thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Frustrated Michael Porter Jr. on quiet second half in Nuggets’ Game 4 loss to Clippers: “I just didn

Frustrated Michael Porter Jr. on quiet second half in Nuggets’ Game 4 loss to Clippers: “I just didn’t touch the ball”

A frustrated Michael Porter Jr. said his quiet second half in Game 4 had nothing to do with the Clippers ’ defense .
“ I just didn ’ t touch the ball , ” he said .
“ They didn ’ t do anything different.
” Porter had 15 points in the first half , but none in the second half of Denver ’ s 96-85 loss to the Clippers , which set them back 3-1 in the series .
He took just two shots in more than 17 minutes on the court over the third and fourth quarters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself more involved , Porter put the onus on Denver coach Michael Malone .
“ I mean , that ’ s really up to the play calls , that ’ s really up to the coaches , who they want to put the ball in whose hands , ” Porter said .
“ We kept going to ( Nikola ) Jokic and ‘ Mal ( Murray ) , and they ’ re two amazing players , you can never get mad at that .
But I just think to beat that team , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we got ta move the ball a little bit better .
We can ’ t be predictable against that team.
” Jokic and Murray took a combined 20 shots in the second half , connecting on nine of them .
Most of their second-half damage came after the Clippers had built a 16-point lead with a 21-5 run in the third quarter .
Though Porter is still a rookie , he said that if Malone is going to play him consistent minutes in the playoffs , he feels like he deserves a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m gon na be out there on the floor playing a lot of minutes , I think I should voice that ( concern ) , ” Porter said .
“ I ’ ll probably talk to the coaches , just tell them what I see being out there on the floor .
Just letting them know , ‘ Look , they know what we ’ re doing.
’ Like , we got ta swing the ball .
We ’ ve got a lot of players who can play basketball and score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys involved.
” Porter , who was benched in the first round against Utah because of his defense , has had promising moments on both sides of the court since then .
But the dilemma for Malone , which has been there the entire season , was always whether he could trust his defense .
Malone showed a fair amount of faith in him Wednesday night , playing him 34 minutes while Paul Millsap played just 14 .
When asked about Porter , Malone said he needed to find his shots the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half , when his 15 points on six shots gave the Nuggets a huge boost .
“ Well , get them the same way you got them in the first half , ” Malone said .
“ The ball found him .
We play an offense where the ball moves , you trust the pass , you trust your teammates .
In that second half , obviously , I think they keyed in on him .
They ’ re a really good defensive team .
They switched a lot .
They blew things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , took us out of our offense at times .
He did some good things , 15 and 6 , but yeah , he ’ s another guy that we have to find ways to get open looks for.
” In the aftermath of the loss , Malone said there were a lot of frustrated guys in the locker room .
Porter attributed that frustration to the Nuggets not playing up to their potential .
“ Because we ’ re beating ourselves right now , ” Porter said .
“ We held that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we had like 83 .
We ’ re too good of a team to be scoring that few points .
We feel like the last couple of games we ’ ve just been beating ourselves .
Give them credit .
They ’ ve come in with a good game plan , but that ’ s not a good feeling , when you feel like you ’ re beating yourself .
”

A frustrated Michael Porter Jr. said his quiet second half in Game 4 had nothing to do with the Clippers’ defense.
“I just didn’t touch the ball,” he said. “They didn’t do anything different.”
Porter had 15 points in the first half, but none in the second half of Denver’s 96-85 loss to the Clippers, which set them back 3-1 in the series. He took just two shots in more than 17 minutes on the court over the third and fourth quarters. Too often he was used as a decoy instead of the scoring, slashing mismatch he’s accustomed to.
Asked what he can do to get himself more involved, Porter put the onus on Denver coach Michael Malone.
“I mean, that’s really up to the play calls, that’s really up to the coaches, who they want to put the ball in whose hands,” Porter said. “We kept going to (Nikola) Jokic and ‘Mal (Murray), and they’re two amazing players, you can never get mad at that. But I just think to beat that team, we gotta get more players involved, we gotta move the ball a little bit better. We can’t be predictable against that team.”
Game was over here, but this isn't an encouraging look. MPJ was obviously frustrated/dejected at this point. pic.twitter.com/UtLJ1oycin — Mike Singer (@msinger) September 10, 2020
Jokic and Murray took a combined 20 shots in the second half, connecting on nine of them. Most of their second-half damage came after the Clippers had built a 16-point lead with a 21-5 run in the third quarter.
Though Porter is still a rookie, he said that if Malone is going to play him consistent minutes in the playoffs, he feels like he deserves a say in the offense. Porter’s averaged 24 minutes through four games, playing as little as 16 in their Game 2 win and as much as 34 in Wednesday’s loss.
“If I’m gonna be out there on the floor playing a lot of minutes, I think I should voice that (concern),” Porter said. “I’ll probably talk to the coaches, just tell them what I see being out there on the floor. Just letting them know, ‘Look, they know what we’re doing.’ Like, we gotta swing the ball. We’ve got a lot of players who can play basketball and score. We gotta get some more guys involved.”
Porter, who was benched in the first round against Utah because of his defense, has had promising moments on both sides of the court since then. But the dilemma for Malone, which has been there the entire season, was always whether he could trust his defense. Malone showed a fair amount of faith in him Game 4, and made the decisive move to play him over Paul Millsap (14 minutes), whose offense has lagged all postseason.
When asked about Porter’s involvement, Malone said he needed to play the same selfless style he did in the first half, when his 15 points on six shots gave the Nuggets a huge boost.
“Well, get them the same way you got them in the first half,” Malone said. “The ball found him. We play an offense where the ball moves, you trust the pass, you trust your teammates. In that second half, obviously, I think they keyed in on him. They’re a really good defensive team. They switched a lot. They blew things up. They were physical with us, took us out of our offense at times. He did some good things, 15 and 6, but yeah, he’s another guy that we have to find ways to get open looks for.”
In the aftermath of the loss, Malone said he understood the frustration in his locker room. Porter, like several of his teammates said after the Game 3 loss, believed the problems were more self-inflicted.
“Because we’re beating ourselves right now,” Porter said. “We held that team under 100 points tonight and I think we had like 83. We’re too good of a team to be scoring that few points. We feel like the last couple of games we’ve just been beating ourselves. Give them credit. They’ve come in with a good game plan, but that’s not a good feeling, when you feel like you’re beating yourself.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Chiefs nix headdresses, face paint to start NFL season

MISSION , Kan. — Kansas City Chiefs fans who file into Arrowhead stadium Thursday for a masked and socially distanced start to the NFL season won ’ t be wearing headdresses or face paint amid a nationwide push for racial justice following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
The move by the reigning Super Bowl champions has pleased Native Americans as a good first step , but frustrated some of the 17,000 fans who will be in the stands as the team becomes the first to take the field in front of a crowd — albeit a smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Enforcing the new restrictions also comes as the team tries to require masks , which has proven challenging at some public practices .
NFL teams with Native American mascots are facing increased scrutiny after the team in Washington chose to drop Redskins as its nickname after a long and often contentious dialogue with fans and the public .
The Chiefs also announced last month that the team was discussing the future of its tomahawk chop celebration amid complaints that it ’ s racist .
Students at nearby Haskell Indian Nations University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who demanded changes .
“ Using this mascot and having this fan base of predominantly white people wearing face paint and headdresses and doing the tomahawk chop , and it energizes them and gives them this sense of power , and then thinking there is nothing wrong with doing that is just mind boggling to me , ” said William Wilkinson , Haskell ’ s former University Student Government Association president .
Wilkinson , who is Navajo , Cherokee , Mandan , Hidatsa and Arikara , said that eventually the team nickname @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us and gives us Native Americans this picture of being this savage beast that is hungry for fighting when in real life we are nothing like that , ” said the 22-year-old business major from Madison , Wisconsin .
Ty Rowton , a self-described superfan who goes to games as the X-Factor , dressed with an Arrowhead on his head , beads and a cape signed by players , has made one change to his costume .
Instead of face paint , he will stick Duct tape with Bible verses on his face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wore the getup for a training camp practice but said he has since gotten clearance for the ensemble .
Still , he thinks the team ’ s changes are an overreaction and said fans love to pose with people wearing headdresses .
He also thinks the team also should keep the tomahawk chop .
“ It is something that gets us riled up together and that we do as one .
It has never been meant to be disrespectful at all , ” he said .
Gaylene Crouser , executive director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s wrong to use “ a race of people as a mascot.
” Her group has demanded changes for years and she thinks the momentum may be shifting .
“ It has always been swept under the rug , but because the Washington team was leaned on so hard that they made the change , now some of the other ones are starting to feel the heat , ” she said .
“ I hope this is the beginning of the end of this acceptable racism.
” Sixty-five-year-old fan Connie Jo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Woodland Shawnee , Plains Cree and Mississippi Chickasaw , supports banning the headdress but thinks the Chiefs name should stay .
She considers herself a hardcore fan and praised efforts the team has made to work with national organizations that work closely on issues that affect Native Americans .
For example , the Chiefs celebrate American Indian Heritage Month by inviting elders to a game each year and having them do a ceremonial “ Blessing of the Drum and the Four Directions of Arrowhead Stadium.
” “ The KC Chiefs have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our heritage , culture , and traditions because of their name , ” she wrote .
“ They along with local and regional American Indian leaders and tribal members , are wisely using that opportunity to culturally educate and bring respect to American Indian culture and heritage .
”

MISSION, Kan. — Kansas City Chiefs fans who file into Arrowhead stadium Thursday for a masked and socially distanced start to the NFL season won’t be wearing headdresses or face paint amid a nationwide push for racial justice following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The move by the reigning Super Bowl champions has pleased Native Americans as a good first step, but frustrated some of the 17,000 fans who will be in the stands as the team becomes the first to take the field in front of a crowd — albeit a smaller than normal one — during the coronavirus pandemic. Enforcing the new restrictions also comes as the team tries to require masks, which has proven challenging at some public practices.
NFL teams with Native American mascots are facing increased scrutiny after the team in Washington chose to drop Redskins as its nickname after a long and often contentious dialogue with fans and the public. The Chiefs also announced last month that the team was discussing the future of its tomahawk chop celebration amid complaints that it’s racist.
Students at nearby Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, are among those who demanded changes.
“Using this mascot and having this fan base of predominantly white people wearing face paint and headdresses and doing the tomahawk chop, and it energizes them and gives them this sense of power, and then thinking there is nothing wrong with doing that is just mind boggling to me,” said William Wilkinson, Haskell’s former University Student Government Association president.
Wilkinson, who is Navajo, Cherokee, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara, said that eventually the team nickname also must change.
“It dehumanizes us and gives us Native Americans this picture of being this savage beast that is hungry for fighting when in real life we are nothing like that,” said the 22-year-old business major from Madison, Wisconsin.
Ty Rowton, a self-described superfan who goes to games as the X-Factor, dressed with an Arrowhead on his head, beads and a cape signed by players, has made one change to his costume. Instead of face paint, he will stick Duct tape with Bible verses on his face.
He was stopped by security when he wore the getup for a training camp practice but said he has since gotten clearance for the ensemble. Still, he thinks the team’s changes are an overreaction and said fans love to pose with people wearing headdresses. He also thinks the team also should keep the tomahawk chop.
“It is something that gets us riled up together and that we do as one. It has never been meant to be disrespectful at all,” he said.
Gaylene Crouser, executive director of the Kansas City Indian Center, said it’s wrong to use “a race of people as a mascot.” Her group has demanded changes for years and she thinks the momentum may be shifting.
“It has always been swept under the rug, but because the Washington team was leaned on so hard that they made the change, now some of the other ones are starting to feel the heat,” she said. “I hope this is the beginning of the end of this acceptable racism.”
Sixty-five-year-old fan Connie Jo Gillespie, who is a mix of East Woodland Shawnee, Plains Cree and Mississippi Chickasaw, supports banning the headdress but thinks the Chiefs name should stay. She considers herself a hardcore fan and praised efforts the team has made to work with national organizations that work closely on issues that affect Native Americans.
For example, the Chiefs celebrate American Indian Heritage Month by inviting elders to a game each year and having them do a ceremonial “Blessing of the Drum and the Four Directions of Arrowhead Stadium.”
“The KC Chiefs have an opportunity to culturally educate non Indians about our heritage, culture, and traditions because of their name,” she wrote. “They along with local and regional American Indian leaders and tribal members, are wisely using that opportunity to culturally educate and bring respect to American Indian culture and heritage.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Two teens accused of killing two brothers met up for illegal gun sale, arrest documents say

Two teens accused of fatally shooting two brothers earlier this month in Lakewood were meeting up for an illegal gun sale or swap , according to arrest documents .
But , according to the documents , they were planning a robbery instead .
Michael Anthony Mendoza , 17 , and Marqueil Deandre Banks , 16 , are being charged as adults , according to the Jefferson County District Attorney ’ s Office .
They ’ re each facing 10 counts , including first-degree murder , in the killings of Damian Wikoff , 18 , and Dillon Wikoff , 17 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a news release .
Lakewood police found Damian and Dillon before 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23 in the Walmart parking lot at 7455 W. Colfax Ave. with gunshot wounds when responding to a report of a shooting , according to arrest documents provided by the DA ’ s office .
The two later died at a hospital .
Witness interviews and social media messages illustrated what led to the meeting that night with the brothers and at least five other people and the shooting that followed .
Damian had been on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby Qdoba , and the two brothers were in the parking lot .
Damian and Dillon were attempting to sell or swap a gun , according to the documents .
Dillon had exchanged hundreds of messages with what appeared to be Mendoza ’ s Facebook account , including about a gun exchange that evening .
Mendoza had an ankle monitor at the time related to another case , according to the documents .
Mendoza told police one of the people with him got in an argument with one of the brothers , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the head with it .
The person having an argument with one of the brothers jumped out of the car and shot Damian and Dillon , according to the documents .
Mendoza said he was told to grab the gun , which he pulled out of a backpack in the parking lot , and drove away .
During searches and the arrests , police found several guns , including the one taken during the shooting and a pistol and rifle conversion kit , according to the arrest documents .
They also found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun deal .
They connected Mendoza and Banks , who was on parole at the time , to the shooting .

Two teens accused of fatally shooting two brothers earlier this month in Lakewood were meeting up for an illegal gun sale or swap, according to arrest documents.
But, according to the documents, they were planning a robbery instead.
Michael Anthony Mendoza, 17, and Marqueil Deandre Banks, 16, are being charged as adults, according to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. They’re each facing 10 counts, including first-degree murder, in the killings of Damian Wikoff, 18, and Dillon Wikoff, 17. They are being held without bond, according to a news release.
Lakewood police found Damian and Dillon before 8:30 p.m. Aug. 23 in the Walmart parking lot at 7455 W. Colfax Ave. with gunshot wounds when responding to a report of a shooting, according to arrest documents provided by the DA’s office. The two later died at a hospital.
Witness interviews and social media messages illustrated what led to the meeting that night with the brothers and at least five other people and the shooting that followed. Damian had been on a break from his work shift at the nearby Qdoba, and the two brothers were in the parking lot. Damian and Dillon were attempting to sell or swap a gun, according to the documents. Dillon had exchanged hundreds of messages with what appeared to be Mendoza’s Facebook account, including about a gun exchange that evening. Mendoza had an ankle monitor at the time related to another case, according to the documents.
Mendoza told police one of the people with him got in an argument with one of the brothers, so Mendoza took a shotgun and hit Damian in the head with it. The person having an argument with one of the brothers jumped out of the car and shot Damian and Dillon, according to the documents. Mendoza said he was told to grab the gun, which he pulled out of a backpack in the parking lot, and drove away.
During searches and the arrests, police found several guns, including the one taken during the shooting and a pistol and rifle conversion kit, according to the arrest documents. They also found messages that corroborated a planned robbery during the gun deal. They connected Mendoza and Banks, who was on parole at the time, to the shooting.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Kiszla: Devoted Broncos fan’s streak of attending 268 straight games to be broken by COVID stadium r

Kiszla: Devoted Broncos fan’s streak of attending 268 straight games to be broken by COVID stadium restrictions. Man, does 2020 stink.

Let me introduce you to Mr. 268 , whose heart is about to break .
The awesome power of Broncomania gave super fan Miles Power his wife , not mention one sweet life .
He drives a $ 90,000 Tesla , custom painted blue , with orange trim .
He gets hugs from a daughter named in honor of Champ Bailey .
He will always cherish the thrill of being in the stadium when Denver won Super Bowl 50 .
This incurable case of orange madness , however , is fixing to break a 40-year-old man ’ s heart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive Broncos games , not missing a single contest at home or on the road since early 2004 , is about to get snapped .
“ I ’ m devastated .
You don ’ t understand .
Broncos football has shaped everything in my adult life , ” said Power , a Montana native who now calls Aurora home .
“ During the streak , I can tell you the Broncos have scored 6,139 points and had 5,393 points scored against them .
I ’ ve made dear friends around the country and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For all the positives , the streak was never silly to me .
It meant something .
Being at the games is part of my identity .
That ’ s why I can ’ t shake this deep sense of loss.
” So now we have one more reason to curse 2020 , which threatens to turn touchstones in our lives into mud .
The last time Power wasn ’ t in the stands for a Broncos game was Dec. 28 , 2003 , when Danny Kanell split snaps at quarterback with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ahman Green ran 98 yards for a touchdown during a 31-3 loss to the Packers .
But unless Power storms the gates , or convinces Brittany Bowlen to give him a seat in the owner ’ s box , he won ’ t be in Empower Field at Mile High when the Broncos play Tennessee on Monday night .
And don ’ t we know why ?
Dang COVID-19 .
Safety precautions against the pandemic will prevent spectators from attending the home opener .
“ A piece of me is lost , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being stuck at home , grieving with family and two close friends , as his streak dies .
“ It will be almost funeral-esque , in a way.
” For anybody else , watching the Broncos on a widescreen television might not be cause for tears .
But Power , who has masters degrees in decision science and computer information systems , is wired differently .
He ’ s the living , breathing embodiment of the idea that football is life .
“ I used my decision science degree to determine who I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the spread sheet with a list of questions .
For example : ‘ What ’ s the lowest scoring football game possible where there ’ s a winner ?
’ ” said Power , blessed his wife , Trisha , passed the test .
He proposed at the 50-yard line after the Broncos played the hated Raiders at home on Christmas Eve , 2005 .
“ I ’ ve been nervous before every Super Bowl , but had way more anxiety for that game , ” Power told me .
Was he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged to a Broncomaniac ?
“ No , ” Power said .
“ It just wouldn ’ t have felt right to propose on a day the Broncos lost.
” So take a bow , Jake Plummer .
If you hadn ’ t passed for 268 yards on the night before Christmas to blitz Oakland 22-3 , Power might still be a bachelor .
Here ’ s what I can ’ t get out of my head .
Quarterback John Elway took the field 256 times during the regular season and playoffs from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida heat , shivered in New York cold and refused to walk out on any blowout loss for more games than the most iconic player in franchise history wore No .
7 .
And believe this : You don ’ t become Mr. 268 without making sacrifices , in addition to all the money spent on hotels , meals and playoff tickets bought on the secondary market .
“ Hundreds of thousands of dollars , ” said Power , a successful entrepreneur .
There was that time when Power and his wife departed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pedal to the metal down I-70 , arriving in St. Louis moments prior to kickoff , only to turn around and drive back to Colorado immediately after the final gun .
When Power returned the rental car before work Monday morning , an incredulous agent suggested something had to be wrong with the odometer , because it seemed humanly impossibly to put 1,700 miles on a vehicle in fewer than 36 hours .
Shortly he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 , cornerback Champ Bailey gulped when I told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dog named Champ .
“ Oh .
My .
God , ” Bailey said .
“ I had no idea.
” Well , great minds must think alike .
When Trisha gave Power their first child on Dec. 21 , 2011 , it seemed natural to call her Bailey .
But that ’ s not even the real story .
“ Our daughter was due on Dec. 24 .
But she came early , which was an amazing gift , ” Power said .
“ You remember 2011 ?
That was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Eve .
My wife gave her full blessing for me to go on the trip , even at risk of missing the birth .
But let me tell you : If I had missed the birth for a blowout in Buffalo , I would not have enjoyed it.
” Since March , when the pandemic exploded across America , Power has known his streak was in trouble .
While the Broncos announced early this week that 5,700 spectators will be allowed in the stadium beginning with their second home game later this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pittsburgh and Las Vegas are more obstructions down the road for Power .
“ My goal has been 800 straight games , ” Power said .
His inspiration is Giles Pellerin , a proud Southern Cal Trojans football fanatic who died of a heart attack at age 91 in the stadium parking lot during the 1998 season , passing away with a streak of 797 consecutive games seen in person .
Power , who always does the math , figures he could reach the magic No .
800 around his 70th birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos make between now and 2050 .
But if the streak is snapped now ?
Well , kiss any chance at 800 goodbye .
Power doesn ’ t have enough years left above the ground in Broncos Country to start over now .
With the clock kicking toward opening kickoff and no known path to get inside the stadium , Power feels some of the quiet desperation many of us do during a year when COVID makes the rules .
“ It would almost be easier if everything was canceled for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could just reset in 2021 , ” said Power , a Broncomaniac praying for a miracle .
“ I ’ ll do anything , if it lets me attend the Broncos game against Tennessee .
I ’ ll clean the toilets , if that gets me in the stadium .
I ’ m not proud .
”

Let me introduce you to Mr. 268, whose heart is about to break.
The awesome power of Broncomania gave super fan Miles Power his wife, not mention one sweet life. He drives a $90,000 Tesla, custom painted blue, with orange trim. He gets hugs from a daughter named in honor of Champ Bailey. He will always cherish the thrill of being in the stadium when Denver won Super Bowl 50.
This incurable case of orange madness, however, is fixing to break a 40-year-old man’s heart. Power’s streak of attending 268 consecutive Broncos games, not missing a single contest at home or on the road since early 2004, is about to get snapped.
“I’m devastated. You don’t understand. Broncos football has shaped everything in my adult life,” said Power, a Montana native who now calls Aurora home.
“During the streak, I can tell you the Broncos have scored 6,139 points and had 5,393 points scored against them. I’ve made dear friends around the country and have favorite restaurants in every NFL city. For all the positives, the streak was never silly to me. It meant something. Being at the games is part of my identity. That’s why I can’t shake this deep sense of loss.”
So now we have one more reason to curse 2020, which threatens to turn touchstones in our lives into mud.
The last time Power wasn’t in the stands for a Broncos game was Dec. 28, 2003, when Danny Kanell split snaps at quarterback with Jarious Jackson and Green Bay’s Ahman Green ran 98 yards for a touchdown during a 31-3 loss to the Packers.
But unless Power storms the gates, or convinces Brittany Bowlen to give him a seat in the owner’s box, he won’t be in Empower Field at Mile High when the Broncos play Tennessee on Monday night. And don’t we know why? Dang COVID-19. Safety precautions against the pandemic will prevent spectators from attending the home opener.
“A piece of me is lost,” said Power, dreading the idea of being stuck at home, grieving with family and two close friends, as his streak dies. “It will be almost funeral-esque, in a way.”
For anybody else, watching the Broncos on a widescreen television might not be cause for tears. But Power, who has a masters degrees in decision science and computer information systems, is wired differently. He’s the living, breathing embodiment of the idea that football is life.
“I used my decision science degree to determine who I was going to marry. I still have the spread sheet with a list of questions. For example: ‘What’s the lowest scoring football game possible where there’s a winner?’” said Power, blessed his wife, Trisha, passed the test.
He proposed at the 50-yard line after the Broncos played the hated Raiders at home on Christmas Eve, 2005. “I’ve been nervous before every Super Bowl, but had way more anxiety for that game,” Power told me.
Was he afraid Trisha might think twice about getting engaged to a Broncomaniac?
“No,” Power said. “It just wouldn’t have felt right to propose on a day the Broncos lost.”
So take a bow, Jake Plummer. If you hadn’t passed for 268 yards on the night before Christmas to blitz Oakland 22-3, Power might still be a bachelor.
Here’s what I can’t get out of my head. Quarterback John Elway took the field 256 times during the regular season and playoffs from 1983-1999. Mr. 268 has sweated in Florida heat, shivered in New York cold and refused to walk out on any blowout loss for more games than the most iconic player in franchise history wore No. 7.
And believe this: You don’t become Mr. 268 without making sacrifices, in addition to all the money spent on hotels, meals and playoff tickets bought on the secondary market. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said Power, a successful entrepreneur.
There was that time when Power and his wife departed Denver at 9 p.m. Saturday, pushed the pedal to the metal down I-70, arriving in St. Louis moments prior to kickoff, only to turn around and drive back to Colorado immediately after the final gun. When Power returned the rental car before work Monday morning, an incredulous agent suggested something had to be wrong with the odometer, because it seemed humanly impossibly to put 1,700 miles on a vehicle in fewer than 36 hours.
Shortly before he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019, cornerback Champ Bailey gulped when I told him late franchise owner Pat Bowlen owned a dog named Champ. “Oh. My. God,” Bailey said. “I had no idea.”
Well, great minds must think alike. When Trisha gave Power their first child on Dec. 21, 2011, it seemed natural to call her Bailey. But that’s not even the real story.
“Our daughter was due on Dec. 24. But she came early, which was an amazing gift,” Power said. “You remember 2011? That was the year Tim Tebow played in Buffalo on Christmas Eve. My wife gave her full blessing for me to go on the trip, even at risk of missing the birth. But let me tell you: If I had missed the birth for a blowout in Buffalo, I would not have enjoyed it.”
Since March, when the pandemic exploded across America, Power has known his streak was in trouble. While the Broncos announced early this week that 5,700 spectators will be allowed in the stadium beginning with their second home game later this month, current restrictions against large crowds in Pittsburgh and Las Vegas are more obstructions down the road for Power.
“My goal has been 800 straight games,” Power said. His inspiration is Giles Pellerin, a proud Southern Cal Trojans football fanatic who died of a heart attack at age 91 in the stadium parking lot during the 1998 season, passing away with a streak of 797 consecutive games seen in person.
Power, who always does the math, figures he could reach the magic No. 800 around his 70th birthday, depending on how many playoff appearances the Broncos make between now and 2050.
But if the streak is snapped now? Well, kiss any chance at 800 goodbye. Power doesn’t have enough years left above the ground in Broncos Country to start over now.
With the clock kicking toward opening kickoff and no known path to get inside the stadium, Power feels some of the quiet desperation many of us do during a year when COVID makes the rules.
“It would almost be easier if everything was canceled for the rest of the year, and we could just reset in 2021,” said Power, a Broncomaniac praying for a miracle.
“I’ll do anything, if it lets me attend the Broncos game against Tennessee. I’ll clean the toilets, if that gets me in the stadium. I’m not proud.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Texans remain in locker room for national anthem before game against Chiefs

The Houston Texans remained in their locker room during the national anthem before their opener against the Kansas City Chiefs @ @ @ @ @ to bring awareness to Black Lives Matter and other social justice initiatives .
The anthem @ @ @ @ @ B duo Chloe X Halle from an empty stadium and streamed on the video screens @ @ @ @ @ was over , the Texans and their coaching staff ran out of the tunnel in @ @ @ @ @ .
The Chiefs stood along their sideline during the anthem .
Most of them had @ @ @ @ @ .
The two teams then met at midfield to shake hands while messages such as @ @ @ @ @ matter ” and “ It takes all of us ” played on the screen .
@ @ @ @ @ end zone to end zone in a show of solidarity before the coin toss .
@ @ @ @ @ and deferred to the second half .

The Houston Texans remained in their locker room during the national anthem before their opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in a coordinated display meant to bring awareness to Black Lives Matter and other social justice initiatives.
A moment of silence dedicated to the ongoing fight for equality in our country. #ItTakesAllOfUs pic.twitter.com/srC0SlnWdh — NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2020
The anthem was performed by R&B duo Chloe X Halle from an empty stadium and streamed on the video screens. As soon as it was over, the Texans and their coaching staff ran out of the tunnel in the corner of Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs stood along their sideline during the anthem. Most of them had their hands over the hearts.
The two teams then met at midfield to shake hands while messages such as “We believe Black lives matter” and “It takes all of us” played on the screen. They then lined up from end zone to end zone in a show of solidarity before the coin toss.
The Chiefs won the toss and deferred to the second half.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Polis’ executive order eases formation of “learning pods” to help parents navigate school during COV

Polis’ executive order eases formation of “learning pods” to help parents navigate school during COVID-19 pandemic

Gov .
Jared Polis on Thursday issued an executive order designed to help parents more easily form home-based learning pods during the COVID-19 pandemic by temporarily suspending state child care licensure rules .
Executive order 188 , issued late Thursday , will allow learning pods to be exempt from licensing if they provide care for five or fewer children between the ages of 6 and 9 , or if they provide care for eight or fewer children 10 years old and up .
In neither case will care be permitted to be provided on a 24-hour-a-day basis .
The order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended .
“ This Executive Order temporarily suspends statute to facilitate learning pods due to the presence of COVID-19 in Colorado , and to balance health and safety with needed flexibility for supervision and care of children who are learning remotely during this pandemic , ” the order reads .
Learning pods sprung up across the nation this summer , including many in Colorado , as hundreds of school districts opted not to offer in-person learning for fear of seeing the coronavirus infect students and teachers returning to school campuses .
Many parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than send them to school , creating challenges to providing child care while working .
A pod can take the form of a small informal group of students gathered at someone ’ s home to engage in remote learning with their school to more formal arrangements in rented space with hired tutors or teachers .
Learning pods are seen as an additional way to teach kids across an education landscape that is now using a myriad of approaches — from in-person to remote learning to a mix of the two — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global pandemic .
Advocates say pods allow limited socialization among school-age students without the risk of widespread transmission of COVID-19 .

Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday issued an executive order designed to help parents more easily form home-based learning pods during the COVID-19 pandemic by temporarily suspending state child care licensure rules.
Executive order 188, issued late Thursday, will allow learning pods to be exempt from licensing if they provide care for five or fewer children between the ages of 6 and 9, or if they provide care for eight or fewer children 10 years old and up. In neither case will care be permitted to be provided on a 24-hour-a-day basis.
The order will last for a month, unless extended.
“This Executive Order temporarily suspends statute to facilitate learning pods due to the presence of COVID-19 in Colorado, and to balance health and safety with needed flexibility for supervision and care of children who are learning remotely during this pandemic,” the order reads.
Learning pods sprung up across the nation this summer, including many in Colorado, as hundreds of school districts opted not to offer in-person learning for fear of seeing the coronavirus infect students and teachers returning to school campuses. Many parents chose to keep their children at home rather than send them to school, creating challenges to providing child care while working.
A pod can take the form of a small informal group of students gathered at someone’s home to engage in remote learning with their school to more formal arrangements in rented space with hired tutors or teachers.
Learning pods are seen as an additional way to teach kids across an education landscape that is now using a myriad of approaches — from in-person to remote learning to a mix of the two — to provide instruction in the midst of a global pandemic. Advocates say pods allow limited socialization among school-age students without the risk of widespread transmission of COVID-19.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--DU hockey nears return to ice with season format in limbo: “There’s a lot that’s still on the table”

DU hockey coach David Carle held virtual one-on-one meetings with each of his players this week as the Pioneers approach the start of a new season .
“ We ’ re going to be a deep , four-line team that can roll teams over with their puck pressure and puck possession game , ” Carle said .
“ We ’ re really excited to get going — whenever that exact date will be.
” What is known is that the the Pios ’ start date won ’ t come until late November at the earliest .
The National Collegiate Hockey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of its 2020-21 season from October until at least Nov. 20 to accommodate for a bevy of coronavirus-related issues .
The NCHC has yet to determine its scheduling model , or where or when games will be played .
“ There ’ s a lot that ’ s still on the table , ” Carle said .
“ We want to flush out every scheduling format that ’ s available .
For our program and our players , we just want to play at some point , whatever that format is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ice and playing another team , we ’ re going to be excited about it.
” DU players began arriving back on campus starting in mid-August , Carle said , and are required to pass “ different protocols to return to activity.
” The school has not released COVID-19 data for athletics , but a team spokesman told The Post it is following NCAA-approved testing policies .
The school is awaiting word from state health agencies on whether fans will be allowed for games at Magness Arena .
DU hockey received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classes resume on Monday .
Carle said no players have opted out due to coronavirus health concerns .
“ Our hope is that we ’ ll be on the ice Monday , ” Carle said .
“ The official start date is Oct. 3 and you ’ re allowed four hours a week on the ice with each individual .
We ’ re going to start in cohorts over three different groups.
” The Pioneers ’ 2019-20 season was cut short in mid-March with the cancellation of NCAA winter championships .
DU carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a realistic opportunity to win the school ’ s ninth national title in hockey .
The Pioneers lost four key seniors — Erich Fear , Tyson McLellan , Liam Finlay and Michael Davies — but added seven freshmen and two graduate transfers to begin this season .
Carle said the long absence away from his team amid the pandemic has created challenges .
But he ’ s confident the Pioneers will overcome .
“ What you worry about the most is their mental state more than anything , ” Carle said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to access ice and weight facilities to where their bodies are fine .
But we ’ re looking at quite an extended time here of being able to practice .
Our big message has been : ‘ In five year ’ s time , when you look back on these few months , look back on it with pride of how we took advantage of it .
’ ”

DU hockey coach David Carle held virtual one-on-one meetings with each of his players this week as the Pioneers approach the start of a new season.
A global pandemic hasn’t altered their championship expectations.
“We’re going to be a deep, four-line team that can roll teams over with their puck pressure and puck possession game,” Carle said. “We’re really excited to get going — whenever that exact date will be.”
What is known is that the the Pios’ start date won’t come until late November at the earliest.
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced Thursday that it has postponed the start of its 2020-21 season from October until at least Nov. 20 to accommodate for a bevy of coronavirus-related issues. The NCHC has yet to determine its scheduling model, or where or when games will be played.
“There’s a lot that’s still on the table,” Carle said. “We want to flush out every scheduling format that’s available. For our program and our players, we just want to play at some point, whatever that format is exactly. If it involves getting on the ice and playing another team, we’re going to be excited about it.”
DU players began arriving back on campus starting in mid-August, Carle said, and are required to pass “different protocols to return to activity.” The school has not released COVID-19 data for athletics, but a team spokesman told The Post it is following NCAA-approved testing policies. The school is awaiting word from state health agencies on whether fans will be allowed for games at Magness Arena.
DU hockey received the green light for organized team activities when classes resume on Monday. Carle said no players have opted out due to coronavirus health concerns.
“Our hope is that we’ll be on the ice Monday,” Carle said. “The official start date is Oct. 3 and you’re allowed four hours a week on the ice with each individual. We’re going to start in cohorts over three different groups.”
The Pioneers’ 2019-20 season was cut short in mid-March with the cancellation of NCAA winter championships. DU carried a No. 6 national ranking and a realistic opportunity to win the school’s ninth national title in hockey. The Pioneers lost four key seniors — Erich Fear, Tyson McLellan, Liam Finlay and Michael Davies — but added seven freshmen and two graduate transfers to begin this season.
Carle said the long absence away from his team amid the pandemic has created challenges. But he’s confident the Pioneers will overcome.
“What you worry about the most is their mental state more than anything,” Carle said. “Most of the guys have been able to access ice and weight facilities to where their bodies are fine. But we’re looking at quite an extended time here of being able to practice. Our big message has been: ‘In five year’s time, when you look back on these few months, look back on it with pride of how we took advantage of it.’”


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--List of college teams cut because of pandemic passes 230

NCAA and NAIA athletic teams eliminated because of budgetary cuts or school closures associated with the coronavirus pandemic through Sept. @ @ @ @ @ been updated with Minnesota ( x-denotes school closure ; y-effective in 2021 ) : Men @ @ @ @ @ ) : Appalachian State indoor only , Central Michigan indoor and outdoor , y-George Washington @ @ @ @ @ indoor only , y-Minnesota indoor and outdoor , y-William & Mary indoor and outdoor .
@ @ @ @ @ its number of sports from 38 to 32 in a move unrelated to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Indiana ) dropped men ’ s and women ’ s tennis and women ’ s @ @ @ @ @ announcement unrelated to the outbreak .

NCAA and NAIA athletic teams eliminated because of budgetary cuts or school closures associated with the coronavirus pandemic through Sept. 10. This list has been updated with Minnesota (x-denotes school closure; y-effective in 2021) :
DIVISION I (84)
Baseball (3): Boise State, Chicago State, Furman.
Coed sailing (2): y-George Washington, y-Stanford.
Field hockey (1): y-Stanford.
Men’s cross country (2): Akron, y-Connecticut.
Men’s fencing (1): y-Stanford.
Men’s golf (3): Akron, Dartmouth, Hampton.
Men’s gymnastics (3): y-Iowa, y-Minnesota, y-William & Mary.
Men’s ice hockey (1): y-Alaska-Anchorage.
Men’s lacrosse (1): Furman.
Men’s lightweight rowing (1): Dartmouth.
Men’s rowing (2): y-George Washington, y-Stanford.
Men’s skiing (1): y-Alaska-Anchorage.
Men’s soccer (2): Appalachian State, Cincinnati.
Men’s squash (1): y-George Washington.
Men’s swimming (6): y-Connecticut, Dartmouth, East Carolina, y-Iowa, Western Illinois, y-William & Mary.
Men’s tennis (12): Appalachian State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, y-Connecticut, East Carolina, y-Iowa, y-George Washington, Green Bay, y-Minnesota, Northern Colorado, Southern Utah, Winthrop, Wright State.
Men’s track (9): Appalachian State indoor only, Central Michigan indoor and outdoor, y-George Washington indoor only, Florida International indoor only, y-Minnesota indoor and outdoor, y-William & Mary indoor and outdoor.
Men’s volleyball (1): y-Stanford.
Men’s wrestling (2): Old Dominion, y-Stanford.
Softball (1): Wright State.
Synchronized swimming (1): y-Stanford.
Women’s fencing (1): y-Stanford.
Women’s golf (2): Dartmouth, Hampton.
Women’s gymnastics (2): y-Alaska-Anchorage, y-William & Mary.
Women’s rowing (2): y-Connecticut, y-Stanford.
Women’s sailing (1): y-Stanford.
Women’s skiing (1): y-Alaska-Anchorage.
Women’s squash (2): y-George Washington, y-Stanford.
Women’s swimming (6): Boise State, Dartmouth, East Carolina, y-Iowa, Western Illinois, y-William & Mary.
Women’s tennis (9): Akron, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, East Carolina, Green Bay, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Northern Colorado, Southern Utah, Winthrop, Wright State.
Women’s volleyball (1): y-William & Mary.
Women’s water polo (1): y-George Washington.
DIVISION II (58)
Baseball (1): x-Urbana.
Equestrian (1): Tiffin.
Football (2): Florida Tech, x-Urbana.
Men’s basketball (2): Notre Dame De Mur, x-Urbana.
Men’s cross country (3): Notre Dame De Mur, Rollins, x-Urbana.
Men’s golf (4): Notre Dame De Mur, Roberts Wesleyan, St. Edward’s, x-Urbana.
Men’s lacrosse (1): Notre Dame De Mur.
Men’s soccer (3): Notre Dame De Mur, St. Edward’s, x-Urbana.
Men’s swimming/diving (2): Tiffin, x-Urbana.
Men’s tennis (6): Alabama-Huntsville, College of Staten Island, Concord, Roberts Wesleyan, St. Edward’s, Sonoma State.
Men’s track (1): Notre Dame De Mur.
Men’s volleyball (1): x-Urbana.
Men’s wrestling (1): x-Urbana.
Softball (2): Notre Dame De Mur, x-Urbana.
Women’s acrobatics/tumbling (1): x-Urbana.
Women’s basketball (2): Notre Dame De Mur, x-Urbana.
Women’s bowling (1): Lincoln University.
Women’s cross country (3): Notre Dame De Mur, Rollins, x-Urbana.
Women’s golf (2): St. Edward’s, x-Urbana.
Women’s gymnastics (1): Seattle Pacific.
Women’s lacrosse (1): x-Urbana.
Women’s rowing (1): Nova Southeastern.
Women’s soccer (2): Notre Dame De Mur, x-Urbana.
Women’s swimming/diving (2): Tiffin, x-Urbana.
Women’s tennis (8): Alabama-Huntsville, College of Staten Island, Concord, Fayetteville State, Holy Family, Roberts Wesleyan, St. Edward’s, Sonoma State.
Women’s track (1): Notre Dame De Mur.
Women’s volleyball (2): Notre Dame De Mur, x-Urbana.
Women’s water polo (1): Sonoma State.
DIVISION III (62)
Baseball (1): x-MacMurray.
Coed equestrian (1): Alfred State.
Coed sailing (1): UMass-Dartmouth.
Equestrian (1): UMass-Dartmouth.
Field hockey (1): Becker.
Football (1): x-MacMurray.
Men’s basketball (2): Johnson & Wales-Denver, x-MacMurray.
Men’s cross country (4): Elmira, Johnson & Wales-Providence, Johnson & Wales-Denver, x-MacMurray.
Men’s golf (5): Earlham, Johnson & Wales-Denver, Johnson & Wales-Providence, x-MacMurray, UMass-Dartmouth.
Men’s lacrosse (4): Alfred State, Becker, Johnson & Wales-Denver, UMass-Dartmouth.
Men’s lightweight rowing (1): North Park.
Men’s polo (1): Roger Williams.
Men’s soccer (2): Johnson & Wales-Denver, x-MacMurray.
Men’s swimming (1): UMass-Dartmouth.
Men’s tennis (6): Blackburn, Centenary, Earlham, Fontbonne, Johnson & Wales-Providence, UMass-Dartmouth.
Men’s track (1): Johnson & Wales-Denver, Men’s wrestling (1): x-MacMurray.
Men’s volleyball (1): Johnson & Wales-Providence.
Softball (1): x-MacMurray.
Women’s basketball (2): Johnson & Wales-Denver, x-MacMurray.
Women’s cross country (4): Elmira, Johnson & Wales-Denver, Johnson & Wales-Providence, x-MacMurray.
Women’s golf (5): Earlham, Elmira, Johnson & Wales-Denver, Johnson & Wales-Providence, x-MacMurray.
Women’s lacrosse (1): Johnson & Wales-Denver, Women’s rowing (1): Ohio Wesleyan.
Women’s soccer (2): Johnson & Wales-Denver, x-MacMurray.
Women’s swimming (1): UMass-Dartmouth.
Women’s tennis (6): Blackburn, Centenary, Earlham, Fontbonne, Johnson & Wales-Providence, UMass-Dartmouth.
Women’s track (1): Johnson & Wales-Denver, Women’s volleyball (1): x-MacMurray.
Women’s volleyball (1): Johnson & Wales-Denver.
Women’s wrestling (1): x-MacMurray.
NAIA (29)
Men’s basketball (2): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Men’s bowling (1): x-Holy Family.
Men’s cross country (2): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Men’s golf (1): JWU-North Miami.
Men’s soccer (2): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Men’s track (4): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Men’s volleyball (1): Briar Cliff.
Softball (1): x-Holy Family.
Women’s basketball (2): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Women’s bowling (1): x-Holy Family.
Women’s cheer (1): Briar Cliff.
Women’s cross country (2): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Women’s ice hockey (1): Providence (Mont.)
Women’s soccer (2): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Women’s track (4): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Women’s volleyball (2): x-Holy Family, JWU-North Miami.
Notes: Brown University reduced its number of sports from 38 to 32 in a move unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak. Taylor University (Indiana) dropped men’s and women’s tennis and women’s lacrosse in a March 11 announcement unrelated to the outbreak.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Joe Sakic says Avalanche will stick with Philipp Grubauer, Pavel Francouz in goal, reveals latter wa

Joe Sakic says Avalanche will stick with Philipp Grubauer, Pavel Francouz in goal, reveals latter was injured vs. Stars

SEDALIA — The Avalanche intends to stick with goaltenders Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz next season , assuming both recover from injuries that knocked them out of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Dallas Stars .
General manager Joe Sakic and coach Jared Bednar both supported another season of the Grubauer/Francouz tandem Thursday before playing in a foursome at Sanctuary Golf Course as part of Sakic ’ s 23rd annual golf tournament to benefit the Food Bank of the Rockies .
The Avs ’ two leading decision-makers said Francouz played hurt after replacing the injured Grubauer in Game 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bednar said had hip and knee injuries , finally joined Grubauer on the Avs ’ long injury list for the last three games of the series .
“ They both had good years .
Unfortunately , they both got hurt at the wrong time , ” Sakic said .
“ But neither of those injuries are injuries you have to worry about .
Train hard in the summer and make sure it doesn ’ t happen again .
You can ’ t predict injuries , but no , they both had good stretches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francouz relieved Grubauer midway through Game 1 against the Stars , a 5-3 loss , and also lost Games 3 and 4 with uncharacteristically poor play .
He allowed 15 goals in four games against Dallas and his save percentage dipped to .808 in Game 4 .
The Avs ’ season ended with a 5-4 overtime loss in Game 7 with third-string goalie Michael Hutchinson in net .
“ He was battling through his issues once he came in , ” Sakic said of Francouz , who began the playoffs with a 27-save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
“ He ’ s an athletic goalie and he wasn ’ t able to push .
I give him credit .
He tried .
He battled .
He just couldn ’ t do it anymore.
” Among NHL goalies with 25 games played in the regular season , Francouz finished tied for fourth in save percentage ( .924 ) and was sixth in goals allowed per game ( 2.41 ) in his first season in the league .
“ You look at what Frankie did last year for the Eagles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well he played in a bunch of different situations coming in — even at the start in the bubble round-robin — he was excellent and we ’ ve seen that all year long , ” Bednar said .
“ I think it was uncharacteristic , the way he played in the series ( but ) you have to give him the benefit of the doubt .
He was dealing with hip and knee problems — muscular problems that were giving him some weakness and some pain and he just didn ’ t play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and ) eventually he couldn ’ t keep going .
It was obviously getting worse as the series went on.
” The Avs will begin an offseason training program for Francouz and Grubauer to strengthen the areas where the goalies were injured .
“ I have a lot of belief in those guys .
We ’ re going to evaluate some things and make sure that we ’ re doing everything we can to keep those guys healthy and get them strong and get them on daily routines , weekly routines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avs had won Game 7 of the Western Conference series in Edmonton last Friday , none of the seven players on the injured list were close to rejoining the lineup , Bednar said .
Colorado left wing/team captain Gabe Landeskog , who was cut above the right knee by a teammate ’ s skate in Game 6 , would have missed a week to 10 days .
Bednar said the other six guys — Francouz and Grubauer , defensemen Erik Johnson and Conor Timmins , and forwards Matt Calvert and Joonas Donskoi — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would have missed most or all of the conference final .
“ Landy came in the day after he got cut and he was pretty sore .
That was going to take some time , ” Bednar said .
“ Calvert was looking like he was getting close and he had a setback .
The goalies were weeks away .
Same thing with Donskoi , EJ .
“ When you go through that list , we didn ’ t have any help coming .
So hopefully we can take some now and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the season , whenever that is , and we ’ ll come back stronger than ever.
” Sakic anticipates all seven players to recover before next season — currently scheduled to begin Dec. 1 .
Footnote .
Avs defenseman Mark Barberio , an unrestricted free agent who was a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs , has reportedly signed Lausanne HC in Switzerland .
Barberio , 30 , played three-plus seasons in Colorado since he was acquired off waivers from Montreal 2016-17 .
He saw action in just 21 games this season @

SEDALIA — The Avalanche intends to stick with goaltenders Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz next season, assuming both recover from injuries that knocked them out of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Dallas Stars.
General manager Joe Sakic and coach Jared Bednar both supported another season of the Grubauer/Francouz tandem Thursday before playing in a foursome at Sanctuary Golf Course as part of Sakic’s 23rd annual golf tournament to benefit the Food Bank of the Rockies.
The Avs’ two leading decision-makers said Francouz played hurt after replacing the injured Grubauer in Game 1 against the Stars. Francouz, whom Bednar said had hip and knee injuries, finally joined Grubauer on the Avs’ long injury list for the last three games of the series.
“They both had good years. Unfortunately, they both got hurt at the wrong time,” Sakic said. “But neither of those injuries are injuries you have to worry about. Train hard in the summer and make sure it doesn’t happen again. You can’t predict injuries, but no, they both had good stretches and we expect that next year.”
Francouz relieved Grubauer midway through Game 1 against the Stars, a 5-3 loss, and also lost Games 3 and 4 with uncharacteristically poor play. He allowed 15 goals in four games against Dallas and his save percentage dipped to .808 in Game 4.
The Avs’ season ended with a 5-4 overtime loss in Game 7 with third-string goalie Michael Hutchinson in net.
“He was battling through his issues once he came in,” Sakic said of Francouz, who began the playoffs with a 27-save shutout against Dallas in round-robin play Aug. 5. “He’s an athletic goalie and he wasn’t able to push. I give him credit. He tried. He battled. He just couldn’t do it anymore.”
Among NHL goalies with 25 games played in the regular season, Francouz finished tied for fourth in save percentage (.924) and was sixth in goals allowed per game (2.41) in his first season in the league.
“You look at what Frankie did last year for the Eagles and this year for us, and how well he played in a bunch of different situations coming in — even at the start in the bubble round-robin — he was excellent and we’ve seen that all year long,” Bednar said.
“I think it was uncharacteristic, the way he played in the series (but) you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He was dealing with hip and knee problems — muscular problems that were giving him some weakness and some pain and he just didn’t play the way we had seen him playing (and) eventually he couldn’t keep going. It was obviously getting worse as the series went on.”
The Avs will begin an offseason training program for Francouz and Grubauer to strengthen the areas where the goalies were injured.
“I have a lot of belief in those guys. We’re going to evaluate some things and make sure that we’re doing everything we can to keep those guys healthy and get them strong and get them on daily routines, weekly routines,” Bednar said.
Even if the Avs had won Game 7 of the Western Conference series in Edmonton last Friday, none of the seven players on the injured list were close to rejoining the lineup, Bednar said.
Colorado left wing/team captain Gabe Landeskog, who was cut above the right knee by a teammate’s skate in Game 6, would have missed a week to 10 days. Bednar said the other six guys — Francouz and Grubauer, defensemen Erik Johnson and Conor Timmins, and forwards Matt Calvert and Joonas Donskoi — were “weeks” away from returning and would have missed most or all of the conference final.
“Landy came in the day after he got cut and he was pretty sore. That was going to take some time,” Bednar said. “Calvert was looking like he was getting close and he had a setback. The goalies were weeks away. Same thing with Donskoi, EJ.
“When you go through that list, we didn’t have any help coming. So hopefully we can take some now and get all those guys healthy for the start of the season, whenever that is, and we’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Sakic anticipates all seven players to recover before next season — currently scheduled to begin Dec. 1.
Footnote. Avs defenseman Mark Barberio, an unrestricted free agent who was a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs, has reportedly signed Lausanne HC in Switzerland. Barberio, 30, played three-plus seasons in Colorado since he was acquired off waivers from Montreal 2016-17. He saw action in just 21 games this season.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Dave & Buster’s making furloughs permanent at Colorado locations

Add Dave & Buster ’ s Entertainment locations in Denver and Westminster to the list of places to hang out that won ’ t be opening any time soon .
The Dallas-based company informed the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment that it would permanently layoff 136 workers at its Denver location and 98 at its Westminster location effective Nov. 11 .
The affected workers have been on a temporary furlough since the middle of March when those locations , which consist of an arcade and restaurant , closed .
“ We did not foresee how significantly and for how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government lockdown orders would impact our business .
We also did not foresee that lockdown orders , initially issued for short durations in only a few cities , would spread throughout the country and be repeatedly extended , ” Kathryn Rainey , senior director of human resources told the state in a letter under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act .
Dave & Buster ’ s faces varying regulations .
Its locations are open again in Texas , Arizona , Nevada , Idaho and Florida , with the exception of a store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are closed in Colorado , New Mexico , Washington , Oregon and across California with one exception .
They are closed in New York , Massachusetts and Michigan , but open in New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Illinois .
Another company , Menzies Aviation , informed the state Thursday that it would close its station at Denver International Airport and dismiss 232 aviation workers as of Nov. 9 .
The London-based company provides ground handling and other airport services to United Airlines .
“ This action is permanent until said time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid for contract to United Airlines at Denver International Airport , ” Jeremy Catbagan , the company ’ s human resources manager , told the state in a WARN letter .

Add Dave & Buster’s Entertainment locations in Denver and Westminster to the list of places to hang out that won’t be opening any time soon.
The Dallas-based company informed the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment that it would permanently layoff 136 workers at its Denver location and 98 at its Westminster location effective Nov. 11. The affected workers have been on a temporary furlough since the middle of March when those locations, which consist of an arcade and restaurant, closed.
“We did not foresee how significantly and for how long a time the pandemic and related government lockdown orders would impact our business. We also did not foresee that lockdown orders, initially issued for short durations in only a few cities, would spread throughout the country and be repeatedly extended,” Kathryn Rainey, senior director of human resources told the state in a letter under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
Dave & Buster’s faces varying regulations. Its locations are open again in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and Florida, with the exception of a store in Miami, according to its website. They are closed in Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon and across California with one exception. They are closed in New York, Massachusetts and Michigan, but open in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
Another company, Menzies Aviation, informed the state Thursday that it would close its station at Denver International Airport and dismiss 232 aviation workers as of Nov. 9. The London-based company provides ground handling and other airport services to United Airlines.
“This action is permanent until said time when Menzies Aviation can submit a new bid for contract to United
Airlines at Denver International Airport,” Jeremy Catbagan, the company’s human resources manager, told the state in a WARN letter.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Rockies’ last homestand could make or break playoff chances

Nine consecutive games on the green , green grass of Coors Field seemingly gives the Rockies a chance to get back on track and strengthen their chance to make the playoffs .
“ All we want at the end of the year is to control our own destiny , ” shortstop Trevor Story said after the Rockies were swept in three games at San Diego , dropping their record to 20-23 .
Their date with destiny begins Friday night with the first of three games against the Los Angeles Angels .
It seems like a golden opportunity , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a home-field disadvantage in this shortened season .
The Rockies are 9-12 in LoDo vs. 11-11 on the road .
Their home hitting has been inconsistent , they ’ ve lacked power and their pitching at home has been poor .
Star third baseman Nolan Arenado , who said the team misses the energy fans provide at Coors , tried to explain why the Rockies have struggled at home .
“ Denver is just a tough place to play , ” Arenado said .
“ I mean , it ’ s tough ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a home-field advantage.
” But then Arenado noted that because Coors Field is not a pitcher ’ s park , some of the advantages are negated .
“ It ’ s a hard place to pitch , ” he said .
“ And hitters like coming there , so it ’ s not a home-field advantage like going to ( the Los Angeles Dodgers ) , or San Francisco , back in the day .
That ’ s something we have to find a way to beat .
Our pitchers have kept us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been there .
Then there are times when we ’ ve scored runs and the pitchers have given up some.
” The statistics bear that out : — Rockies pitchers have a 7.24 ERA at home , which would be by far the worst in franchise history .
The numbers , of course , are skewed by the small sample size .
— The Rockies have scored a healthy 5.71 runs per game at Coors , but that ’ s been eclipsed by the opponents ’ 7.71 runs per game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ average is the best in the majors , but that ’ s been negated by the opponents ’ average of .326 .
— The Rockies have hit 29 home runs at Coors vs. 32 by visiting teams .
— The Rockies have hit a home run once in every 25.31 at-bats at Coors , which ranks just 14th for home offenses .
The Padres , by contrast , lead the majors with a home run in every 15.15 at-bats at Petco Park .
Numbers aside , there is a lot at stake during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six of nine games just to finish .500 at Coors Field .
Manager Bud Black , however , is not looking at the big picture .
He said his players can ’ t afford to .
“ Let ’ s think about our next game , Friday night against the Angels , ” Black said .
“ You can ’ t think long-term .
You ’ ve got to think about Friday night , right ?
We ’ ve got to think about putting a good ballgame together .
We need ( starter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his thing and pitch well.
” Trouble is , Marquez is 0-4 with a 6.00 ERA over his past six starts , and he ’ s 1-3 with a 7.03 ERA in four starts at Coors Field .
The Rockies enter their final homestand of the 2020 season with a 20-23 record and in ninth place in the National League .
The top eight teams make the postseason .
Here ’ s a look at their three upcoming opponents : Los Angeles Angels ( Friday-Sunday ) : 17-27 entering Thursday ’ s play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player in Mike Trout but own a 5.22 team ERA .
Oakland A ’ s ( Tuesday-Wednesday ) : With a 27-15 record , they have emerged as one of baseball ’ s best teams , but the Rockies swept two games at Oakland early in the season .
Los Angeles Dodgers ( Sept. 17-20 ) : 32-12 entering Thursday night ’ s game at Arizona , the Dodgers have dominated the Rockies in recent years , winning 24 of the last 30 games , including a 7-3 record at Coors Field last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canning ( 0-3 , 4.54 ERA ) at Rockies RHP German Marquez ( 2-5 , 4.58 ) 6:40 p.m. Friday , Coors Field TV : AT & T SportsNet Radio : KOA 850 AM/94.1 AM Marquez ’ s stuff is still potent but his pitch command has been inconsistent , hence his 0-4 record and 6.00 ERA over his past six starts .
The right-hander did not figure in Colorado ’ s 5-2 win at Los Angeles last Saturday when he set up the victory , throwing seven innings and allowing two runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.03 ERA at Coors Field , the result of two poor starts in a row there .
In contrast , he has a 2.64 ERA on the road .
Canning did not factor into the Angels ’ 10-9 win over Oakland in the first game of a doubleheader last Saturday .
He gave up four runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts over four innings .
In his start before that game , Canning stuck out seven while giving up one run on four hits across eight innings vs. Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is batting .314 ( 11-for-35 ) with one double , three home runs and nine RBIs over his last 12 games .
At issue : Rockies pitchers have a 7.24 ERA at home and have given up double-digit runs in 10 of their 43 games , including seven times at Coors Field .
Pitching Probables : Saturday : Angels Jamie Barria ( 0-0 , 3.38 ) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland ( 2-1 , 3.60 ) , 6:10 p.m. , ATTRM Sunday : Angels LHP Andrew Heaney ( 3-3 , 4.40 ) at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5.34 ) , 1:10 p.m. , ATTRM Monday : Off

Homestand, sweet homestand.
Nine consecutive games on the green, green grass of Coors Field seemingly gives the Rockies a chance to get back on track and strengthen their chance to make the playoffs.
“All we want at the end of the year is to control our own destiny,” shortstop Trevor Story said after the Rockies were swept in three games at San Diego, dropping their record to 20-23.
Their date with destiny begins Friday night with the first of three games against the Los Angeles Angels. It seems like a golden opportunity, but the fact is, Coors Field has been a home-field disadvantage in this shortened season. The Rockies are 9-12 in LoDo vs. 11-11 on the road. Their home hitting has been inconsistent, they’ve lacked power and their pitching at home has been poor.
Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who said the team misses the energy fans provide at Coors, tried to explain why the Rockies have struggled at home.
“Denver is just a tough place to play,” Arenado said. “I mean, it’s tough (physically), and that’s a home-field advantage.”
But then Arenado noted that because Coors Field is not a pitcher’s park, some of the advantages are negated.
“It’s a hard place to pitch,” he said. “And hitters like coming there, so it’s not a home-field advantage like going to (the Los Angeles Dodgers), or San Francisco, back in the day. That’s something we have to find a way to beat. Our pitchers have kept us in games, and the offense hasn’t been there. Then there are times when we’ve scored runs and the pitchers have given up some.”
The statistics bear that out:
— Rockies pitchers have a 7.24 ERA at home, which would be by far the worst in franchise history. The numbers, of course, are skewed by the small sample size.
— The Rockies have scored a healthy 5.71 runs per game at Coors, but that’s been eclipsed by the opponents’ 7.71 runs per game.
— Colorado’s .296 home batting average is the best in the majors, but that’s been negated by the opponents’ average of .326.
— The Rockies have hit 29 home runs at Coors vs. 32 by visiting teams.
— The Rockies have hit a home run once in every 25.31 at-bats at Coors, which ranks just 14th for home offenses. The Padres, by contrast, lead the majors with a home run in every 15.15 at-bats at Petco Park.
Numbers aside, there is a lot at stake during the final homestand. Colorado must win six of nine games just to finish .500 at Coors Field.
Manager Bud Black, however, is not looking at the big picture. He said his players can’t afford to.
“Let’s think about our next game, Friday night against the Angels,” Black said. “You can’t think long-term. You’ve got to think about Friday night, right? We’ve got to think about putting a good ballgame together. We need (starter) German (Marquez) to do his thing and pitch well.”
Trouble is, Marquez is 0-4 with a 6.00 ERA over his past six starts, and he’s 1-3 with a 7.03 ERA in four starts at Coors Field.
Final Homestand
The Rockies enter their final homestand of the 2020 season with a 20-23 record and in ninth place in the National League. The top eight teams make the postseason. Here’s a look at their three upcoming opponents:
Los Angeles Angels (Friday-Sunday): 17-27 entering Thursday’s play, they have the majors’ premier player in Mike Trout but own a 5.22 team ERA.
Oakland A’s (Tuesday-Wednesday): With a 27-15 record, they have emerged as one of baseball’s best teams, but the Rockies swept two games at Oakland early in the season.
Los Angeles Dodgers (Sept. 17-20): 32-12 entering Thursday night’s game at Arizona, the Dodgers have dominated the Rockies in recent years, winning 24 of the last 30 games, including a 7-3 record at Coors Field last season.
On Deck
Angels RHP Griffin Canning (0-3, 4.54 ERA) at Rockies RHP German Marquez (2-5, 4.58)
6:40 p.m. Friday, Coors Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 AM
Marquez’s stuff is still potent but his pitch command has been inconsistent, hence his 0-4 record and 6.00 ERA over his past six starts. The right-hander did not figure in Colorado’s 5-2 win at Los Angeles last Saturday when he set up the victory, throwing seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits. Marquez owns a 7.03 ERA at Coors Field, the result of two poor starts in a row there. In contrast, he has a 2.64 ERA on the road. Canning did not factor into the Angels’ 10-9 win over Oakland in the first game of a doubleheader last Saturday. He gave up four runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts over four innings. In his start before that game, Canning stuck out seven while giving up one run on four hits across eight innings vs. Seattle.
Trending: Designated hitter Matt Kemp is batting .314 (11-for-35) with one double, three home runs and nine RBIs over his last 12 games.
At issue: Rockies pitchers have a 7.24 ERA at home and have given up double-digit runs in 10 of their 43 games, including seven times at Coors Field.
Pitching Probables:
Saturday: Angels Jamie Barria (0-0, 3.38) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-1, 3.60), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM
Sunday: Angels LHP Andrew Heaney (3-3, 4.40) at Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani (1-2, 5.34), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM
Monday: Off


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Group sues over Gallagher repeal language in Colorado Blue Book

An issue committee fighting against a November ballot measure asking voters to repeal Colorado ’ s Gallagher Amendment has sued the state and General Assembly over language in the state ’ s voter guide .
Protect Our Homes Colorado opposes the rewrite lawmakers made last week to the “ Blue Book ” descriptions — which every voter receives ahead of their ballot — for and against Amendment B .
The group called the changes misleading and a move away from the required nonpartisan and impartial expectation of the state ’ s voter guide .
Opponents of the repeal are demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent to voters .
A hearing is scheduled Friday in Denver District Court .
“ With less than five minutes of discussion , the proponents of the ballot measure threw our months of public input and staff work with changes to nearly everything , including the title , placement of sections , new graphs and charts , and wholesale changes in wording , ” said Dennis Gallagher , the amendment ’ s namesake , in a statement .
A bipartisan group of lawmakers referred the measure to the ballot at the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Democratic and Republican lawmakers supported the changes to the legislative nonpartisan staff ’ s language in a 15-3 bipartisan vote .
One of the sponsors of the repeal effort , Democratic Sen. Chris Hansen , called the lawsuit “ desperate ” and “ a stunt ” in a statement .
The amendment passed in 1982 intended to limit residential property taxes by forcing businesses to pay a higher tax share .
It has ultimately brought down residential property taxes to near the lowest in the country .
But local governments and school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysts have estimated that K-12 education alone could lose half a billion dollars next year if the amendment stays .
Opponents of the repeal argue that it will add additional tax burdens on property owners .

An issue committee fighting against a November ballot measure asking voters to repeal Colorado’s Gallagher Amendment has sued the state and General Assembly over language in the state’s voter guide.
Protect Our Homes Colorado opposes the rewrite lawmakers made last week to the “Blue Book” descriptions — which every voter receives ahead of their ballot — for and against Amendment B. The group called the changes misleading and a move away from the required nonpartisan and impartial expectation of the state’s voter guide. Opponents of the repeal are demanding a rewrite before guides are printed and sent to voters. A hearing is scheduled Friday in Denver District Court.
“With less than five minutes of discussion, the proponents of the ballot measure threw our months of public input and staff work with changes to nearly everything, including the title, placement of sections, new graphs and charts, and wholesale changes in wording,” said Dennis Gallagher, the amendment’s namesake, in a statement.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers referred the measure to the ballot at the end of this year’s legislative session, and Democratic and Republican lawmakers supported the changes to the legislative nonpartisan staff’s language in a 15-3 bipartisan vote.
One of the sponsors of the repeal effort, Democratic Sen. Chris Hansen, called the lawsuit “desperate” and “a stunt” in a statement.
The amendment passed in 1982 intended to limit residential property taxes by forcing businesses to pay a higher tax share. It has ultimately brought down residential property taxes to near the lowest in the country. But local governments and school districts depend on property taxes. Legislative analysts have estimated that K-12 education alone could lose half a billion dollars next year if the amendment stays. Opponents of the repeal argue that it will add additional tax burdens on property owners.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--U.S. remembers 9/11 as COVID pandemic and presidential election change tribute traditions

NEW YORK — Americans are commemorating 9/11 with tributes that have been altered by coronavirus precautions and woven into the presidential campaign , drawing both President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden to pay respects at the same memorial without crossing paths .
In New York , victims ’ relatives began gathering Friday morning for split-screen remembrances , one at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza at the World Trade Center and another on a nearby corner , set up by a separate 9/11-related organization .
The Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation objected to the memorial ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatives read the names of the dead , often adding poignant tributes .
Memorial leaders said the change for the 19th anniversary of the attacks was a coronavirus-safety precaution .
Kathy Swift arrived early at the alternative ceremony , wearing a T-shirt honoring her slain brother , Thomas Swift , who worked in finance .
“ We still have to remember , ” said Swift , 61 .
“ The whole country ’ s going downhill .
It ’ s one thing after another , and now with the COVID .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , though.
” Trump and Biden are both headed — at different times — to the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville , Pennsylvania .
Trump is speaking at the morning ceremony , the White House said .
Biden plans to pay respects there in the afternoon after attending the observance at the 9/11 memorial in New York .
Meanwhile , Vice President Mike Pence is also due at ground zero — and then at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation ceremony , where he and his wife , Karen , are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anniversary of 9/11 is a complicated occasion in a maelstrom of a year , as the U.S. grapples with a health crisis , searches its soul over racial injustice and prepares to choose a leader to chart a path forward .
Still , 9/11 families say it ’ s important for the nation to pause and remember the hijacked-plane attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people at the trade center , at the Pentagon in Washington and near Shanksville on Sept. 11 , 2001 , shaping American policy , perceptions of safety and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office buildings .
Friday will mark Trump ’ s second time observing the 9/11 anniversary at the Flight 93 memorial , where he made remarks in 2018 .
Biden spoke at the memorial ’ s dedication in 2011 , when he was vice president .
The ground zero ceremony in New York has a longstanding custom of not allowing politicians to speak , though they can attend .
Biden did so as vice president in 2010 , and Trump as a candidate in 2016 .
Although the candidates will be focused on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on Shanksville is hard to ignore : Pennsylvania is a must-win state for both .
Trump won it by less than a percentage point in 2016 .
Around the country , some communities have canceled 9/11 commemorations because of the pandemic , while others are going ahead , sometimes with modifications .
The Pentagon ’ s observance will be so restricted that not even victims ’ families can attend , though small groups can visit the memorial there later in the day .
At the New York memorial , thousands of family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll hear a recording of the names from speakers spread around the vast plaza , a plan that memorial leaders felt would avoid close contact at a stage but still allow families to remember their loved ones at the place where they died .
But some victims ’ relatives felt the change robbed the observance of its emotional impact .
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation arranged its own , simultaneous ceremony a few blocks away , saying there ’ s no reason that people can ’ t recite names while keeping a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tussled over the Tribute in Light , a pair of powerful beams that shine into the night sky near the trade center and evoke its fallen twin towers .
The 9/11 memorial initially canceled the display , citing virus-safety concerns for the installation crew .
After the Tunnel to Towers Foundation vowed to put up the lights instead , the memorial changed course with help from its chairman , former Mayor Mike Bloomberg , and Gov .
Andrew Cuomo .
Tunnel to Towers , meanwhile , arranged to display single beams for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pentagon .
Over the years , the anniversary also has become a day for volunteering .
Because of the pandemic , the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance organization is encouraging people this year to make donations or take other actions that can be accomplished at home .
Associated Press writers Alexandra Jaffe in Wilmington , Delaware , and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed .

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. — One spent time quietly consoling families.
The other proclaimed America’s might.
President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden marked the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on Friday at memorial services where their differences in style couldn’t have been more sharply on display.
Trump and Biden were both traveling to rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the hijacked Flight 93 crashed in a field, killing everyone on board. But the two would not cross paths. While Trump spoke at the site’s morning memorial ceremony, Biden was to visit later in the day, after attending the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s annual commemoration at Ground Zero in New York, along with Vice President Mike Pence.
In a rare moment of detente during what has become a nasty campaign, Biden approached Pence after arriving at the ceremony and tapped him on the shoulder to say hello. The current and former vice president then shared an elbow bump — the popular COVID-era handshake replacement — as did Biden and second lady Karen Pence.
While a similar meeting between Trump and Biden will not happen, the day will nonetheless bring the two candidates the closest they’ve been in months. And though the country will be focused on the commemorations, the political significance of their visits to Shanksville is hard to ignore: Pennsylvania is a crucial battleground state in the 2020 election. Trump won there by less than 1 percentage point four years ago, and Democrats hope they can return it to their column in less than two months.
Still, Biden insisted that he would steer clear of politics on a national day of mourning taking place in the midst of another unfolding tragedy, the pandemic.
“I’m not gonna make any news today. I’m not gonna talk about anything other than 9/11,” Biden told reporters. “We took all our advertising down, It’s a solemn day, and that’s how we’re going to keep it, OK?”
Trump delivered a patriotic message in Shanksville as he shared the story of Flight 93, which officials concluded had been headed to Washington, D.C. until passengers teamed up against the hijackers, memorably declaring “let’s roll” as they took them on mid-flight.
“The heroes of Flight 93 are an everlasting reminder that no matter the danger, no matter the threat, no matter the odds, America will always rise up, stand tall, and fight back,” Trump said, telling the families of those killed that “today every heartbeat in American is wedded to yours.”
Trump also noted how the country had come together after 9/11. There was no mention of the current divisions in the country over the coronavirus crisis.
“It was a unity based on love for our families, care for our neighbors, loyalty to our fellow citizens, pride in our great flag, gratitude for our police and first responders, faith in God and a refusal to bend our will to the depraved forces of violence, intimidation, oppression and evil,” Trump declared.
He and first lady Melania Trump also observed a moment of silence aboard Air Force One at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center 19 years ago.
It was a different display in Lower Manhattan at the Ground Zero ceremony, where public officials wee not part of the program. Biden nonetheless consoled family members in the audience. At one point during the ceremony, as Biden was listening to the reading of the names of the victims, he spotted a woman crying in the crowd. Amanda Barreto, 27, of Teaneck, New Jersey, lost her godmother and aunt in the 9/11 attacks.
She said later Biden approached her and “wanted to let me know to keep the faith.” He told her “he knows what it means to lose someone. He wanted me to stay strong. And he’s so sorry for my loss.” She said she was appreciative of his comments and would be voting for him this fall.
Biden also spotted 90-year-old Maria Fisher, who lost her son in the attacks. He told her he had lost his also, a reference to his son’s Beau’s death from cancer. “It never goes away, does it?” he lamented, and handed her a rose.
The National Park Service, which co-hosts the annual Flight 93 memorial event, had originally said it was planning an abbreviated ceremony this year to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. The agency had been planning a 20-minute “Moment of Remembrance” without a keynote speaker or musical guests. The name of each passenger and crew member was to be read aloud with the ringing of the “Bells of Remembrance,” according to the agency’s website.
But after Biden and then the White House announced their plans to visit, the website was updated to reflect a new schedule that included remarks from Trump and the secretary of the interior.
In 2016, the 9/11 memorial events became a flashpoint in the presidential campaign after then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton abruptly left the Ground Zero ceremony and was seen stumbling as she tried to get into a van. Trump also spent the day in New York and paid his own visit to the memorial in lower Manhattan.
Friday was Trump’s second time observing the anniversary in Shanksville, where he made remarks in 2018. Biden spoke at the memorial’s dedication in 2011, when he was vice president.
The 2,200-acre Flight 93 National Memorial marks the spot in rural Pennsylvania where the hijacked flight crashed, killing all 40 people on board. Three other planes hijacked that day were crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks.
Jaffe reported from New York and Colvin from Washington. Associated Press writer Deb Riechmann contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Colorado cold snap destroys millions of dollars worth of marijuana plants, could disrupt industry

DENVER — Early cold temperatures and snow in Colorado may have destroyed millions of dollars worth of outdoor plants , cannabis and hemp companies said .
The drop of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit occurred too early in the growing season for farmers to harvest the plants , Marijuana Business Daily reports .
Jon Vaught , CEO of a cannabis biotech firm Front Range Biosciences , said the temperatures below freezing Tuesday and Wednesday combined with snow were “ catastrophic for growers.
” Nick Drury , director of cultivation at Denver marijuana company Lightshade , said the decreased supply from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less lower-grade competition for indoor growers , while the price for extract materials could increase .
At the PotCo outdoor marijuana farm outside Pueblo , co-owner James Lowe said he was ready for low temperatures but unprepared for up to 9 inches of wet snow .
The farm has about 7,000 plants trellised together and the heavy moisture collapsed much of the canopy over them .
The losses could reach between $ 4 million and $ 5 million , he said .
“ We were on pace for the largest harvest we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The weight of it was what ended up being the problem .
”

DENVER — Early cold temperatures and snow in Colorado may have destroyed millions of dollars worth of outdoor plants, cannabis and hemp companies said.
The drop of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit occurred too early in the growing season for farmers to harvest the plants, Marijuana Business Daily reports.
Jon Vaught, CEO of a cannabis biotech firm Front Range Biosciences, said the temperatures below freezing Tuesday and Wednesday combined with snow were “catastrophic for growers.”
Nick Drury, director of cultivation at Denver marijuana company Lightshade, said the decreased supply from the outdoor crops is likely to result in less lower-grade competition for indoor growers, while the price for extract materials could increase.
At the PotCo outdoor marijuana farm outside Pueblo, co-owner James Lowe said he was ready for low temperatures but unprepared for up to 9 inches of wet snow.
The farm has about 7,000 plants trellised together and the heavy moisture collapsed much of the canopy over them. The losses could reach between $4 million and $5 million, he said.
“We were on pace for the largest harvest we’ve ever had,” Lowe said. “The weight of it was what ended up being the problem.”