A buddy saw Erik Johnson playing golf with no brace or limp , etc.
, and we thought EJ might have blown out a knee in Game 1 against Dallas .
If everyone is cleared to begin camp , I don ’ t see them doing anything big .
I have thought of one possibility : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ready and just as good .
That would free up more than $ 4 million in cap space ( Girard begins his $ 5 million annual cap hit next season and Byram is on his entry-level contract at $ 894K ) .
Probably won ’ t happen but the addition of Toews definitely makes Girard somewhat expendable .
Dear Mr .
Chambers .
The Avs just acquired the most under rated player in minor league hockey who will be the biggest surprise in the NHL this season .
I ’ ve watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve never seen a smarter , more gifted , fast-decision-making-and-scoring player ready for the NHL than Mike Vecchione .
I don ’ t know him personally , I ’ ve never met , him , I don ’ t know his family nor do I know anyone who knows him….but I watched him play at Union College and then taken for granted in the minors as an UFA .
My question : wWill you remember to write these words from your mailbag when this young man scores goals in 10 consecutive games this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr. Hallisey .
I ’ m with you on Vecchione .
I covered DU at the 2017 Frozen Four when defenseman Will Butcher won the Hobey Baker Award over Vecchione and Zach Aston-Reese , who is playing for the Penguins .
So when the Avs signed Vecchione I did a little research and learned he had 21 goals in 61 AHL games last season .
He ’ s a right-shot goal-scorer , and he wore the “ C ” for Union — so I have no idea why the Blues didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relatively standard one-year , two-way deal with Colorado at $ 700K/ $ 290K .
Maybe the $ 290K was the best-guaranteed AHL offer he received .
Anyway , yes , I ’ ll remember this “ conversation ” if Vecchione becomes the player you forecast .
Mike , are there any updates on the 2021 season and where the Avs are going to play ?
Will there be any games played here in Denver with fans in attendance ?
I know fans missed this team during the playoffs .
Still all up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they want to play in four temporary divisions , including an all-Canadian loop , and play baseball-like mini-series against the same team at home rinks .
Just divisional games .
But nothing has been finalized and other ideas are out there .
Hi Mike , with the Avs celebrating 25 years here in Denver , are there any plans for in-person games and celebrations ?
Do you see the team bringing back any players from past championship teams to honor the history of the franchise ?
I sure do , Chris .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other five guys with retired jerseys will be special guests at a game or two .
Adam Foote and Milan Hejduk still live here , along with Sakic , by the way .
Mike , what can we expect from the Avs ’ young prospects ?
Do you see any of them making the jump and having an impact on the team this coming season ?
Feels like this team is in win-now mode and are hungry to win the Stanley Cup .
It ’ s absolutely win-now .
Look up the Avs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is a window and it ’ s definitely now , plus the next 2-3 years .
As for prospects , I think Logan O ’ Connor will become a full-time third/fourth-line forward and primary penalty killer .
Please read above about Byram .
Then Connor Timmins .
Next year Alex Newhook .
Hard to predict if 18-year-old draft picks will pan out , but Newhook appears to be a steal at No .
16 in 2019 .

Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers responds to questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.
When I saw Bo Byram last year in spring training he clearly looked like the best player on the ice most shifts. I could understand as an 18-year-old to send him back to his junior team for another year of seasoning. Now in your latest article about the acquisition of Devon Toews you suggest Dennis Gilbert or Kyle Burroughs may be the extra defenseman this year with Byram going back to his junior team for another year. Did Bo Byram take a step “back” after he looked so good last preseason or was I fantasizing that he looked as good as Makar at such a young age?
— Scott, Lakewood
Hey Scott, I’m not sure what you’re talking about “spring training” — but assuming you mean the 2019 development camp in late June/early July right after he was drafted. If that’s the case, yes, he looked good but he was playing with and against players around the same age. Byram hasn’t taken a step back. I hear he’s developing quite nicely. But the Avs don’t want to rush him and all signs point towards him returning to his junior team since the club acquired Toews, who is what Byram hopes to become — and possibly more. On paper, Byram is on the outside of Colorado’s top six and he won’t serve as the seventh or eighth guy — that’s why Gilbert and Burroughs were brought in. Byram needs to play, and since he cannot play in the AHL because of the major-junior rule, he’ll likely return to the WHL’s Vancouver Giants. Expect Byram to become a full-time Avs D-man in 2021-22, replacing the expired contract of Ian Cole.
What is our goaltending situation right now? Do the Avs have the right guys between the pipes to lead them on a deep postseason run?
— Walker, Denver
That’s the most-asked question about this group. Locally and throughout North America, seems like the majority of folks don’t think Philipp Grubauer or Pavel Francouz is good enough to lead this team to a deep run. But that’s what they said about Anton Khudobin before the career backup led Dallas to the Stanley Cup Final and then signed a big deal to remain with the Stars. Grubauer and Francouz are both around 5-foot-11 or 6-foot, very similar to Khudobin, and people don’t believe in the smaller guys unless they deliver big. The Avs certainly believe in Grubauer and Francouz, and let’s face it, they would have faired a lot better in the recent playoffs if one of them wasn’t on the injured list.
Love the retro Quebec Nordiques jerseys the Avalanche just released. Is this something they are going to wear all season? Any chance they make this part of a permanent rotation, would love your thoughts on the new/old school look.
— Billy, Denver
They’ll don those uniforms at least once next season, but probably more. They will announce the schedule at a later date. Also, it’s not just the new jersey — they’re going with new blue breezers, gloves and helmets to support that look.
I saw Pepsi Center is no more as the naming rights have changed. Are there any other updates being made to the arena before next season?
— Jen, Englewood
I haven’t heard of any updates, Jen, and given that they might not play before any fans in the building or a small percentage of the 18,000-plus capacity, I don’t expect any. Ball Arena might rub off on folks — the guy who runs Ball Corp in Broomfield is a hockey guy and former owner of the Denver Cutthroats. Here is the link to that story.
Mike, it appears the Avs have strengthened their roster with the recent additions; however, other than the Saad for Zadorov trade and the addition of Toews they really didn’t make the big splash that was anticipated. Mainly, the signing of Taylor Hall or Alex Pietrangelo. Sakic, understandably, refuses to discuss a deal and/or negotiation that didn’t happen. Do you have any insight on whether the Avs: A) made an offer to either of those guys, and b) do you have any info that they may still be looking for another forward that brings more “grit” to the position? In my opinion, the past Stanley Cup playoffs exposed their lack of toughness as Dallas’ big guys pushed us around somewhat.
— Dan Rish, Albuquerque, NM
Great questions. First of all, yes, they need a third- or fourth-line grinder, a tough guy like Kyle Clifford or Matt Martin, the latter of whom is still on the market. Problem is, the Avs are just $1.8 million under the salary cap — and that’s based on just 20 players. They still need an extra forward and an extra D, or one or the other. As for the trades for Saad and Toews, two brilliant moves by Sakic and his staff. No, they didn’t make a big slash in free agency but they didn’t have to — while moving a player they no longer wanted (Zadorov) and using only draft picks (two second-rounders) to get Toews. This was already a really good team and Saad and Toews will fit in well. As for Hall and others, no, Sakic declined to say if he went after them. But I’m betting he didn’t have a long conversation with anyone.
Hi Mike, great talking hockey with you via the mailbag. With the start of hockey season pushed back, what other changes can we see the Avs making to better this team before the season starts up? Thanks.
— Joe, Denver
Just a tough guy who can skate at depth forward, Joe. But we don’t know the extent of the injured guys. If some guys aren’t 100 percent, perhaps they continue to tinker. A buddy saw Erik Johnson playing golf with no brace or limp, etc., and we thought EJ might have blown out a knee in Game 1 against Dallas. If everyone is cleared to begin camp, I don’t see them doing anything big. I have thought of one possibility: Trading Sam Girard if they think Byram is ready and just as good. That would free up more than $4 million in cap space (Girard begins his $5 million annual cap hit next season and Byram is on his entry-level contract at $894K). Probably won’t happen but the addition of Toews definitely makes Girard somewhat expendable.
Dear Mr. Chambers. The Avs just acquired the most under rated player in minor league hockey who will be the biggest surprise in the NHL this season. I’ve watched college hockey for decades and I’ve never seen a smarter, more gifted, fast-decision-making-and-scoring player ready for the NHL than Mike Vecchione. I don’t know him personally, I’ve never met, him, I don’t know his family nor do I know anyone who knows him….but I watched him play at Union College and then taken for granted in the minors as an UFA. My question: wWill you remember to write these words from your mailbag when this young man scores goals in 10 consecutive games this season? Thank you.
— Michael J. Hallisey, M.D., Wethersfield, CT
Thank you, Dr. Hallisey. I’m with you on Vecchione. I covered DU at the 2017 Frozen Four when defenseman Will Butcher won the Hobey Baker Award over Vecchione and Zach Aston-Reese, who is playing for the Penguins. So when the Avs signed Vecchione I did a little research and learned he had 21 goals in 61 AHL games last season. He’s a right-shot goal-scorer, and he wore the “C” for Union — so I have no idea why the Blues didn’t resign the guy. He signed a relatively standard one-year, two-way deal with Colorado at $700K/$290K. Maybe the $290K was the best-guaranteed AHL offer he received. Anyway, yes, I’ll remember this “conversation” if Vecchione becomes the player you forecast.
Mike, are there any updates on the 2021 season and where the Avs are going to play? Will there be any games played here in Denver with fans in attendance? I know fans missed this team during the playoffs.
— Kenny, Lakewood
Still all up in the air, Kenny. Sounds like they want to play in four temporary divisions, including an all-Canadian loop, and play baseball-like mini-series against the same team at home rinks. Just divisional games. But nothing has been finalized and other ideas are out there.
Hi Mike, with the Avs celebrating 25 years here in Denver, are there any plans for in-person games and celebrations? Do you see the team bringing back any players from past championship teams to honor the history of the franchise?
— Chris, Aurora
I sure do, Chris. I suspect Mr. Joe Sakic and the other five guys with retired jerseys will be special guests at a game or two. Adam Foote and Milan Hejduk still live here, along with Sakic, by the way.
Mike, what can we expect from the Avs’ young prospects? Do you see any of them making the jump and having an impact on the team this coming season? Feels like this team is in win-now mode and are hungry to win the Stanley Cup.
— Alexander, Centennial
It’s absolutely win-now. Look up the Avs at CapFriendly.com and see the salary structure. There is a window and it’s definitely now, plus the next 2-3 years. As for prospects, I think Logan O’Connor will become a full-time third/fourth-line forward and primary penalty killer. Please read above about Byram. Then Connor Timmins. Next year Alex Newhook. Hard to predict if 18-year-old draft picks will pan out, but Newhook appears to be a steal at No. 16 in 2019.


thedenverpost--2020-11-20--Ask Amy: Chance discovery changes everything at home

Dear Amy : I just found a box of condoms in my husband ’ s sock drawer .
The manufacture date was 2015 .
They weren ’ t for our use because I went through menopause long before that , and we haven ’ t used condoms in 20 years .
I am fairly sure that my husband had an affair 15 years ago , although he always said that “ nothing physical happened.
” Given the “ business trips ” that were never paid for by his company , I doubt he was being honest , and from that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look me in the eye and tell me a bold face lie .
I feel sick , lost , and helpless right now .
I have been a great wife and mother , and he has never wanted for emotional or physical love .
I am not sure where to turn next .
Dear Lost and Alone : I ’ m so sorry you are going through this turmoil .
There is no lonelier feeling than losing trust in your partner , with the growing awareness that you might be living with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you .
You say you don ’ t know where to turn , and before you turn to your husband to confront him with your suspicions , you should research your legal rights and responsibilities ( and perhaps meet with a lawyer ) , in case you — or he — will ultimately choose to leave the marriage .
Educating yourself in this way does not mean that you are giving up on the relationship , but it will empower you to face this possibility , and give you an idea about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should assume that he will deny this , or come up with an explanation or excuse for having recently purchased condoms .
When you have this conversation , listen to your own body ; pay close attention to your own instincts concerning his behavior .
Trust yourself , even if you don ’ t trust him .
Do not take this as a referendum on what kind of person , wife , or mother you are — his choices are not your responsibility , and they are not your fault .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through your own feelings and reactions , and could work with you and your husband together , if you and he choose to try .
Dear Amy : About a year ago , my sister and I found a half-sibling on a DNA site .
Although this was quite a shock to the half-sister , I did have an opportunity to meet her , and we are all starting to develop a nice relationship .
Long story short , she is very nice .
My dilemma is how do we tell our mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would care .
Our dad has been deceased for over 35 years .
When we first discovered this connection , my younger sister mentioned to our mom that we found someone who looks like a half-sibling , but when we found out that she is only about two weeks older than me , my sister dropped the conversation and didn ’ t bring it up again .
Mom inquired about it again , but we responded that maybe it was a fluke .
Mom replied that DNA doesn ’ t lie .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dad , people said he might have another child somewhere , because he had been single for eight years when they got married .
Dear Sister : Your father impregnated two women at around the same time .
He married one of them .
You may not know the particulars of your parents ’ decision to get married that long time ago ; their relationship might not have been longstanding , stable , and exclusive when your mother got pregnant with you .
Regardless of your folks ’ relationship status at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are complicated .
DNA findings are challenging many families to come to grips with this fact .
It is possible that — on some level — your mother has anticipated this .
She has already followed through on your original finding , and so your question is really about how to bring up this challenging topic .
The way to have a difficult conversation is to be brave enough to initiate it , and wise and sensitive enough to be patient concerning its course and outcome .
Dear Amy : I felt for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner left just after he had recovered from cancer .
I found that the one thing that brought me through a heartbreak was music .
It has mysterious , but effective , healing powers .
Dear Been There : Music rearranges emotions , moods , and a person ’ s outlook .
Great suggestion .

Dear Amy: I just found a box of condoms in my husband’s sock drawer. The manufacture date was 2015.
They weren’t for our use because I went through menopause long before that, and we haven’t used condoms in 20 years.
I am fairly sure that my husband had an affair 15 years ago, although he always said that “nothing physical happened.”
Given the “business trips” that were never paid for by his company, I doubt he was being honest, and from that experience, I know that he can look me in the eye and tell me a bold face lie.
I feel sick, lost, and helpless right now.
I have been a great wife and mother, and he has never wanted for emotional or physical love. I am not sure where to turn next.
— Lost and Alone
Dear Lost and Alone: I’m so sorry you are going through this turmoil. There is no lonelier feeling than losing trust in your partner, with the growing awareness that you might be living with a person who suddenly seems like a stranger to you.
You say you don’t know where to turn, and before you turn to your husband to confront him with your suspicions, you should research your legal rights and responsibilities (and perhaps meet with a lawyer), in case you — or he — will ultimately choose to leave the marriage.
Educating yourself in this way does not mean that you are giving up on the relationship, but it will empower you to face this possibility, and give you an idea about your more practical options.
Yes, you should assume that he will deny this, or come up with an explanation or excuse for having recently purchased condoms.
When you have this conversation, listen to your own body; pay close attention to your own instincts concerning his behavior. Trust yourself, even if you don’t trust him. Do not take this as a referendum on what kind of person, wife, or mother you are — his choices are not your responsibility, and they are not your fault.
A couples’ counselor would help you walk through your own feelings and reactions, and could work with you and your husband together, if you and he choose to try.
Dear Amy: About a year ago, my sister and I found a half-sibling on a DNA site.
Although this was quite a shock to the half-sister, I did have an opportunity to meet her, and we are all starting to develop a nice relationship. Long story short, she is very nice.
My dilemma is how do we tell our mom? I honestly don’t think she would care. Our dad has been deceased for over 35 years.
When we first discovered this connection, my younger sister mentioned to our mom that we found someone who looks like a half-sibling, but when we found out that she is only about two weeks older than me, my sister dropped the conversation and didn’t bring it up again.
Mom inquired about it again, but we responded that maybe it was a fluke. Mom replied that DNA doesn’t lie. She said that when she married my dad, people said he might have another child somewhere, because he had been single for eight years when they got married.
Any suggestions?
— Found Sister
Dear Sister: Your father impregnated two women at around the same time. He married one of them. You may not know the particulars of your parents’ decision to get married that long time ago; their relationship might not have been longstanding, stable, and exclusive when your mother got pregnant with you. Regardless of your folks’ relationship status at the time, this is further proof that people are complicated. DNA findings are challenging many families to come to grips with this fact.
It is possible that — on some level — your mother has anticipated this. She has already followed through on your original finding, and so your question is really about how to bring up this challenging topic.
The way to have a difficult conversation is to be brave enough to initiate it, and wise and sensitive enough to be patient concerning its course and outcome.
Dear Amy: I felt for “Heartbroken in Dallas,” whose partner left just after he had recovered from cancer.
I found that the one thing that brought me through a heartbreak was music. It has mysterious, but effective, healing powers.
— Been There
Dear Been There: Music rearranges emotions, moods, and a person’s outlook. Great suggestion.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-11-20--Conor McGregor agrees to UFC return vs Poirier on Jan. 23

Conor McGregor has agreed to return to the UFC for a rematch with Dustin Poirier on Jan. 23 at UFC 257 .
UFC President Dana White confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that McGregor has ended his latest retirement from mixed martial arts by signing an agreement for a 155-pound fight with Poirier .
White hasn ’ t decided whether UFC 257 will be held in Las Vegas or in the UFC ’ s coronavirus-secure bubble in Abu Dhabi .
“ But if the world continues in the direction it looks like it ’ s headed , it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White told the AP .
McGregor ( 22-4 ) has fought in the UFC cage just twice since November 2016 , but he dramatically stopped Donald “ Cowboy ” Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 last January .
The 32-year-old Irish veteran remains the biggest star in combat sports despite retiring for the third time in four years last June amid frustration with his inability to book the fights he wanted due to the pandemic .
Poirier already signed his agreement for the rematch last week , according to ESPN , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was still a rising MMA star when he stopped Poirier just 1:46 into the first round at UFC 178 in September 2014 .
McGregor won his next three fights , culminating in his 13-second victory over Jose Aldo to claim the UFC lightweight championship .
Poirier ( 26-6 ) rebounded from that loss and fought his way to a UFC title , recording wins over Justin Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez before outpointing Max Holloway for the interim UFC lightweight title in April 2019 .
Poirier lost his share of the belt to Khabib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abu Dhabi , but rebounded with a decision over Dan Hooker last June .
McGregor and Poirier both favor brawling , on-the-feet fighting styles that should provide a good matchup for McGregor ’ s strengths .
Nurmagomedov , who retired last month after beating Gaethje , is the last fighter to beat both McGregor and Poirier .

Conor McGregor has agreed to return to the UFC for a rematch with Dustin Poirier on Jan. 23 at UFC 257.
UFC President Dana White confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that McGregor has ended his latest retirement from mixed martial arts by signing an agreement for a 155-pound fight with Poirier.
White hasn’t decided whether UFC 257 will be held in Las Vegas or in the UFC’s coronavirus-secure bubble in Abu Dhabi.
“But if the world continues in the direction it looks like it’s headed, it will 100% be Fight Island,” White told the AP.
McGregor (22-4) has fought in the UFC cage just twice since November 2016, but he dramatically stopped Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 last January. The 32-year-old Irish veteran remains the biggest star in combat sports despite retiring for the third time in four years last June amid frustration with his inability to book the fights he wanted due to the pandemic.
Poirier already signed his agreement for the rematch last week, according to ESPN, the UFC’s broadcast partner.
McGregor was still a rising MMA star when he stopped Poirier just 1:46 into the first round at UFC 178 in September 2014. McGregor won his next three fights, culminating in his 13-second victory over Jose Aldo to claim the UFC lightweight championship.
Poirier (26-6) rebounded from that loss and fought his way to a UFC title, recording wins over Justin Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez before outpointing Max Holloway for the interim UFC lightweight title in April 2019. Poirier lost his share of the belt to Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission in September 2019 in Abu Dhabi, but rebounded with a decision over Dan Hooker last June.
McGregor and Poirier both favor brawling, on-the-feet fighting styles that should provide a good matchup for McGregor’s strengths.
Nurmagomedov, who retired last month after beating Gaethje, is the last fighter to beat both McGregor and Poirier.


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--Colorado high school football playoffs roundup: Who’s advancing to Class 5A, 4A and 3A semifinals?

No .
1 Cherry Creek ( 7-0 ) beat No .
8 Regis Jesuit ( 5-2 ) , 29-6 : James Walker II ran for three touchdowns , including a 96-yarder that gave the Bruins a 14-0 lead in the second quarter , while Myles Purchase sealed things with an interception return for a touchdown in the second half — the sixth pick-six of the Iowa State commit ’ s career .
Next up : vs. Pomona , TBD .
No .
4 Pomona ( 6-0 ) beat No .
5 Eaglecrest ( 4-2 ) , 49-19 : After Seyi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Raptors a 13-7 lead , the Panthers ripped off five straight touchdowns to run away with the quarterfinal win .
Junior Dominick Nichols scored three times , including on a 27-yard pass from Jack Pospisil .
Up next : Cherry Creek , TBD No .
2 Valor Christian ( 6-0 ) beat No .
7 Cherokee Trail ( 4-3 ) , 49-14 .
Even with five-star running back Gavin Sawchuk unavailable , the Eagles cruised Thursday night , as Zachary Wiley ran for four touchdowns in the first half as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winner of Legend-Fairview , TBD .
No .
3 Legend ( 6-0 ) vs. No .
6 Fairview ( 6-0 ) , 2:30 p.m. Saturday at EchoPark Stadium .
Up next : Valor Christian , TBD .
No .
1 Dakota Ridge ( 6-0 ) vs. No .
8 Montrose ( 4-2 ) , 3 p.m. Saturday at Englewood High School .
No .
4 Loveland ( 6-0 ) vs. No .
5 Broomfield ( 5-0 ) , 6:30 p.m. Friday at Ray Patterson Field .
No .
2 Palmer Ridge ( 4-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2-2 ) , 1 p.m. Saturday at Don Breese Stadium .
No .
3 Ponderosa ( 6-0 ) vs. No .
6 Fountain-Fort Carson ( 5-1 ) , 10:30 a.m. Saturday at EchoPark Stadium .
No .
1 Roosevelt ( 5-0 ) vs. No .
8 Fort Morgan ( 4-1 ) , 1 p.m. Saturday .
No .
4 Pueblo South ( 5-0 ) advances over No .
5 Mead ( 5-2 ) , via forfeit : With the brackets already released , Pueblo South advanced to the semifinals after COVID-19 concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 Holy Family ( 6-0 ) vs. No .
7 Evergreen ( 4-2 ) , 6 p.m. Friday .
No .
3 Durango ( 5-0 ) vs. No .
6 Lutheran ( 4-1 ) , 1 p.m. Saturday .

Class 5A
No. 1 Cherry Creek (7-0) beat No. 8 Regis Jesuit (5-2), 29-6: James Walker II ran for three touchdowns, including a 96-yarder that gave the Bruins a 14-0 lead in the second quarter, while Myles Purchase sealed things with an interception return for a touchdown in the second half — the sixth pick-six of the Iowa State commit’s career. Next up: vs. Pomona, 1 p.m. Nov. 28.
No. 4 Pomona (7-0) beat No. 5 Eaglecrest (4-2), 49-19: After Seyi Oladipo’s 39-yard touchdown reception gave the Raptors a 13-7 lead, the Panthers ripped off five straight touchdowns to run away with the quarterfinal win. Junior Dominick Nichols scored three times, including on a 27-yard pass from Jack Pospisil. Up next: at Cherry Creek, 1 p.m. Nov. 28
No. 2 Valor Christian (6-0) beat No. 7 Cherokee Trail (4-3), 49-14. Even with five-star running back Gavin Sawchuk unavailable, the Eagles cruised Thursday night, as Zachary Wiley ran for four touchdowns in the first half as part of a 106-yard night. Up next: vs. Legend, TBD.
No. 3 Legend (7-0) beat No. 6 Fairview (6-1), 56-35. Junior running back Bryce Vaz busted loose for six touchdowns — oddly enough, matching the number of carries he had during the regular season — as the Titans earned their first 5A semifinal trip under head coach Monte Thelen. Up next: vs. Valor Christian, TBD.
Class 4A
No. 1 Dakota Ridge (7-0) beat No. 8 Montrose (4-3), 76-34. Just as they did during the regular season, the Eagles lit up the scoreboard in Saturday’s quarterfinal, scoring on 12 straight possessions to open the game (10 touchdowns). Quarterback Ben Gultig threw for three touchdowns and ran for one — the very first score of the game from 53 yards out. Up next: vs. Loveland, TBD
No. 4 Loveland (7-0) beat No. 5 Broomfield (5-1), 28-7. The Indians blew open a 7-7 game in the fourth quarter with three unanswered touchdowns as a pair of interceptions directly (Joe Killian 70-yard pick-six) or indirectly (Tyson Williams pick returned to the Eagles 1-yard line) led to scores. Jadyn Tafoya scored the go-ahead touchdown on a three-yard run. Up next: vs. Dakota Ridge, TBD
No. 2 Palmer Ridge (5-0) beat No. 7 Pine Creek (2-3), 32-7. The Eagles scored first, then Palmer Ridge took care of the rest to avenge back-to-back losses to Pine Creek the previous two seasons. CSU commit Luke McAllister threw five touchdown passes, connecting with senior wide receiver Marcellus Reed on four of them, including an 89-yard pitch-and-catch to take a 7-6 lead in the first half that the Bears never relinquished. Up next: at Fountain-Fort Carson, 1 p.m. Nov. 28
No. 6 Fountain-Fort Carson (6-1) beat No. 3 Ponderosa (6-1), 41-38. In a wild back-and-forth affair that saw the lead change hands five times, Q Jones’ 35-yard touchdown run pushed the Trojans over the top, and a late fourth-down stop in FFC territory made it hold up. Jones topped 300 yards rushing with TD runs of 50, 64 and 35 yards, canceling out a superb performance from Ponderosa quarterback Jack Hanenburg (four touchdown passes). Up next: vs. Palmer Ridge, 1 p.m. Nov. 28
Class 3A
No. 1 Roosevelt (6-0) beat No. 8 Fort Morgan (4-2), 17-16. Brecken Sawyer’s last-second 23-yard field goal lifted the Roughriders into the 3A semifinals, stunning the Mustangs after junior receiver Brayden Fajardo’s 12-yard touchdown reception put them ahead 16-14 late in the fourth quarter. Cooper Walton added a pair of touchdown runs for the Roughriders, who get a fully rested Pueblo South team next week. Up next: Pueblo South, TBD
No. 4 Pueblo South (5-0) advances over No. 5 Mead (5-2), via forfeit. With the brackets already released, Pueblo South advanced to the semifinals after COVID-19 concerns forced Mead to withdraw. Up next: Roosevelt, TBD
No. 2 Holy Family (7-0) beat No. 7 Evergreen (4-3), 41-6. Tigers quarterback Michael White threw four touchdown passes, including a pair to Oscar Sena, to roll to the 3A semifinals. Running back Trevin Johnson added a touchdown run, his 12th of the season. Up next: vs Durango, 1 p.m. Nov. 28
No. 3 Durango (6-0) beat No. 6 Lutheran (4-2), 47-6. The Demons notched their first state quarterfinal victory since 1997 with a dominating defensive performance. Durango shut out the Lions through two quarters, taking a 26-0 lead into the half, as Cole Matava hauled in three interceptions on the day. Demons QB Jordan Woolverton had three TD passes and ran one in himself, while Ben Finneseth had scoring runs of 80 and 35 yards to go along with a 21-yard TD reception. Up next: at Holy Family, 1 p.m. Nov. 28


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--CSU men’s basketball pauses team activity due to COVID-19

The Colorado State men ’ s basketball program ’ s season has been put on pause before it even started @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 tests within the program , the team will halt all activity through Dec. 2 @ @ @ @ @ night .
The two positive tests are the first for the program since players returned @ @ @ @ @ the school said in a news release .
The CSU athletic department will work with @ @ @ @ @ how the 14-day pause impacts the start of the 2020-21 basketball schedule .
Colorado State @ @ @ @ @ for the 2020-21 season on Tuesday , with the Rams ’ conference opener set for @ @ @ @ @ State .
The first home game for the Rams is set to take place Dec. @ @ @ @ @ to Fresno State at Moby Arena .
The Rams already have a nonconference game on @ @ @ @ @ Mountain Showdown contest against the Colorado Buffaloes on Dec. 8 in Boulder .

The Colorado State men’s basketball program’s season has been put on pause before it even started.
Due to two positive COVID-19 tests within the program, the team will halt all activity through Dec. 2, the school announced Friday night. The two positive tests are the first for the program since players returned to campus in June, the school said in a news release.
The CSU athletic department will work with the Mountain West Conference on how the 14-day pause impacts the start of the 2020-21 basketball schedule.
Colorado State announced its Mountain West schedule for the 2020-21 season on Tuesday, with the Rams’ conference opener set for Dec. 3 at San Diego State. The first home game for the Rams is set to take place Dec. 28 when they play host to Fresno State at Moby Arena.
The Rams already have a nonconference game on the calendar with a Rocky Mountain Showdown contest against the Colorado Buffaloes on Dec. 8 in Boulder.
CSU’s full Mountain West schedule below:


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--Police: 8 injured in Wisconsin mall shooting; suspect sought

WAUWATOSA , Wis. ( AP ) — Police searched Friday evening for the suspect in a shooting at a suburban Milwaukee mall that left seven adults and a teenager injured .
Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber gave no motive for the attack at the Mayfair Mall in a brief update about three hours after the 2:50 p.m. incident near an entrance to the Macy ’ s store .
He said the extent of the eight victims ’ injuries was unknown , but all were alive .
He added that the shooter was “ no longer at the scene ” when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses indicate that the shooter is a white male in his 20s or 30s , ” Weber told reporters .
“ Investigators are working on determining the identity of that suspect.
” The chief called the mall an active crime scene and asked people to continue to stay away .
He said the mall would remain closed until further notice .
Witnesses told WISN-TV that they had heard what they believed to be eight to 12 gunshots .
Some people remained in the mall while police searched for a suspect .
The station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they had friends sheltered inside stores while the search was ongoing .
Jill Wooley was inside Macy ’ s with her 79-year-old mother when they heard eight to 12 gunshots just outside the store entrance .
“ We heard the first shot fired and knew immediately it was a gunshot , ” Wooley told CBS58 in Milwaukee .
“ We both just dropped to the floor.
” Wooley said she didn ’ t see anyone but the shots were “ very close.
” She added that they ran in the opposite direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they then hid .
Trish Cox ’ s 19-year-old nephew works at Finish Line sporting goods store .
She said she was worried because the store ’ s phone wasn ’ t being answered and was frantic as she waited while FBI agents cleared the mall .
An agent who wouldn ’ t give his name said the mall was being “ methodically ” cleared .
Heavily armed FBI personnel were visible at the mall .
Mall operator Brookfield Properties said in a statement they were “ disheartened and angered that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent incident today.
” They declined further comment .
The Mayfair Mall was the site of a February shooting in which a city police officer , Joseph Mensah , shot and killed Alvin Cole , a Black 17-year-old .
Police said Cole was fleeing from police ; Mensah , who is also Black , said he shot Cole because Cole pointed a gun at him .
The mall was the target of sporadic protests over several months in the wake of the shooting .
The Milwaukee County district attorney declined to file charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week agreed to a separation agreement in which Mensah will be paid at least $ 130,000 to leave the force .
Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis and freelance journalist Rich Rovito contributed to this report .

By NAM HUH
WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) — Police searched Friday evening for the suspect in a shooting at a suburban Milwaukee mall that left seven adults and a teenager injured.
Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber gave no motive for the attack at the Mayfair Mall in a brief update about three hours after the 2:50 p.m. incident near an entrance to the Macy’s store. He said the extent of the eight victims’ injuries was unknown, but all were alive. He added that the shooter was “no longer at the scene” when authorities arrived.
“Preliminary statements from witnesses indicate that the shooter is a white male in his 20s or 30s,” Weber told reporters. “Investigators are working on determining the identity of that suspect.”
As of 9:30 p.m., Wauwatosa police said in a tweet that authorities still had not identified or arrested the suspect. But in the latest update, the department offered its first explanation of what may have led to the shooting.
“Preliminary investigation has led us to believe that this shooting was not a random act, and was the result of an altercation,” said police, who added that the mall was now cleared and secure.
Authorities said the mall will be closed Saturday and investigators will remain there overnight.
“Our thoughts go out to our community, especially those who were injured and affected by the incident today,” Wauwatosa police said in a tweet. “Events like this shake a community, and we remain committed to protecting those who live in and visit Wauwatosa.”
Witnesses told WISN-TV that they had heard what they believed to be eight to 12 gunshots. Some people remained in the mall while police searched for a suspect. The station interviewed several people outside the mall who said they had friends sheltered inside stores while the search was ongoing.
Jill Wooley was inside Macy’s with her 79-year-old mother when they heard the series of gunshots just outside the store entrance.
“We heard the first shot fired and knew immediately it was a gunshot,” Wooley told CBS58 in Milwaukee. “We both just dropped to the floor.”
Wooley said she didn’t see anyone but the shots were “very close.” She added that they ran in the opposite direction to the basement of the store, where they then hid.
Trish Cox’s 19-year-old nephew works at Finish Line sporting goods store. She said she was worried because the store’s phone wasn’t being answered and was frantic as she waited while FBI agents cleared the mall.
An agent who wouldn’t give his name said the mall was being “methodically” cleared. Heavily armed FBI personnel were visible at the mall.
Mall operator Brookfield Properties said in a statement they were “disheartened and angered that our guests and tenants were subject to this violent incident today.” They declined further comment.
In a tweet Friday evening, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers noted that he’s “thinking about all the customers and workers affected by this act of violence and are grateful for the first responders who helped get people to safety. As we learn more, we offer our support for the entire Wauwatosa community as they grapple with this tragedy.”
The Mayfair Mall was the site of a February shooting in which a city police officer, Joseph Mensah, shot and killed Alvin Cole, a Black 17-year-old. Police said Cole was fleeing from police; Mensah, who is also Black, said he shot Cole because Cole pointed a gun at him. The mall was the target of sporadic protests over several months in the wake of the shooting.
The Milwaukee County district attorney declined to file charges against Mensah, but the city this week agreed to a separation agreement in which Mensah will be paid at least $130,000 to leave the force.
___
Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis and freelance journalist Rich Rovito contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up against Dolphins and predictions

Miami Dolphins ( 6-3 ) at Denver Broncos ( 3-6 ) , Sunday , 2:05 p.m. MST , Empower Field at Mile High , CBS , 850 AM , 94.1 FM , 103.5 FM 1 .
A turning point .
Should the Broncos win , they ’ ll snap Miami ’ s five-game winning streak and move to four wins heading into a tough two-week stretch against New Orleans and Kansas City .
Attaining .500 on the year would be in the realm of possibility , however difficult .
But a defeat to Miami , a 3.5-point road favorite , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fourth straight losing season .
Will red-hot rookie Tua Tagovailoa add to Denver ’ s 2020 misery , especially if Drew Lock can ’ t play due to a rib injury ?
2 .
Tua Time .
Speaking of Tagovailoa , the quarterback and fifth overall pick this year is looking to become the first rookie quarterback to win his first four starts since the Steelers ’ Ben Roethlisberger in 2004 .
Tagovailoa didn ’ t throw an interception over the past three weeks , so it will be up to Justin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secondary to force the issue and put a dent in Tagovailoa ’ s confidence via his first career pick ( s ) .
3 .
Jerry Jeudy takeover ?
After posting his first career 100-yard game in Week 9 in Atlanta , and then leading the Broncos again with four catches for 68 yards last week in Las Vegas , the rookie wideout ’ s priming to take over a game and single-handedly lift Denver to victory .
Will that be this Sunday , against a Dolphins secondary that ranks 19th at 243.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 34 catches for 552 yards this year , fourth among first-year wideouts , and is one of seven NFL players to start their career with four consecutive games with 50-plus receiving yards .
Who has the edge ?
There ’ s been lots of turnover in the Miami backfield with injuries to veterans Matt Breida and Myles Gaskin , plus the waiving of Jordan Howard this week .
But undrafted rookie Salvon Ahmed is picking up the slack , and had 85 yards on 21 carries in his first career start last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense was gashed for 203 yards by the Raiders .
Denver ranks 14th in pass defense at 231.2 yards per game , while the Miami aerial attack hasn ’ t been anything to write home about either , ranking 26th at 219.4 passing yards per game .
A.J .
Bouye and the Broncos must put an emphasis on limiting DeVante Parker , Miami ’ s top wideout .
The Denver running game was anemic last Sunday in Las Vegas , with Melvin Gordon held to 46 yards on 11 carries and Phillip Lindsay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carries .
The Broncos have to get the running game going and feed Lindsay more to take pressure off the quarterback against Miami ’ s 22nd-ranked run defense .
In addition to Jeudy , Tim Patrick ’ s been a reliable weapon and is second on the team behind the rookie with 444 receiving yards .
Tight end Noah Fant ( questionable due to rib injury ) needs to be more of the consistent force that the Broncos imagined in his second year , while Denver needs better protection and better quarterbacking ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brett Rypien if Lock can ’ t play ) .
Miami has been consistent on special teams this year , and kicker Jason Sanders has been as good as Denver ’ s Brandon McManus , as both have missed just one field goal .
The Broncos units beyond McManus and punter Sam Martin , however , have been a disaster waiting to happen .
The Broncos actually have a productive first half ( an actual lead ! )
, but Miami scores 14 fourth-quarter points to extend Denver ’ s misery .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dolphins come out ready to play , and the result is a two-score halftime deficit that Denver can ’ t erase thanks to a couple Miami interceptions in the second half .
In Tua Tagovailoa , Miami appears to have found itself a young franchise QB .
How ’ bout Denver ?
Well , kinda .
Sorta .
Maybe .
Everything you wanted the Broncos to be this fall , Miami ’ s become .
Never mind Tua : Miami ranks among the NFL ’ s top 6 in turnovers forced per drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced per drive ( No .
5 ) and points allowed per drive ( No .
6 ) .
For a Broncos offense that ’ s already beat up and pressing , that ’ s … not good .

Miami Dolphins (6-3) at Denver Broncos (3-6), Sunday, 2:05 p.m. MST, Empower Field at Mile High, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
3 Things to watch
1. A turning point. Should the Broncos win, they’ll snap Miami’s five-game winning streak and move to four wins heading into a tough two-week stretch against New Orleans and Kansas City. Attaining .500 on the year would be in the realm of possibility, however difficult. But a defeat to Miami, a 3.5-point road favorite, would all but seal the certainty of a fourth straight losing season. Will red-hot rookie Tua Tagovailoa add to Denver’s 2020 misery, especially if Drew Lock can’t play due to a rib injury?
2. Tua Time. Speaking of Tagovailoa, the quarterback and fifth overall pick this year is looking to become the first rookie quarterback to win his first four starts since the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Tagovailoa didn’t throw an interception over the past three weeks, so it will be up to Justin Simmons, Bryce Callahan and the Broncos secondary to force the issue and put a dent in Tagovailoa’s confidence via his first career pick(s).
3. Jerry Jeudy takeover? After posting his first career 100-yard game in Week 9 in Atlanta, and then leading the Broncos again with four catches for 68 yards last week in Las Vegas, the rookie wideout’s priming to take over a game and single-handedly lift Denver to victory. Will that be this Sunday, against a Dolphins secondary that ranks 19th at 243.8 passing yards allowed per game? Jeudy has 34 catches for 552 yards this year, fourth among first-year wideouts, and is one of seven NFL players to start their career with four consecutive games with 50-plus receiving yards.
Who has the edge?
When the Dolphins run
There’s been lots of turnover in the Miami backfield with injuries to veterans Matt Breida and Myles Gaskin, plus the waiving of Jordan Howard this week. But undrafted rookie Salvon Ahmed is picking up the slack, and had 85 yards on 21 carries in his first career start last week. Meanwhile, the Denver run defense was gashed for 203 yards by the Raiders.
Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins pass
Denver ranks 14th in pass defense at 231.2 yards per game, while the Miami aerial attack hasn’t been anything to write home about either, ranking 26th at 219.4 passing yards per game. A.J. Bouye and the Broncos must put an emphasis on limiting DeVante Parker, Miami’s top wideout.
Edge: Even
When the Broncos run
The Denver running game was anemic last Sunday in Las Vegas, with Melvin Gordon held to 46 yards on 11 carries and Phillip Lindsay to a paltry two yards on four carries. The Broncos have to get the running game going and feed Lindsay more to take pressure off the quarterback against Miami’s 22nd-ranked run defense.
Edge: Even
When the Broncos pass
In addition to Jeudy, Tim Patrick’s been a reliable weapon and is second on the team behind the rookie with 444 receiving yards. Tight end Noah Fant (questionable due to rib injury) needs to be more of the consistent force that the Broncos imagined in his second year, while Denver needs better protection and better quarterbacking (whether by Lock, or by backup Brett Rypien if Lock can’t play).
Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Miami has been consistent on special teams this year, and kicker Jason Sanders has been as good as Denver’s Brandon McManus, as both have missed just one field goal. The Broncos units beyond McManus and punter Sam Martin, however, have been a disaster waiting to happen.
Edge: Dolphins
Post predictions
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer: Dolphins 24, Broncos 20
The Broncos actually have a productive first half (an actual lead!), but Miami scores 14 fourth-quarter points to extend Denver’s misery.
Kyle Newman, beat writer: Dolphins 28, Broncos 17
The Broncos have another slow start and the Dolphins come out ready to play, and the result is a two-score halftime deficit that Denver can’t erase thanks to a couple Miami interceptions in the second half.
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Dolphins 27, Broncos 20
In Tua Tagovailoa, Miami appears to have found itself a young franchise QB. How ’bout Denver? Well, kinda. Sorta. Maybe.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Dolphins 25, Broncos 23
Everything you wanted the Broncos to be this fall, Miami’s become. Never mind Tua: Miami ranks among the NFL’s top 6 in turnovers forced per drive (No. 6), fumbles forced per drive (No. 5) and points allowed per drive (No. 6). For a Broncos offense that’s already beat up and pressing, that’s … not good.


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--Rockies add Colton Welker to 40-man roster; Riley Pint not protected from Rule 5 Draft

The Rockies shuffled their 40-man roster Friday , making moves to protect several prospects from next month ’ s Rule 5 Draft .
Right-handed pitcher Riley Pint , the fourth overall draft pick in 2016 , was not added to the 40-man roster but it ’ s doubtful that a team will select him in the draft on Dec. 10 .
The Rockies added infielder/outfielder Bret Boswell , infielder Colton Welker and left-handed pitchers Lucas Gilbreath and Helcris Olivares to the 40-man .
To make room , right-handed pitchers Ashton Goudeau and Jesus Tinoco were designated for assignment .
Tinoco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto .
Pint , 23 , has struggled with control problems and has not pitched above low-A Asheville .
He has raw talent , and he pitched for the Rockies this fall in the Arizona Instructional League .
But it would be risky for another big-league team to draft Pint because his new team would to not only have to place him directly on its 40-man roster but it would also have to carry him on the major league roster throughout the 2021 season .
Pint is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rule 5 draftees must remain on the major league roster for the entire season in order to be retained by their new club .
Clubs pay $ 100,000 to select a player in the Rule 5 Draft .
If that player doesn ’ t stay on the MLB roster for the full season , he must be offered back to his former team for $ 50,000 .
Players who signed professional contracts at age 18 or younger must be added to the 40-man roster within five seasons after signing the contract and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older must be added within four seasons .
If a player is not added to the 40-man roster , they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft .

The Rockies shuffled their 40-man roster Friday, making moves to protect several prospects from next month’s Rule 5 Draft.
Right-handed pitcher Riley Pint, the fourth overall draft pick in 2016, was not added to the 40-man roster but it’s doubtful that a team will select him in the draft on Dec. 10. The Rockies added infielder/outfielder Bret Boswell, infielder Colton Welker and left-handed pitchers Lucas Gilbreath and Helcris Olivares to the 40-man. To make room, right-handed pitchers Ashton Goudeau and Jesus Tinoco were designated for assignment. Tinoco was part of the 2015 trade that sent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto.
Pint, 23, has struggled with control problems and has not pitched above low-A Asheville. He has raw talent, and he pitched for the Rockies this fall in the Arizona Instructional League. But it would be risky for another big-league team to draft Pint because his new team would to not only have to place him directly on its 40-man roster but it would also have to carry him on the major league roster throughout the 2021 season. Pint is not ready for that big jump in competition.
Rule 5 draftees must remain on the major league roster for the entire season in order to be retained by their new club. Clubs pay $100,000 to select a player in the Rule 5 Draft. If that player doesn’t stay on the MLB roster for the full season, he must be offered back to his former team for $50,000.
Players who signed professional contracts at age 18 or younger must be added to the 40-man roster within five seasons after signing the contract and those who were 19 years old or older must be added within four seasons. If a player is not added to the 40-man roster, they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--Pac-12 cancels Washington State-Stanford game

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun says the school has nine football players in COVID-19 protocols and four players had @ @ @ @ @ protocol Friday morning leading to the cancellation of the Cougars ’ game at Stanford .
@ @ @ @ @ weekend , the Cougars had zero players in their COVID protocols and the first positive @ @ @ @ @ week .
The four positives Friday morning kept the Cougars from reaching the Pac-12 mandate @ @ @ @ @ .
Chun said it was too early to know whether next Friday ’ s Apple @ @ @ @ @ be played as scheduled .
He said figuring out the situation around the Apple Cup @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re going to get through tomorrow as planned and come Sunday we ’ @ @ @ @ @ assessments about where our roster is at and where we ’ re at with everything @ @ @ @ @ a team on Friday , ” Chun said .

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun says the school has nine football players in COVID-19 protocols and four players had to be put into the protocol Friday morning leading to the cancellation of the Cougars’ game at Stanford.
Chun said as of last weekend, the Cougars had zero players in their COVID protocols and the first positive test came early in the week. The four positives Friday morning kept the Cougars from reaching the Pac-12 mandate of 53 scholarship players available.
Chun said it was too early to know whether next Friday’s Apple Cup against rival Washington will be played as scheduled. He said figuring out the situation around the Apple Cup would begin Sunday.
“We’re going to get through tomorrow as planned and come Sunday we’ll start making our daily assessments about where our roster is at and where we’re at with everything related to trying to field a team on Friday,” Chun said.


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--DIA unveils airy, modern Concourse B expansion, with 6 gates to be used by United

Bright light fills the expansive , modern addition to Denver International Airport ’ s Concourse B , where passengers will be able to sip drinks by fire pits on an outdoor terrace while waiting for their flights .
DIA unveiled the six-gate expansion on the west end of its largest concourse Friday , two days before United Airlines flights were set to begin docking at the new jet bridges .
It ’ s the first addition to open of four underway at the ends of the airport ’ s concourses , all part of a $ 1.5 billion project that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2022 .
Accounting for some replacements , the additions will increase gate capacity by nearly a third .
The gate additions are among several big-ticket projects aimed at increasing the 25-year-old airport ’ s capacity to keep up with airline and passenger demand in coming years , including a terminal renovation that ’ s run much less smoothly .
DIA plans to announce the reduced scope of that severely cash-strapped project next week .
The coronavirus pandemic has introduced new uncertainty about the timing of the airport ’ s growth trajectory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Miller , vice president of United ’ s Denver hub operation , said the carrier remains committed to the lease deal it signed in February to add 24 gates , nearly all of them from the additions .
He noted that even as United ’ s flight schedule has fallen from a pre-pandemic load of 500 departures a day this year , Denver has become its largest hub for connecting flights , eclipsing Chicago ’ s O ’ Hare International Airport .
“ Our commitment to get up to 700 flights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and I don ’ t expect anything to change with that timeline , ” Miller said .
Two of the six new gates opening Sunday are replacements for old ones , making for a net addition of four on Concourse B .
United also will take seven new gates under construction on B-east as well as a dozen on Concourse A ’ s west end .
Southwest Airlines , DIA ’ s second-largest carrier , has committed to 16 gates that are being added to Concourse C ’ s east end .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of public and restricted space , DIA says .
Visually , the new space breaks markedly with the decor of the original concourse .
Amenities include curved seating in the center , with outlets installed in the furniture , space for future food concessions and the terrace at the concourse ’ s end , looking toward the mountains .
It has two fire pits , a bar and a “ pet relief ” area .
A pair of new bathrooms are laid out differently from others at DIA , with windows overlooking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport spokeswoman said the expansion ’ s energy and water systems , which include rooftop solar panels , are designed to earn LEED Gold efficiency certification .
Downstairs , beyond restricted-access doors , United has installed a new system , including six 29,000-gallon tanks , to supply deicing fluid to pads on that end of the concourse .

Bright light fills the expansive, modern addition to Denver International Airport’s Concourse B, where passengers will be able to sip drinks by fire pits on an outdoor terrace while waiting for their flights.
DIA unveiled the six-gate expansion on the west end of its largest concourse Friday, two days before United Airlines flights were set to begin docking at the new jet bridges. It’s the first addition to open of four underway at the ends of the airport’s concourses, all part of a $1.5 billion project that’s expected to add 39 gates by 2022. Accounting for some replacements, the additions will increase gate capacity by nearly a third.
The gate additions are among several big-ticket projects aimed at increasing the 25-year-old airport’s capacity to keep up with airline and passenger demand in coming years, including a terminal renovation that’s run much less smoothly. DIA plans to announce the reduced scope of that severely cash-strapped project next week.
The coronavirus pandemic has introduced new uncertainty about the timing of the airport’s growth trajectory, as airline traffic is down substantially.
Matt Miller, vice president of United’s Denver hub operation, said the carrier remains committed to the lease deal it signed in February to add 24 gates, nearly all of them from the additions. He noted that even as United’s flight schedule has fallen from a pre-pandemic load of 500 departures a day this year, Denver has become its largest hub for connecting flights, eclipsing Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
“Our commitment to get up to 700 flights, we originally said, was by 2025 — and I don’t expect anything to change with that timeline,” Miller said.
Two of the six new gates opening Sunday are replacements for old ones, making for a net addition of four on Concourse B. United also will take seven new gates under construction on B-east as well as a dozen on Concourse A’s west end.
Southwest Airlines, DIA’s second-largest carrier, has committed to 16 gates that are being added to Concourse C’s east end.
The B-west expansion added 89,247 square feet of public and restricted space, DIA says. Visually, the new space breaks markedly with the decor of the original concourse.
Amenities include curved seating in the center, with outlets installed in the furniture, space for future food concessions and the terrace at the concourse’s end, looking toward the mountains. It has two fire pits, a bar and a “pet relief” area.
A pair of new bathrooms are laid out differently from others at DIA, with windows overlooking the tarmac in the hand-washing areas. An airport spokeswoman said the expansion’s energy and water systems, which include rooftop solar panels, are designed to earn LEED Gold efficiency certification.
Downstairs, beyond restricted-access doors, United has installed a new system, including six 29,000-gallon tanks, to supply deicing fluid to pads on that end of the concourse.


thedenverpost--2020-11-21--Donald Trump Jr. tests positive for coronavirus, spokesman says

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump Jr. , the eldest son of President Donald Trump , was quarantining Friday after learning he has been infected with the coronavirus , a spokesperson said .
The younger Trump learned his diagnosis at the beginning of the week and has had no symptoms , said the spokesperson , who was granted anonymity to discuss private medical information .
Trump Jr. is following all medically recommended guidelines for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , the spokesperson added .
The 42-year-old is the latest member of the president ’ s family to become infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 250,000 Americans and infected nearly 12 million others .
President-elect Joe Biden made President Trump ’ s response to the virus a top issue in the recently concluded race for the White House , though Trump has yet to acknowledge the outcome .
President Trump , first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron have all recovered from their coronavirus infections in October .
The president spent three days in a military hospital where he was treated with experimental drugs ; the first lady weathered her illness at the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberly Guilfoyle , tested positive for the coronavirus in July .

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, was quarantining Friday after learning he has been infected with the coronavirus, a spokesperson said.
The younger Trump learned his diagnosis at the beginning of the week and has had no symptoms, said the spokesperson, who was granted anonymity to discuss private medical information.
Trump Jr. is following all medically recommended guidelines for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, the spokesperson added.
The 42-year-old is the latest member of the president’s family to become infected with a virus that has killed more than 250,000 Americans and infected nearly 12 million others.
President-elect Joe Biden made President Trump’s response to the virus a top issue in the recently concluded race for the White House, though Trump has yet to acknowledge the outcome.
President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron have all recovered from their coronavirus infections in October. The president spent three days in a military hospital where he was treated with experimental drugs; the first lady weathered her illness at the White House.
Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, tested positive for the coronavirus in July.