thedenverpost--2020-10-04--Trump declares “I get it,” then briefly leaves hospital

BETHESDA , Md .
— Two days after being hospitalized with COVID-19 , President Donald Trump declared , “ I get it , ” in a message to the nation Sunday before briefly leaving the hospital to salute supporters from his motorcade , a move that again showed his willingness to disregard basic precautions to contain the virus that has killed more than 209,000 Americans .
Hours earlier , Trump ’ s medical team reported that his blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days and that they gave him a steroid typically only recommended for the very sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is improving and that he could be discharged as early as Monday .
“ It ’ s been a very interesting journey .
I learned a lot about COVID , ” Trump said , standing in his hospital room in a video posted on social media .
“ I learned it by really going to school.
” He added , “ I get it , and I understand it.
” Before the video was posted , the infected president cruised by supporters in his sealed SUV , windows rolled up , driven by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were potentially exposed to the disease that has swept through the White House in recent days .
“ This is insanity , ” tweeted Dr. James P. Phillips , an attending physician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where Trump has been hospitalized since Friday evening .
“ Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential ‘ drive-by ’ just now has to be quarantined for 14 days .
They might get sick .
They may die , ” the doctor wrote .
“ For political theater .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk for theater.
” Meanwhile , former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s campaign said the Democratic presidential nominee again tested negative for coronavirus Sunday .
The results come five days after Biden spent more than 90 minutes on the debate stage with Trump .
Biden had two negative tests on Friday , as well .
Trump ’ s doctors earlier in the day sidestepped questions about exactly when Trump ’ s blood oxygen dropped — an episode they neglected to mention in multiple statements the day before — or whether lung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second straight day of confusion and obfuscation from a White House already suffering from a credibility crisis .
And it raised more doubts about whether the doctors treating the president were sharing accurate , timely information with the American public about the severity of his condition .
Pressed about conflicting information he and the White House released on Saturday , Navy Cmdr .
Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present a rosy description of the president ’ s condition .
“ I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his course of illness has had .
Didn ’ t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction , ” Conley said .
“ And in doing so , you know , it came off that we were trying to hide something , which wasn ’ t necessarily true .
The fact of the matter is that he ’ s doing really well.
” Medical experts said Conley ’ s revelations were hard to square with the doctor ’ s upbeat assessment and talk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit of a disconnect , ” said Dr. Steven Shapiro , chief medical and scientific officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center .
At the same time , Trump ’ s drive-by greeting was reminiscent of the moment in 2016 when he emerged from Trump Tower in the midst of the Access Hollywood tape scandal to greet his supporters on the street below .
But this move potentially exposed several people in his security detail to COVID-19 .
According to CDC guidelines , “ In general , transport and movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS-CoV-2 infection outside of their room should be limited to medically essential purposes.
” Some Secret Service agents have expressed concern about the lackadaisical attitude toward masks and social distancing inside the White House , but there isn ’ t much they can do , according to agents and officials who spoke to the AP .
This close to the election , thousands of agents are engaged on protective duty so they can be subbed out quickly should someone test positive .
Concern over Trump ’ s impromptu drive capped a day when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and steroid treatment suggested the president is enduring more than a mild case of COVID-19 .
Blood oxygen saturation is a key health marker for COVID-19 patients .
A normal reading is between 95 and 100 .
Conley said the president had a “ high fever ” and a blood oxygen level below 94 % on Friday and during “ another episode ” on Saturday .
He was evasive about the timing of Trump oxygen drops .
( “ It was over the course of the day , yeah , yesterday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s level had dropped below 90 % , into concerning territory .
( “ We don ’ t have any recordings here on that.
” ) But he revealed that Trump was given a dose of the steroid dexamethasone in response .
At the time of the briefing , Trump ’ s blood oxygen level was 98 % — within normal rage , Trump ’ s medical team said .
Signs of pneumonia or other lung damage could be detected in scans before a patient feels short of breath , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say what those scans have revealed .
“ There ’ s some expected findings , but nothing of any major clinical concern , ” Conley said .
He declined to outline those “ expected findings.
” Asked about Conley ’ s lack of transparency , White House aide Alyssa Farah suggested the doctors were speaking as much to the president as to the American public , “ when you ’ re treating a patient , you want to project confidence , you want to lift their spirits and that was the intent.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , pulled his attack ads off the air during Trump ’ s hospitalization , and on Sunday , he dispatched senior aides to deliver a largely friendly message .
“ We are sincerely hoping that the president makes a very quick recovery , and we can see him back out on the campaign trail very soon , ” Biden adviser Symone Sanders said on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” She added , “ This is a glaring reminder that the virus is real.
” Biden was at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no plans for in-person campaigning or other public appearances .
Having already tested negative , he is expected to release the results of a new coronavirus test later in the day .
His campaign has pledged to disclose those results and all other future test results for the 77-year-old candidate .
Trump ’ s medical team indicated that his hospital stay could end soon .
“ Our plan for today is to have him eat and drink , to be up out of bed as much as possible , to be mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And if he continues to look and feel as well as he does today , our hope is that we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course.
” More than 209,000 Americans have been killed by the virus , by far the highest number of confirmed fatalities in the word .
In all , nearly 7.4 million people have been infected in the United States , and few have access to the kind of around-the-clock attention and experimental treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the steroid dexamethasone is in addition to the single dose he was given Friday of an experimental drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. that supplies antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus .
Trump on Friday also began a five-day course of remdesivir , a Gilead Sciences drug currently used for moderately and severely ill patients .
The drugs work in different ways — the antibodies help the immune system rid the body of virus , and remdesivir curbs the virus ’ ability to multiply .
Garibaldi , a specialist in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not showing any side effects of the drugs “ that we can tell.
” The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend against using dexamethasone in patients who do not require oxygen .
It has only been proven to help in more serious cases .
Among the concerns with earlier use is that steroids tamp down certain immune cells , hindering the body ’ s own ability to fight off infection .
Trump is 74 years old and clinically obese , putting him at higher risk of serious complications .
First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House as she recovers from her own bout with the virus .
Several White House officials this weekend expressed frustration with the way level of transparency and public disclosure since the president announced his diagnosis early Friday .
They were particularly upset by the whiplash between Conley ’ s rosy assessment Saturday and Meadows ’ more concerned outlook .
They privately acknowledge that the administration has little credibility on COVID-19 and that they have unnecessarily squandered what remains of it with the lack of clear , accurate updates on Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also shaken and scared — nervous that they have been exposed to the virus and confronting the reality that what seemed like a bubble of safety has become a COVID-19 hot spot .
There has been no mass directive sent to staff on how they should respond .
Peoples reported from New York .
Miller reported from Washington .
Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard and Jonathan Lemire in Washington , and Bill Barrow in Wilmington , Del.
, and Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee contributed to this report .

BETHESDA, Md. — Infected and contagious, President Donald Trump briefly ventured out in a motorcade on Sunday to salute cheering supporters, a move that disregarded precautions meant to contain the deadly virus that has forced his hospitalization and killed more than 209,000 Americans.
Hours earlier, Trump’s medical team reported that his blood oxygen level dropped suddenly twice in recent days and that they gave him a steroid typically only recommended for the very sick. Still, the doctors said Trump’s health is improving and that he could be discharged as early as Monday.
With one month until Election Day, Trump was eager to project strength despite his illness. The still-infectious president surprised supporters who had gathered outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, driving by in a black SUV with the windows rolled up. Secret Service agents inside the vehicle could be seen in masks and other protective gear.
The move capped a weekend of contradictions that fueled confusion about Trump’s health, which has imperiled the leadership of the U.S. government and upended the final stages of the presidential campaign. While Trump’s physician offered a rosy prognosis on his condition, his briefings lacked basic information, including the findings of lung scans, or were quickly muddled by more serious assessments of the president’s health by other officials.
In a short video released by the White House on Sunday, Trump insisted he understood the gravity of the moment. But his actions moments later, by leaving the hospital and sitting inside the SUV with others, suggested otherwise.
“This is insanity,” Dr. James P. Phillips, an attending physician at Walter Reed who is a critic of Trump and his handling of the pandemic. “Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential ‘drive-by’ just now has to be quarantined for 14 days. They might get sick. They may die.”
“For political theater,” the doctor added. “Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk for theater.”
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Trump’s trip outside the hospital “was cleared by the medical team as safe to do.” He added that precautions were taken, including using personal protective equipment, to protect Trump as well as White House officials and Secret Service agents.
Joe Biden’s campaign, meanwhile, said the Democratic presidential nominee again tested negative for coronavirus Sunday. The results come five days after Biden spent more than 90 minutes on the debate stage with Trump. Biden, who has taken a far more cautious approach to in-person events, had two negative tests on Friday.
For his part, Trump still faces questions about his health.
His doctors sidestepped questions on Sunday about exactly when Trump’s blood oxygen dropped — an episode they neglected to mention in multiple statements the day before — or whether lung scans showed any damage.
It was the second straight day of obfuscation from a White House already suffering from a credibility crisis. And it raised more doubts about whether the doctors treating the president were sharing accurate, timely information with the American public about the severity of his condition.
Pressed about conflicting information he and the White House released on Saturday, Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley acknowledged that he had tried to present a sunnier description of the president’s condition.
“I was trying to reflect the upbeat attitude that the team, the president, that his course of illness has had. Didn’t want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction,” Conley said. “And in doing so, you know, it came off that we were trying to hide something, which wasn’t necessarily true. The fact of the matter is that he’s doing really well.”
Medical experts said Conley’s revelations were hard to square with his positive assessment and talk of a discharge.
“There’s a little bit of a disconnect,” said Dr. Steven Shapiro, chief medical and scientific officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
According to CDC guidelines, “In general, transport and movement of a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection outside of their room should be limited to medically essential purposes.”
Even before Trump’s motorcade outing on Sunday, some Secret Service agents have expressed concern about the lackadaisical attitude toward masks and social distancing inside the White House, but there isn’t much they can do, according to agents and officials who spoke to The Associated Press. This close to the election, thousands of agents are engaged on protective duty so they can be subbed out quickly should someone test positive.
The disclosures about Trump’s oxygen levels and steroid treatment suggested the president is enduring more than a mild case of COVID-19.
Blood oxygen saturation is a key health marker for COVID-19 patients. A normal reading is between 95 and 100. Conley said the president had a “high fever” and a blood oxygen level below 94% on Friday and during “another episode” on Saturday.
He was evasive about the timing of Trump oxygen drops. (“It was over the course of the day, yeah, yesterday morning,” he said) and asked whether Trump’s level had dropped below 90%, into concerning territory. (“We don’t have any recordings here on that.”) But he revealed that Trump was given a dose of the steroid dexamethasone in response.
At the time of the briefing, Trump’s blood oxygen level was 98% — within normal rage, Trump’s medical team said.
Signs of pneumonia or other lung damage could be detected in scans before a patient feels short of breath, but the president’s doctors declined to say what those scans have revealed.
“There’s some expected findings, but nothing of any major clinical concern,” Conley said. He declined to outline those “expected findings.”
Asked about Conley’s lack of transparency, White House aide Alyssa Farah suggested the doctors were speaking as much to the president as to the American public, “when you’re treating a patient, you want to project confidence, you want to lift their spirits, and that was the intent.”
In all, nearly 7.4 million people have been infected in the United States, and few have access to the kind of around-the-clock attention and experimental treatments as Trump.
Trump’s treatment with the steroid dexamethasone is in addition to the single dose he was given Friday of an experimental drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. that supplies antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus. Trump on Friday also began a five-day course of remdesivir, a Gilead Sciences drug currently used for moderately and severely ill patients. The drugs work in different ways — the antibodies help the immune system rid the body of virus, and remdesivir curbs the virus’ ability to multiply.
Garibaldi, a specialist in pulmonary critical care, said the president was not showing any side effects of the drugs “that we can tell.”
The National Institutes of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines recommend against using dexamethasone in patients who do not require oxygen. It has only been proven to help in more serious cases. Among the concerns with earlier use is that steroids tamp down certain immune cells, hindering the body’s own ability to fight off infection.
Trump is 74 years old and clinically obese, putting him at higher risk of serious complications.
First lady Melania Trump has remained at the White House as she recovers from her own bout with the virus.
Several White House officials this weekend expressed frustration with the level of transparency and public disclosure since the president announced his diagnosis early Friday.
They were particularly upset by the whiplash between Conley’s upbeat assessment Saturday and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows’ more concerned outlook. They privately acknowledge that the administration has little credibility on COVID-19 and that they have unnecessarily squandered what remains of it with the lack of clear, accurate updates on Trump’s condition.
Many in the White House are also shaken and scared — nervous that they have been exposed to the virus and confronting the reality that what seemed like a bubble of safety has become a COVID-19 hot spot. It took until late Sunday for the White House to send a generic note to staffers suggesting they not come to the building if they do not feel well.
Peoples reported from New York. Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard, Jonathan Lemire and Aamer Madhani in Washington, and Bill Barrow in Wilmington, Del., and Marilynn Marchione in Milwaukee contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-10-04--Titans have 2 new positives, none for rest of NFL, AP source says

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — Another Tennessee Titans player , fullback Khari Blasingame , and another staff member have tested positive for the coronavirus , while the rest of the NFL returned no new positives on Sunday , a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press .
The Titans ’ outbreak is now at 20 cases , with 18 positive tests returned since Tuesday with the addition of Blasingame to the COVID-19/Reserve list on Monday .
The results from around the rest of the league come as the NFL postponed the Patriots ’ game at Kansas City to Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newton and Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta ’ amu were both added to the COVID-19 reserve list Saturday .
Newton wrote Sunday on Instagram that he ’ ll use his time off from football to “ get healthy and self reflect on the other amazing things that I should be grateful for.
” The person who confirmed the two new cases involving Tennessee spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because neither the NFL nor the Titans had announced the latest results .
The negative test results Sunday include New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsely tested positive on Saturday .
The Saints learned of the positive test after leaving New Orleans for Sunday ’ s scheduled game in Detroit and ran another series of tests on players and staff overnight .
Minnesota , which lost to Tennessee a week ago , won at Houston 31-23 .
On Monday , the league will hold a conference call with all 32 teams to reinforce the necessity of following protocols — including updates made this week after the outbreak involving the Titans — provide updates on testing and contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night , the Patriots will play at Kansas City in a game airing on CBS at 7:05 p.m. EDT .
The Atlanta Falcons-Green Bay Packers game will shift to an 8:50 p.m. EDT start on ESPN .
Sunday marked the sixth straight day that at least one member of the Titans ’ organization has had a positive test result return .
The Titans had hoped to get back into their building Monday or Tuesday , but they must go consecutive days without a single positive result before that can happen .
Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in their facility , which is the day Tennessee would start practicing to prepare to host Buffalo on Oct. 11 .
Tennessee ’ s outbreak appears to have started Sept. 24 when it placed cornerback Greg Mabin , who was on the practice squad , on the reserve/COVID-19 list .
Then outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen ’ s test result came back positive on Sept. 26 , and he did not travel with the Titans to Minnesota .
After the NFL postponed the Titans ’ game set for Sunday against Pittsburgh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 25 during Tennessee ’ s bye .
The league also moved Baltimore ’ s bye to Week 7 , so the Ravens now can play Pittsburgh on Nov. 1 .
Officials from the NFL and its players ’ union met with the Titans on Friday to review the situation and investigate whether any protocols were ignored .
Any further outbreaks could cause much more juggling of the schedule , with speculation that the NFL could extend the regular season into January and push the playoffs and Super Bowl back on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barry Wilner and Sports Writer Brett Martel contributed to this report .

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Another Tennessee Titans player, fullback Khari Blasingame, and another staff member have tested positive for the coronavirus, while the rest of the NFL returned no new positives on Sunday, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The Titans’ outbreak is now at 20 cases, with 18 positive tests returned since Tuesday with the addition of Blasingame to the COVID-19/Reserve list on Monday.
The results from around the rest of the league come as the NFL postponed the Patriots’ game at Kansas City to Monday night. New England starting quarterback Cam Newton and Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta’amu were both added to the COVID-19 reserve list Saturday.
Newton wrote Sunday on Instagram that he’ll use his time off from football to “get healthy and self reflect on the other amazing things that I should be grateful for.”
The person who confirmed the two new cases involving Tennessee spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because neither the NFL nor the Titans had announced the latest results.
The negative test results Sunday include New Orleans Saints fullback Michael Burton, who falsely tested positive on Saturday. The Saints learned of the positive test after leaving New Orleans for Sunday’s scheduled game in Detroit and ran another series of tests on players and staff overnight.
The Saints beat the Lions 35-29.
Minnesota, which lost to Tennessee a week ago, won at Houston 31-23.
On Monday, the league will hold a conference call with all 32 teams to reinforce the necessity of following protocols — including updates made this week after the outbreak involving the Titans — provide updates on testing and contact tracing and to share best practices.
On Monday night, the Patriots will play at Kansas City in a game airing on CBS at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The Atlanta Falcons-Green Bay Packers game will shift to an 8:50 p.m. EDT start on ESPN.
Sunday marked the sixth straight day that at least one member of the Titans’ organization has had a positive test result return. The Titans had hoped to get back into their building Monday or Tuesday, but they must go consecutive days without a single positive result before that can happen.
Wednesday now is the earliest they can get back in their facility, which is the day Tennessee would start practicing to prepare to host Buffalo on Oct. 11.
Tennessee’s outbreak appears to have started Sept. 24 when it placed cornerback Greg Mabin, who was on the practice squad, on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Then outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen’s test result came back positive on Sept. 26, and he did not travel with the Titans to Minnesota.
After the NFL postponed the Titans’ game set for Sunday against Pittsburgh, the league rescheduled it for Week 7 on Oct. 25 during Tennessee’s bye. The league also moved Baltimore’s bye to Week 7, so the Ravens now can play Pittsburgh on Nov. 1.
Officials from the NFL and its players’ union met with the Titans on Friday to review the situation and investigate whether any protocols were ignored.
Any further outbreaks could cause much more juggling of the schedule, with speculation that the NFL could extend the regular season into January and push the playoffs and Super Bowl back on the 2021 calendar.
AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner and Sports Writer Brett Martel contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-10-04--WNBA Finals: Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird help Storm rout Aces, go up 2-0

BRADENTON , Fla. — Breanna Stewart scored 22 points and Seattle moved within a victory of a WNBA championship , beating the Las Vegas Aces 104-91 on Sunday .
The Storm will try to win their fourth title with a victory in Game 3 on Tuesday night .
They won championships in 2004 , 2010 and 2018 , and Sue Bird was running the show in all three of them .
Two days after she set the WNBA Finals and playoffs record with 16 assists , the 39-year-old guard had 10 to go along with 16 points .
The team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship round record as the Storm had a more balanced offense .
Stewart had 37 points in the series opener and Jewell Loyd added 28 in that game .
On Sunday , the Storm had five players in double figures .
Natasha Howard and Alysha Clark added 21 each to go along with Stewart and Bird ’ s efforts .
Jordin Canada added 10 points of the bench .
The Storm took over after Las Vegas had rallied from a 13-point deficit in the first half to take a 65-64 lead with 3:22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 of the next 30 points over the next 6 minutes to go up double-digits again with Jewell Loyd ending the burst with a 3-pointer that made it 86-73 with just under 7 minutes left .
Las Vegas couldn ’ t respond .
A ’ ja Wilson had 20 points to lead Las Vegas while Angel McCoughtry and Emma Cannon added 17 each .
Cannon provided a spark off the bench for the Aces , who were missing Sixth Woman of the Year Dearica Hamby with a knee injury .
• NBA brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold on to its viewers ?
Trailing by six at the half , Las Vegas made a run to take a 53-52 lead on McBride ’ s 3-pointer early in the third quarter .
The Aces led 65-64 with 3:22 left in the period before the Storm closed with a 11-3 burst .
Seattle held a 48-42 halftime lead behind 12 points from Stewart and Clark .
The Storm , who had 17 assists on their 18 baskets , built the lead to 13 before Las Vegas rallied to the six-point halftime deficit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his career in postseason games after losing his previous one by double digits .
… Stewart had her fifth consecutive 20-point game in the WNBA Finals spanning back to the 2018 season .
LEAGUE HONORS : Wilson earned All-WNBA recognition for the first time in her young career .
She was joined as a unanimous choice by Candace Parker of Los Angeles .
Stewart was one vote short of being unanimous .
Courtney Vandersloot of Chicago and Arike Ogunbowale of Dallas rounded out the first team .
Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They were joined by Dewanna Bonner of Connecticut , Myisha Hines-Allen of Washington and Napheesa Collier of Minnesota .

BRADENTON, Fla. — Breanna Stewart scored 22 points and Seattle moved within a victory of a WNBA championship, beating the Las Vegas Aces 104-91 on Sunday.
The Storm will try to win their fourth title with a victory in Game 3 on Tuesday night. They won championships in 2004, 2010 and 2018, and Sue Bird was running the show in all three of them.
Two days after she set the WNBA Finals and playoffs record with 16 assists, the 39-year-old guard had 10 to go along with 16 points. The team had 33 assists to set a WNBA championship round record as the Storm had a more balanced offense. Stewart had 37 points in the series opener and Jewell Loyd added 28 in that game.
On Sunday, the Storm had five players in double figures. Natasha Howard and Alysha Clark added 21 each to go along with Stewart and Bird’s efforts. Jordin Canada added 10 points of the bench.
The Storm took over after Las Vegas had rallied from a 13-point deficit in the first half to take a 65-64 lead with 3:22 left in the third quarter
Seattle scored 22 of the next 30 points over the next 6 minutes to go up double-digits again with Jewell Loyd ending the burst with a 3-pointer that made it 86-73 with just under 7 minutes left. Las Vegas couldn’t respond.
A’ja Wilson had 20 points to lead Las Vegas while Angel McCoughtry and Emma Cannon added 17 each. Cannon provided a spark off the bench for the Aces, who were missing Sixth Woman of the Year Dearica Hamby with a knee injury.
Trailing by six at the half, Las Vegas made a run to take a 53-52 lead on McBride’s 3-pointer early in the third quarter. The Aces led 65-64 with 3:22 left in the period before the Storm closed with a 11-3 burst.
Seattle held a 48-42 halftime lead behind 12 points from Stewart and Clark. The Storm, who had 17 assists on their 18 baskets, built the lead to 13 before Las Vegas rallied to the six-point halftime deficit.
TIP-INS: Bill Laimbeer is 9-2 in his career in postseason games after losing his previous one by double digits. … Stewart had her fifth consecutive 20-point game in the WNBA Finals spanning back to the 2018 season.
LEAGUE HONORS: Wilson earned All-WNBA recognition for the first time in her young career. She was joined as a unanimous choice by Candace Parker of Los Angeles. Stewart was one vote short of being unanimous. Courtney Vandersloot of Chicago and Arike Ogunbowale of Dallas rounded out the first team. Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith of Phoenix headlined the second team. They were joined by Dewanna Bonner of Connecticut, Myisha Hines-Allen of Washington and Napheesa Collier of Minnesota.


thedenverpost--2020-10-04--Russell Wilson leads Seahawks to first 4-0 start since 2013

MIAMI GARDENS , Fla. — Russell Wilson threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns , and the Seattle Seahawks improved to 4-0 on the season by beating the Miami Dolphins 31-23 Sunday .
The Seahawks have won their first four games only one other time in franchise history — in 2013 , when they won their only Super Bowl .
They ’ ve scored 30 or more points in four consecutive games for the first time since 2015 .
Jet lag and subtropical heat weren ’ t issues for the Seahawks .
Neither were injuries that left them short-handed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced Miami to settle for a field goal before the Dolphins finally reached the end zone in the final minutes .
Wilson connected with David Moore for 57 yards in the final seconds of the first half to set up a touchdown that gave Seattle a 17-9 halftime lead .
Wilson , who went 24 for 34 , tied Peyton Manning ’ s record of 15 touchdown passes in the first four games of a season .
Manning did it 2013 .
DK Metcalf had four catches for 106 yards , Moore had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carson rushed for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns .
But the Seahawks were twice blanked on trips to the red zone , including when Xavien Howard intercepted Wilson .
Seattle had been 10 for 10 previously this season .
Ryan Fitzpatrick was 29 for 45 and 315 yards but threw two interceptions for Miami ( 1-3 ) .
He also rushed for a touchdown and was the leading rusher for Miami with six carries for 47 yards .
Leading 17-15 , Wilson tossed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Moore to stretch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5:24 left in the fourth quarter .
On their next possession , Wilson hit Metcalf with a 32-yard pass to the Dolphins 1-yard-line , setting up Carson ’ s second touchdown with 4:05 left to make it 31-15 .
Fitzpatrick scored Miami ’ s only touchdown with 1:50 left , but Seattle recovered the ensuing onside kick .
Jason Sanders kicked five field goals for the Dolphins .
The announced attendance was 12,369 , a bit short of the 13,000 capacity , and there were numerous Seahawks jerseys scattered among the crowd .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the temperature was 86 degrees , but it didn ’ t slow down the Seahawks ’ offense .
Four Seahawks players took a knee and five others sat during The Star-Spangled Banner .
The Dolphins stayed in the locker room for the anthem .
Seattle plays host to Minnesota next Sunday .
Wilson threw for 240 yards and two scores when the Seahawks beat the Vikings 37-30 last December .
Miami plays at San Francisco for the first time since 2012 next Sunday .

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Russell Wilson threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns, and the Seattle Seahawks improved to 4-0 on the season by beating the Miami Dolphins 31-23 Sunday.
The Seahawks have won their first four games only one other time in franchise history — in 2013, when they won their only Super Bowl. They’ve scored 30 or more points in four consecutive games for the first time since 2015.
Jet lag and subtropical heat weren’t issues for the Seahawks. Neither were injuries that left them short-handed in the secondary, and five times Seattle forced Miami to settle for a field goal before the Dolphins finally reached the end zone in the final minutes.
Wilson connected with David Moore for 57 yards in the final seconds of the first half to set up a touchdown that gave Seattle a 17-9 halftime lead.
Wilson, who went 24 for 34, tied Peyton Manning’s record of 15 touchdown passes in the first four games of a season. Manning did it 2013.
DK Metcalf had four catches for 106 yards, Moore had three for 95 yards, and Chris Carson rushed for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
But the Seahawks were twice blanked on trips to the red zone, including when Xavien Howard intercepted Wilson. Seattle had been 10 for 10 previously this season.
Ryan Fitzpatrick was 29 for 45 and 315 yards but threw two interceptions for Miami (1-3). He also rushed for a touchdown and was the leading rusher for Miami with six carries for 47 yards.
Leading 17-15, Wilson tossed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Moore to stretch the Seahawks’ lead to 24-15 with 5:24 left in the fourth quarter.
On their next possession, Wilson hit Metcalf with a 32-yard pass to the Dolphins 1-yard-line, setting up Carson’s second touchdown with 4:05 left to make it 31-15.
Fitzpatrick scored Miami’s only touchdown with 1:50 left, but Seattle recovered the ensuing onside kick.
Jason Sanders kicked five field goals for the Dolphins.
ATTENDANCE
The announced attendance was 12,369, a bit short of the 13,000 capacity, and there were numerous Seahawks jerseys scattered among the crowd.
NOT FEELING THE HEAT
The heat index was over 100 degrees and the temperature was 86 degrees, but it didn’t slow down the Seahawks’ offense.
ANTHEM
Four Seahawks players took a knee and five others sat during The Star-Spangled Banner.
The Dolphins stayed in the locker room for the anthem.
UP NEXT
Seattle plays host to Minnesota next Sunday. Wilson threw for 240 yards and two scores when the Seahawks beat the Vikings 37-30 last December.
Miami plays at San Francisco for the first time since 2012 next Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--18th Judicial District Attorney race: Republican John Kellner and Democrat Amy Padden face off

The last district attorney to head the state ’ s largest judicial district before it is split in two will be elected this fall by voters in Arapahoe , Douglas , Lincoln and Elbert counties .
Voters must choose between Democrat Amy Padden and Republican John Kellner to replace current 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler , who is term-limited .
Colorado lawmakers decided earlier this year to split the judicial district , which is the most populous in the state .
In 2025 , Douglas , Elbert and Lincoln counties will become the 23rd Judicial District in Colorado , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judicial District .
Each will have its own district attorney , elected in the fall of 2024 .
But for the next four years with the 18th Judicial District in one piece , whoever is elected as district attorney will oversee thousands of criminal cases and heavily shape the region ’ s approach to criminal justice .
Both Padden and Kellner said they ’ d prioritize community safety if elected , but each has a different approach .
Kellner currently serves as chief deputy district attorney in the 18th Judicial District , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and garnered a reputation for bringing cases to trial — and winning convictions — even when past prosecutors passed for a perceived lack of evidence .
He served in the Marine Corps , working as a JAG prosecutor , before joining the Boulder County District Attorney ’ s office in 2011 and then the 18th Judicial District in 2013 .
In an interview with the Denver Post , Kellner emphasized his trial experience and said his time as a prosecutor in the courtroom has prepared him to lead the office , in part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are warranted for which cases , to know who should go to prison and who shouldn ’ t .
“ It takes experience to know where on that spectrum people fall , based on their conduct , their history , their likelihood for rehabilitation , ” he said .
“ So yes , I will aggressively prosecute serious criminal cases , but we are not going to incarcerate our way out of the opioid epidemic and mental health issues.
” If elected , he ’ d like to double the district ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which are non-traditional courts aimed primarily at treatment and rehabilitation .
Those courts now focus on veterans , people suffering from addiction , and those with mental health diagnoses who are facing minor criminal charges .
Padden , who currently serves as a deputy district attorney in the 11th Judicial District , is a reform-minded prosecutor with experience at the local , state and federal levels .
Padden touted her managerial experience in an interview with the Post and said she would ramp up the district ’ s diversion program and establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Padden previously worked as an assistant attorney general in the Colorado Attorney General ’ s Office , and spent 10 years with the U.S. Department of Justice , rising to become third in command for the District of Colorado .
In 2017 she started a run for Colorado attorney general , but later dropped out of the race and backed rival Phil Weiser .
She said she favors diversion — where someone facing low level criminal offenses agrees to take steps aimed at rehabilitation and the criminal charges are dismissed when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ problem-solving courts ” because diversion programs are typically less expensive and can handle more people .
“ Too often as prosecutors we have been punishing the actions after the fact rather than getting to what caused those actions , ” she said .
“ That is the key to making our communities safer , because that is how we will ultimately reduce crime.
” If elected , Padden would establish a conviction review unit with paid staffers tasked with examining claims of wrongful convictions in the district , she said , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Padden and Kellner declined to comment on Brauchler ’ s recent and controversial decision to charge anti-police protesters in Aurora with a bevy of criminal charges for their actions during the protests .
The two will join for a virtual debate hosted by CCJRC4Action , an affiliate of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition , on Oct. 7 , from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A link to the virtual debate will be posted at ccjrc4action.org .

The last district attorney to head the state’s largest judicial district before it is split in two will be elected this fall by voters in Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln and Elbert counties.
Voters must choose between Democrat Amy Padden and Republican John Kellner to replace current 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler, who is term-limited.
Colorado lawmakers decided earlier this year to split the judicial district, which is the most populous in the state. In 2025, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties will become the 23rd Judicial District in Colorado, leaving Arapahoe County alone as the 18th Judicial District. Each will have its own district attorney, elected in the fall of 2024.
But for the next four years with the 18th Judicial District in one piece, whoever is elected as district attorney will oversee thousands of criminal cases and heavily shape the region’s approach to criminal justice.
Both Padden and Kellner said they’d prioritize community safety if elected, but each has a different approach.
Kellner currently serves as chief deputy district attorney in the 18th Judicial District, where he has focused on solving cold cases and garnered a reputation for bringing cases to trial — and winning convictions — even when past prosecutors passed for a perceived lack of evidence.
He served in the Marine Corps, working as a JAG prosecutor, before joining the Boulder County District Attorney’s office in 2011 and then the 18th Judicial District in 2013.
In an interview with the Denver Post, Kellner emphasized his trial experience and said his time as a prosecutor in the courtroom has prepared him to lead the office, in part because it helped him understand which punishments are warranted for which cases, to know who should go to prison and who shouldn’t.
“It takes experience to know where on that spectrum people fall, based on their conduct, their history, their likelihood for rehabilitation,” he said. “So yes, I will aggressively prosecute serious criminal cases, but we are not going to incarcerate our way out of the opioid epidemic and mental health issues.”
If elected, he’d like to double the district’s capacity in its “problem-solving courts,” which are non-traditional courts aimed primarily at treatment and rehabilitation. Those courts now focus on veterans, people suffering from addiction, and those with mental health diagnoses who are facing minor criminal charges.
Padden, who currently serves as a deputy district attorney in the 11th Judicial District, is a reform-minded prosecutor with experience at the local, state and federal levels. Padden touted her managerial experience in an interview with the Post and said she would ramp up the district’s diversion program and establish a robust conviction review unit if elected.
Padden previously worked as an assistant attorney general in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, and spent 10 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, rising to become third in command for the District of Colorado. In 2017 she started a run for Colorado attorney general, but later dropped out of the race and backed rival Phil Weiser.
She said she favors diversion — where someone facing low level criminal offenses agrees to take steps aimed at rehabilitation and the criminal charges are dismissed when the person successfully completes those steps — over “problem-solving courts” because diversion programs are typically less expensive and can handle more people.
“Too often as prosecutors we have been punishing the actions after the fact rather than getting to what caused those actions,” she said. “That is the key to making our communities safer, because that is how we will ultimately reduce crime.”
If elected, Padden would establish a conviction review unit with paid staffers tasked with examining claims of wrongful convictions in the district, she said, to replace the current volunteer unit.
Both Padden and Kellner declined to comment on Brauchler’s recent and controversial decision to charge anti-police protesters in Aurora with a bevy of criminal charges for their actions during the protests.
The two will join for a virtual debate hosted by CCJRC4Action, an affiliate of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, on Oct. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A link to the virtual debate will be posted at ccjrc4action.org.


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--Denver’s 30 recreation centers likely to remain closed until mid-April

Denver ’ s 30 recreation centers — which closed as the coronavirus pandemic hit the city in March — will remain shuttered until mid-April at the earliest while the short-staffed Parks and Recreation Department pivots its resources , city officials have told The Denver Post .
Barring an immediate drop in COVID-19 cases , a vaccine or some other dramatic change , safely opening the city ’ s recreation centers isn ’ t a feasible option , said John Martinez , deputy executive director of recreation .
Still , as the weather turns colder and cooped-up Denverites look for things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide new options , he said .
“ We ’ re going to beef up our virtual programming , ” Martinez said .
“ Our goal is to keep people safe .
The last thing we want to do is go too fast and then we have to take steps backwards.
” With 30 recreation centers — each with different layouts , facilities and staffing — it ’ s a logistical nightmare to open them and still be able to prevent further spread of the virus , said Parks and Recreation spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure that out or until the virus no longer presents such a substantial threat , the buildings must remain closed .
“ It ’ s very difficult to have all this signage , physical distancing , janitorial service , ” Karvaski said .
“ How we clean the equipment after each use ?
There ’ s just so many people.
” However , the department has been able to shift some of its resources outside , where physical distancing is much easier , and online , Karvaski said .
Those programs — mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for children and older adults , the recreation centers ’ largest target demographics .
Some of the programs are conducted live , while videos for others are posted online and through the department ’ s social media channels so patrons can participate on their own time .
Online programming includes teaching children to imagine themselves as superheroes and to create their own super challenges to accomplish , drawing and dancing lessons and workout videos for active older adults .
The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver has also partnered with the remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ruby Hill for some of that online programming , spokesperson Annie Zdrojewski said .
In addition , outdoor programs include youth sports camps at Valverde , Swansea and Parkfield Lake parks and the Lowry Sports Complex , Karvaski said .
A full list of available programs can be found online at denvergov.org/recreation .
As the weather turns colder and outdoor options become less viable , Martinez said he wants to shift even further online to give folks something to do this winter .
About 3,500 patrons have participated in the department ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far cry from the 40,000 patrons that used just the Carla Madison Recreation Center on East Colfax each month , Martinez acknowledged .
About 2.5 million people use the city ’ s recreation centers in a normal year , Karvaski said .
It ’ s not just the number of patrons that is dwindling , the department ’ s staff also has taken a hit during the pandemic as well .
Typically Martinez said his section of the department has about 1,400 employees , mostly seasonal or part-time employees that do anything from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But with the centers closed and the city hurting for cash , part timers and seasonal employees were either furloughed or not called in to work , he said .
Now , Martinez said , he has just 137 full-time employees , many of whom have taken on different responsibilities to meet the city ’ s needs .
“ They ’ re helping with emergency child care operations , ( homeless ) shelter support , shelter transportation , ” he said .
“ We have 15 meal sites where we were handing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless shelters , working our four learning labs , virtual programming.
” Too few staff members remain to maintain normal park operations , Karvaski said .
“ We ’ re not able to mow as frequently ; we ’ re not watering as frequently ; we ’ re not picking up trash as frequently , ” she said .
While the department will continue to pivot its services as staffing and funding allows , these realities appear to be the new normal , at least for the foreseeable future , Martinez said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news sent straight to your inbox .

Denver’s 30 recreation centers — which closed as the coronavirus pandemic hit the city in March — will remain shuttered until mid-April at the earliest while the short-staffed Parks and Recreation Department pivots its resources, city officials have told The Denver Post.
Barring an immediate drop in COVID-19 cases, a vaccine or some other dramatic change, safely opening the city’s recreation centers isn’t a feasible option, said John Martinez, deputy executive director of recreation.
Still, as the weather turns colder and cooped-up Denverites look for things to do, the department will work to provide new options, he said.
“We’re going to beef up our virtual programming,” Martinez said. “Our goal is to keep people safe. The last thing we want to do is go too fast and then we have to take steps backwards.”
With 30 recreation centers — each with different layouts, facilities and staffing — it’s a logistical nightmare to open them and still be able to prevent further spread of the virus, said Parks and Recreation spokesperson Cyndi Karvaski. Until the department can figure that out or until the virus no longer presents such a substantial threat, the buildings must remain closed.
“It’s very difficult to have all this signage, physical distancing, janitorial service,” Karvaski said. “How we clean the equipment after each use? There’s just so many people.”
However, the department has been able to shift some of its resources outside, where physical distancing is much easier, and online, Karvaski said. Those programs — mostly arts- or fitness-related — are well suited for children and older adults, the recreation centers’ largest target demographics.
Some of the programs are conducted live, while videos for others are posted online and through the department’s social media channels so patrons can participate on their own time.
Online programming includes teaching children to imagine themselves as superheroes and to create their own super challenges to accomplish, drawing and dancing lessons and workout videos for active older adults.
The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver has also partnered with the remote learning center at the Athmar Recreation Center in Ruby Hill for some of that online programming, spokesperson Annie Zdrojewski said.
In addition, outdoor programs include youth sports camps at Valverde, Swansea and Parkfield Lake parks and the Lowry Sports Complex, Karvaski said.
A full list of available programs can be found online at denvergov.org/recreation.
As the weather turns colder and outdoor options become less viable, Martinez said he wants to shift even further online to give folks something to do this winter. About 3,500 patrons have participated in the department’s online programs since July — a far cry from the 40,000 patrons that used just the Carla Madison Recreation Center on East Colfax each month, Martinez acknowledged.
About 2.5 million people use the city’s recreation centers in a normal year, Karvaski said.
It’s not just the number of patrons that is dwindling, the department’s staff also has taken a hit during the pandemic as well.
Typically Martinez said his section of the department has about 1,400 employees, mostly seasonal or part-time employees that do anything from teaching yoga to cutting the grass. But with the centers closed and the city hurting for cash, part timers and seasonal employees were either furloughed or not called in to work, he said.
Now, Martinez said, he has just 137 full-time employees, many of whom have taken on different responsibilities to meet the city’s needs.
“They’re helping with emergency child care operations, (homeless) shelter support, shelter transportation,” he said. “We have 15 meal sites where we were handing out meals to youth, delivering meals for homeless shelters, working our four learning labs, virtual programming.”
Too few staff members remain to maintain normal park operations, Karvaski said.
“We’re not able to mow as frequently; we’re not watering as frequently; we’re not picking up trash as frequently,” she said.
While the department will continue to pivot its services as staffing and funding allows, these realities appear to be the new normal, at least for the foreseeable future, Martinez said.
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thedenverpost--2020-10-05--McMillin: Despite partisan shenanigans, Colorado’s Blue Book is an election-year must read

As political signs and banners seem to multiply unaided in yards and roadways overnight , social media rages and issues are buried in an onslaught of hyperbole and pontification , it seemed there was no refuge in which to calmly consider the entirety of this year ’ s ballot .
Then my Blue Book arrived in my mailbox .
I took the 2020 State Ballot Information Booklet inside and marveled at the dense pages of text that would explain the 11 statewide measures and the judges up for retention .
The actual wording is there , along with analyses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or against might mean .
It is not easy or delightful reading , but it is reassuring .
Yet my glowing review must be tempered because last-minute rewrites of some sections by the Legislative Council Committee this year and in 2016 have tainted it .
The committee was shamed four years ago by The Denver Post editorial board for its meddling .
Perhaps the committee thought everyone would forget about that .
It is , after all , a rather overwhelming political season .
We are not talking about small word changes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an omission .
We are talking about such things as a complete rewrite of the arguments for and against Amendment B and a title change .
Sure , the committee can do that .
It just needs a two-thirds vote , and it exceeded that when only three Republicans on the 18-member committee opposed the changes .
Members of both parties supported the changes , so the vote was bipartisan .
But not nonpartisan .
I ’ ve looked at the before and after versions and I don ’ t believe the changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who tried unsuccessfully to stop the revisions before the booklet was sent to voters .
I ’ m not convinced the changes will significantly influence voters , but the idea of the changes might .
Why add political overtones when it ’ s unnecessary ?
It is shortsighted to taint such an important publication with unneeded meddling .
The Colorado Constitution and state law require the Legislative Council staff to prepare a voter information guide for any election in which statewide issues are decided .
Much work goes into it and the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drafts , public comment periods and revisions before it goes to the committee for final approval .
We could add steps so it goes back and forth a few more times after an initial committee review , but that would likely open the door to more political interference .
The effort has gotten high marks from Ballotpedia ’ s annual review of states ’ voter guides .
As of 2019 , Colorado was among seven states that earned “ excellent ” grades for their ballot information booklet .
They are given a point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including text of the measure , official ballot language , analysis , fiscal impact , arguments for and against , and publication in languages other than English or on audio .
I have long found the Blue Book to be more than a little helpful .
It ’ s pretty easy to find those who support or oppose particular issues , but the guide provides a more clear-headed , nonpartisan review .
All those signs yelling at me to “ Vote Yes !
” or “ Vote No !
” on a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year alone we ’ ve got three proposals to amend the state Constitution , one to amend the Constitution and state statutes , one measure to approve new taxes , a referendum on whether to approve a bill passed by the state legislature in 2019 , and five proposed amendments to state statute .
Anyone who can keep the letters and numbers of all of that straight probably works in an election office .
And that is just the statewide measures .
There are local issues to consider as well .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates .
Preparing to vote can be exhausting .
With all the misinformation , scare tactics and out-of-context soundbites , it can be tempting to give up and go with something you saw on Facebook or Twitter .
Or something a friend or relative told you .
Instead , I implore you to use the tools at hand , including this year ’ s Colorado Blue Book .
Overall , it has solid , factual information that can help you understand the issues despite the committee ’ s shenanigans .
Boring as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed analysis that has resulted from a laborious process aimed at helping voters learn what ’ s at stake regardless of their affiliations .
It ’ s important to vote , but it ’ s even more important to be an informed voter .
Sue McMillin is a long-time Colorado reporter and editor who worked for The Gazette and Durango Herald .
Now a regular columnist for The Denver Post and a freelance writer , she lives in Cañon City .
Email her at suemcmillin20 @ gmail.com .
To send a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

As political signs and banners seem to multiply unaided in yards and roadways overnight, social media rages and issues are buried in an onslaught of hyperbole and pontification, it seemed there was no refuge in which to calmly consider the entirety of this year’s ballot.
Then my Blue Book arrived in my mailbox.
I took the 2020 State Ballot Information Booklet inside and marveled at the dense pages of text that would explain the 11 statewide measures and the judges up for retention. The actual wording is there, along with analyses, fiscal impact and what a vote for or against might mean.
It is not easy or delightful reading, but it is reassuring.
Yet my glowing review must be tempered because last-minute rewrites of some sections by the Legislative Council Committee this year and in 2016 have tainted it.
The committee was shamed four years ago by The Denver Post editorial board for its meddling.
Perhaps the committee thought everyone would forget about that. It is, after all, a rather overwhelming political season.
We are not talking about small word changes for the sake of clarity or to rectify an omission. We are talking about such things as a complete rewrite of the arguments for and against Amendment B and a title change.
Sure, the committee can do that. It just needs a two-thirds vote, and it exceeded that when only three Republicans on the 18-member committee opposed the changes. Members of both parties supported the changes, so the vote was bipartisan. But not nonpartisan.
I’ve looked at the before and after versions and I don’t believe the changes were needed. Neither did opponents, who tried unsuccessfully to stop the revisions before the booklet was sent to voters. I’m not convinced the changes will significantly influence voters, but the idea of the changes might. Why add political overtones when it’s unnecessary?
It is shortsighted to taint such an important publication with unneeded meddling.
The Colorado Constitution and state law require the Legislative Council staff to prepare a voter information guide for any election in which statewide issues are decided.
Much work goes into it and the process is clearly laid out, with several drafts, public comment periods and revisions before it goes to the committee for final approval.
We could add steps so it goes back and forth a few more times after an initial committee review, but that would likely open the door to more political interference.
The effort has gotten high marks from Ballotpedia’s annual review of states’ voter guides.
As of 2019, Colorado was among seven states that earned “excellent” grades for their ballot information booklet. They are given a point for including information in six areas, including text of the measure, official ballot language, analysis, fiscal impact, arguments for and against, and publication in languages other than English or on audio.
I have long found the Blue Book to be more than a little helpful. It’s pretty easy to find those who support or oppose particular issues, but the guide provides a more clear-headed, nonpartisan review.
All those signs yelling at me to “Vote Yes!” or “Vote No!” on a particular issue are frankly just roadside clutter.
This year alone we’ve got three proposals to amend the state Constitution, one to amend the Constitution and state statutes, one measure to approve new taxes, a referendum on whether to approve a bill passed by the state legislature in 2019, and five proposed amendments to state statute. Anyone who can keep the letters and numbers of all of that straight probably works in an election office.
And that is just the statewide measures. There are local issues to consider as well. Not to mention local, state and national candidates.
Preparing to vote can be exhausting. With all the misinformation, scare tactics and out-of-context soundbites, it can be tempting to give up and go with something you saw on Facebook or Twitter. Or something a friend or relative told you.
Instead, I implore you to use the tools at hand, including this year’s Colorado Blue Book. Overall, it has solid, factual information that can help you understand the issues despite the committee’s shenanigans.
Boring as it might be, I want that nonpartisan detailed analysis that has resulted from a laborious process aimed at helping voters learn what’s at stake regardless of their affiliations. It’s important to vote, but it’s even more important to be an informed voter.
Sue McMillin is a long-time Colorado reporter and editor who worked for The Gazette and Durango Herald. Now a regular columnist for The Denver Post and a freelance writer, she lives in Cañon City. Email her at suemcmillin20@gmail.com.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--Colorado’s blue wave has its limits

Colorado’s blue wave has its limits

Democrats see in the upcoming election an opportunity to advance Colorado ’ s blue shift by increasing their statehouse majorities , ousting Cory Gardner , flipping the largest congressional district in the state and winning back control of the University of Colorado system for the first time in decades .
But they also see limits to the blue wave , specifically because of unique constraints here on government spending .
It ’ s possible that even as Democrats stand a good chance to win control of more elected positions , fiscal policy in the state will drift a bit further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome of four ballot measures relating to taxes and fees , Democratic spending ambitions — already profoundly altered by the coronavirus-inspired economic recession — could be further constrained .
Republicans take comfort in the fiscal controls of the state , even as they have hemorrhaged seats at the state legislature and elsewhere in recent years , and may see additional losses in November .
“ There ’ s a real dichotomy between the way people in Colorado think about electing their representatives and funding their state ’ s programs .
They just don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Bob Rankin , a Carbondale Republican who serves on the influential Joint Budget Committee .
“ I ’ m all for it .
That ’ s our only tool.
” Rankin is among a slew of GOP politicians worried about being washed away in a blue wave election this year .
He serves a rural district in northwest Colorado that includes Craig , Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs , and where roughly 40 % of voters are unaffiliated .
The GOP won that seat by 10 points in 2016 , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play speaks to a political climate Rankin summed up with a nervous laugh : “ If I lose my election , I ’ m going to blame Donald Trump.
” Lauren Boebert , the Republican nominee for Colorado ’ s 3rd Congressional District , which includes Rankin ’ s district and covers close to half the land mass of the state , also has a competitive race .
The GOP held the 3rd District by 9 points in 2018 — down from 14 in 2016 — and Democrats expect it to be closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upset Rep. Scott Tipton in the June primary , was a political unknown until recently .
She faces Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush , a former state legislator who lost to Tipton two years ago , and the Cook Political Report says the district leans in Boebert ’ s favor , but is close .
No matter how that race turns out , Democrats stand a very good chance of growing their ranks in the state ’ s congressional delegation .
Before the 2018 election , five of the state ’ s nine U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 5-4 now in the other direction , and Democrats are favored by both polls and pundits to pick up U.S. Sen. Gardner ’ s seat .
A Mitsch Bush win could push the ratio to 7-2 for the Democrats .
Democrats already control virtually all of statewide government , but the CU Board of Regents has eluded them even as they ’ ve won enormous gains elsewhere .
The board majority is 5-4 now for the GOP , but three seats are open in this election , and Democrats and Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift in November .
That would give Democrats control of the statewide body for the first time in 41 years .
They are almost certain to win two of the three open seats .
The one in question is in the 6th Congressional District , represented in Congress by Democrat Jason Crow .
Shifting demographics and Trump helped turn the seat blue in 2018 after many previous years of failed attempts to unseat then-U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman .
Just two years after the flip , Cook doesn ’ t regard the district as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those seeking a new Regents majority .
Outgoing Regent Irene Griego , a Democrat who declined to seek reelection after nine years on the board , said that such a change would be transformational for the state ’ s largest university system .
“ It will be a board that will be very progressive in terms of social reform , diversity and inclusion and equity , where the basic values of social justice will be addressed , ” she said .
“ It ’ s going to be hopefully , finally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we need to do in the future , looking at that from a research perspective and a data-driven perspective.
” But Colorado has for years ranked in the bottom five among all states for higher education spending per student , and the challenge is only steepening now , amid an unexpected recession .
Griego said she ’ s under no delusion about how budget constraints would hamper a potential Democrat-controlled board .
“ We need more funding to be able to do the things we need to do , to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to serve our students , ” she said .
“ We ’ re functioning on so little.
” Republican lawmakers in Colorado are generally of the belief that the state budget does not need to grow to accommodate the needs of the CU system , public schools and transportation projects .
“ We don ’ t have an income problem .
We have a spending problem , ” said Jerry Sonnenberg , a Republican state senator from Sterling who helped champion an income tax cut proposal that ’ s on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislature prioritizes spending for what the people of Colorado want — you know , they want unaccountable access to money.
” Democrats consistently retort that prioritizing spending in underfunded areas sounds easy until you start the work of figuring out which programs should lose money to make that happen .
The recession forced lawmakers to curb spending plans by 25 % this past spring , and that exercise proved quite painful for some lawmakers and programs .
It ’ s been two years since Democrats won control of the state Senate from Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it would surprise no one if Democrats picked up another seat in November , thus bettering the chances of more progressive legislation next session .
The Democrats control the House 41-24 and may also expand that majority this year , though their advantage is so substantial that adding a 42nd or 43rd seat — or losing one or two — may not make or break any bills .
There have been enormous and varied consequences of the Democratic takeover at the Capitol : They ’ ve expanded labor protections and bargaining rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms , overhauled the system of regulating the oil and gas industry and stiffened gun safety laws , among many initiatives that would not have been possible under a split legislature .
But they can not raise taxes without a vote of the people , because of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights , a voter-approved fiscal device unique to Colorado .
For Republicans , it ’ s a sacred part of the state Constitution and a strong defense against new proposals to generate revenue .
Many chronic funding issues have festered under Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hard to imagine that changing even if they bolster their majorities through the election .
“ When it comes to K-12 , higher education , we can ’ t snap our fingers and increase the state budget , ” said Boulder ’ s Steve Fenberg , the Senate majority leader .
“ We ’ re in a worse place now than we were two years ago , when we were already toward the bottom of the country.
” There are four ballot measures this year that propose notable fiscal changes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Proposition 116 ) , a new constraint on the legislature ’ s ability to install certain new fees ( Proposition 117 ) , a new tax on tobacco and nicotine products ( Proposition EE ) and a repeal of the Gallagher Amendment ( Amendment B ) , which affects property taxation rates .
Props .
116 and 117 would mean less revenue for a state already staring down a difficult climb out of this recession .
Prop .
EE and Amendment B would add revenue .
They ’ ve had to scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and — particularly if the revenue-adding measures does not pass — the prospect of two new , conservative-led fiscal restraints passing would represent two steps to the right .
Either way , the recession has already ensured that Democrats simply won ’ t be able to pursue some — and possibly most — new initiatives next year that come with price tags .
“ There are a number of tools that we will continue to use with our Democratic majorities to improve the lives of Coloradans that do not require state dollars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-term state representative from Denver .
But , she acknowledged : “ When you have fewer resources to work with , your ability to address problems becomes narrowed.
” Added Fenberg , “ Just because we have fiscal constraints doesn ’ t mean our majorities can ’ t deliver on issues our voters care about .
But , yes , we are limited .
We can ’ t do what every other state can do on this scenario .
”

Democrats see in the upcoming election an opportunity to advance Colorado’s blue shift by increasing their statehouse majorities, ousting Cory Gardner, flipping the largest congressional district in the state and winning back control of the University of Colorado system for the first time in decades.
But they also see limits to the blue wave, specifically because of unique constraints here on government spending.
It’s possible that even as Democrats stand a good chance to win control of more elected positions, fiscal policy in the state will drift a bit further to the right. Depending on the outcome of four ballot measures relating to taxes and fees, Democratic spending ambitions — already profoundly altered by the coronavirus-inspired economic recession — could be further constrained.
Republicans take comfort in the fiscal controls of the state, even as they have hemorrhaged seats at the state legislature and elsewhere in recent years, and may see additional losses in November.
“There’s a real dichotomy between the way people in Colorado think about electing their representatives and funding their state’s programs. They just don’t match,” said state Sen. Bob Rankin, a Carbondale Republican who serves on the influential Joint Budget Committee. “I’m all for it. That’s our only tool.”
Rankin is among a slew of GOP politicians worried about being washed away in a blue wave election this year. He serves a rural district in northwest Colorado that includes Craig, Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs, and where roughly 40% of voters are unaffiliated. The GOP won that seat by 10 points in 2016, and the fact that it may now be in play speaks to a political climate Rankin summed up with a nervous laugh: “If I lose my election, I’m going to blame Donald Trump.”
Lauren Boebert, the Republican nominee for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Rankin’s district and covers close to half the land mass of the state, also has a competitive race. The GOP held the 3rd District by 9 points in 2018 — down from 14 in 2016 — and Democrats expect it to be closer this time around.
Boebert, who upset Rep. Scott Tipton in the June primary, was a political unknown until recently. She faces Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush, a former state legislator who lost to Tipton two years ago, and the Cook Political Report says the district leans in Boebert’s favor, but is close.
No matter how that race turns out, Democrats stand a very good chance of growing their ranks in the state’s congressional delegation. Before the 2018 election, five of the state’s nine U.S. representatives and senators were Republicans. It’s 5-4 now in the other direction, and Democrats are favored by both polls and pundits to pick up U.S. Sen. Gardner’s seat. A Mitsch Bush win could push the ratio to 7-2 for the Democrats.
Democrats already control virtually all of statewide government, but the CU Board of Regents has eluded them even as they’ve won enormous gains elsewhere. The board majority is 5-4 now for the GOP, but three seats are open in this election, and Democrats and Republicans alike say the power dynamic could easily shift in November. That would give Democrats control of the statewide body for the first time in 41 years.
They are almost certain to win two of the three open seats. The one in question is in the 6th Congressional District, represented in Congress by Democrat Jason Crow. Shifting demographics and Trump helped turn the seat blue in 2018 after many previous years of failed attempts to unseat then-U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman. Just two years after the flip, Cook doesn’t regard the district as competitive this year — a promising sign for those seeking a new Regents majority.
Outgoing Regent Irene Griego, a Democrat who declined to seek reelection after nine years on the board, said that such a change would be transformational for the state’s largest university system.
“It will be a board that will be very progressive in terms of social reform, diversity and inclusion and equity, where the basic values of social justice will be addressed,” she said. “It’s going to be hopefully, finally, an open conversation about climate change and what we need to do in the future, looking at that from a research perspective and a data-driven perspective.”
But Colorado has for years ranked in the bottom five among all states for higher education spending per student, and the challenge is only steepening now, amid an unexpected recession. Griego said she’s under no illusion about how budget constraints would hamper a potential Democrat-controlled board.
“We need more funding to be able to do the things we need to do, to do the research we need to do, to be able to serve our students,” she said. “We’re functioning on so little.”
Republican lawmakers in Colorado are generally of the belief that the state budget does not need to grow to accommodate the needs of the CU system, public schools and transportation projects.
“We don’t have an income problem. We have a spending problem,” said Jerry Sonnenberg, a Republican state senator from Sterling who helped champion an income tax cut proposal that’s on the ballot this year. “Until this legislature prioritizes spending for what the people of Colorado want — you know, they want unaccountable access to money.”
Democrats consistently retort that prioritizing spending in underfunded areas sounds easy until you start the work of figuring out which programs should lose money to make that happen. The recession forced lawmakers to curb spending plans by 25% this past spring, and that exercise proved quite painful for some lawmakers and programs.
It’s been two years since Democrats won control of the state Senate from Republicans. The margin is 19-16 now, and it would surprise no one if Democrats picked up another seat in November, thus bettering the chances of more progressive legislation next session. The Democrats control the House 41-24 and may also expand that majority this year, though their advantage is so substantial that adding a 42nd or 43rd seat — or losing one or two — may not make or break any bills.
There have been enormous and varied consequences of the Democratic takeover at the Capitol: They’ve expanded labor protections and bargaining rights, passed major criminal justice and police reforms, overhauled the system of regulating the oil and gas industry and stiffened gun safety laws, among many initiatives that would not have been possible under a split legislature.
But they cannot raise taxes without a vote of the people, because of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, a voter-approved fiscal device unique to Colorado. For Republicans, it’s a sacred part of the state Constitution and a strong defense against new proposals to generate revenue. Many chronic funding issues have festered under Democratic control of state government, and it’s hard to imagine that changing even if they bolster their majorities through the election.
“When it comes to K-12, higher education, we can’t snap our fingers and increase the state budget,” said Boulder’s Steve Fenberg, the Senate majority leader. “We’re in a worse place now than we were two years ago, when we were already toward the bottom of the country.”
There are four ballot measures this year that propose notable fiscal changes for Colorado: an across-the-board income tax cut (Proposition 116), a new constraint on the legislature’s ability to install certain new fees (Proposition 117), a new tax on tobacco and nicotine products (Proposition EE) and a repeal of the Gallagher Amendment (Amendment B), which affects property taxation rates.
Props. 116 and 117 would mean less revenue for a state already staring down a difficult climb out of this recession. Prop. EE and Amendment B would add revenue. They’ve had to scale back their spending plans since March, and — particularly if the revenue-adding measures do not pass — the prospect of two new, conservative-led fiscal restraints passing would represent two steps to the right.
Either way, the recession has already ensured that Democrats simply won’t be able to pursue some — and possibly most — new initiatives next year that come with price tags.
“There are a number of tools that we will continue to use with our Democratic majorities to improve the lives of Coloradans that do not require state dollars,” said Emily Sirota, a progressive first-term state representative from Denver.
But, she acknowledged: “When you have fewer resources to work with, your ability to address problems becomes narrowed.”
Added Fenberg, “Just because we have fiscal constraints doesn’t mean our majorities can’t deliver on issues our voters care about. But, yes, we are limited. We can’t do what every other state can do in this scenario.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--Denver weather: Sunny, dry and warm temperatures expected across metro area

It ’ s going to be sunny and warm in the Denver metro area on Monday .
The temperature is @ @ @ @ @ of 81 with winds of 9-13 mph in the afternoon , which may gust up @ @ @ @ @ to the National Weather Service .
There is also a Red Flag Warning — which @ @ @ @ @ risk of fire danger with warm temperatures , low humidity and strong winds — in @ @ @ @ @ 6 p.m .
In the evening , temperatures will drop to 48 degrees .
Highs @ @ @ @ @ the low 80s through Friday with lows dropping to the low 50s .

It’s going to be sunny and warm in the Denver metro area on Monday.
The temperature is expected to reach a high of 81 with winds of 9-13 mph in the afternoon, which may gust up to 21 mph, according to the National Weather Service. There is also a Red Flag Warning — which means there is an increased risk of fire danger with warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds — in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In the evening, temperatures will drop to 48 degrees.
Highs are expected to maintain in the low 80s through Friday with lows dropping to the low 50s.


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--Rockies’ outfielders produced in 2020,  but power was lacking

Editor ’ s note : One of a series reviewing the Rockies ’ season .
Today : the outfield .
There was plenty to like about the Rockies ’ outfield in 2020 .
But … well , there are always qualifiers when it comes to the strange 60-game season .
Raimel Tapia emerged as a solid everyday player in left and flashed potential as a leadoff hitter .
Charlie Blackmon rocketed to a hot start , then slumped but played a mostly solid right field .
Kevin Pillar , acquired in a trade from Boston at midseason , played terrific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the offense .
Overall production , however , was lacking for a group that plays its home games at Coors Field .
While Colorado outfielders hit for a combined .269 average ( third in the majors ) , their .725 OPS ( 20th ) and 22 home runs ( 26th ) illustrated a lack of firepower .
Which leads to two major questions for 2021 .
First , will the Rockies be able to re-sign Pillar , who signed a one-year , $ 4.25 million deal with the Red Sox last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Rockies , hitting .303 with a .804 OPS , two home runs , five doubles , a triple and 18 RBIs .
Pillar is 31 but he ’ s still got the speed , athleticism , and arm the Rockies need in center field .
Second , will David Dahl finally stay healthy and fulfill his promise ?
Dahl had right shoulder surgery last week and the hope is that he ’ ll be ready to go by spring training .
He was an all-star in 2019 — batting .308 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first half — but his season was curtailed in August by a high ankle sprain .
“ I ’ m really frustrated .
Obviously , stuff keeps happening , ” Dahl said last month .
“ I feel like I put the work in and I work hard .
Hopefully , good things will happen eventually .
You ’ ve just got to keep going and get through it .
Because I know I can be a good player .
I know I ’ ve had success while I ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter of availability and being out there on the field .
But I ’ ve got to really sit down the offseason and kind of figure out what I need to do as far as figuring out my body.
” Blackmon , 34 , is owed $ 21 million next season , but he remains an elite hitter though he ’ s lost power .
That was evident during the first month of the season .
After going 2-for-4 in a game against the Dodgers on Aug. 23 at Los Angeles , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after that , but still finished with a .303 average and a team-high 42 RBIs , although his .804 OPS dipped below his career OPS of .865 .
Blackmon hit just six home runs in 221 at-bats ( 2.7 % ) , a significant fall-off from 2019 when he hit 32 homers in 580 at-bats ( 5.5 % ) .
Tapia ranks as Colorado ’ s most-improved player .
He led the team with a .317 average , ranked second with eight stolen bases , and posted a career-best .369 on-base percentage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent , and a lot of questions • Rockies need much more production from their catchers in 2021 • Rockies ’ bullpen failures buried their chances for success in 2020 “ He ’ s adjusted to major-league pitching and he ’ s doing the things he needs to do offensively , ” manager Bud Black said .
“ He ’ s calmed down his swing — it shows up every now and then — but for the most part , the swing is where it needs to be as far as the effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and swinging at strikes more often than not .
He ’ s not expanding the zone.
” Tapia ’ s defense in left field still needs to improve , especially when it comes to taking the correct angle on line drives , but he ’ s making strides .
Outfield depth remains an issue , due in part to the hit-and-miss development of Sam Hilliard , who saw his playing time reduced as the season went on and spent part of the season at the alternative training site .
Hilliard has power — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-bats — but his .210/.272/.438 slash line and 36.8 % strikeout rate led to his benching .
Hilliard was recalled for the final eight games of the season but he batted 2-for-21 with nine strikeouts .

Editor’s note: One of a series reviewing the Rockies’ season. Today: the outfield.
There was plenty to like about the Rockies’ outfield in 2020.
But … well, there are always qualifiers when it comes to the strange 60-game season.
Raimel Tapia emerged as a solid everyday player in left and flashed potential as a leadoff hitter. Charlie Blackmon rocketed to a hot start, then slumped but played a mostly solid right field. Kevin Pillar, acquired in a trade from Boston at midseason, played terrific defense in center and provided a spark to the offense.
Overall production, however, was lacking for a group that plays its home games at Coors Field. While Colorado outfielders hit for a combined .269 average (third in the majors), their .725 OPS (20th) and 22 home runs (26th) illustrated a lack of firepower.
Which leads to two major questions for 2021.
First, will the Rockies be able to re-sign Pillar, who signed a one-year, $4.25 million deal with the Red Sox last season? He thrived in his 24 games with the Rockies, hitting .303 with a .804 OPS, two home runs, five doubles, a triple and 18 RBIs. Pillar is 31 but he’s still got the speed, athleticism, and arm the Rockies need in center field.
Second, will David Dahl finally stay healthy and fulfill his promise? Dahl had right shoulder surgery last week and the hope is that he’ll be ready to go by spring training. He was an all-star in 2019 — batting .308 with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs in the first half — but his season was curtailed in August by a high ankle sprain.
“I’m really frustrated. Obviously, stuff keeps happening,” Dahl said last month. “I feel like I put the work in and I work hard. Hopefully, good things will happen eventually. You’ve just got to keep going and get through it. Because I know I can be a good player. I know I’ve had success while I’ve been up here. It’s a matter of availability and being out there on the field. But I’ve got to really sit down the offseason and kind of figure out what I need to do as far as figuring out my body.”
Blackmon, 34, is owed $21 million next season, but he remains an elite hitter though he’s lost power.
That was evident during the first month of the season. After going 2-for-4 in a game against the Dodgers on Aug. 23 at Los Angeles, he was slashing .405/.442/.568. He slumped dramatically after that, but still finished with a .303 average and a team-high 42 RBIs, although his .804 OPS dipped below his career OPS of .865. Blackmon hit just six home runs in 221 at-bats (2.7%), a significant fall-off from 2019 when he hit 32 homers in 580 at-bats (5.5%).
Tapia ranks as Colorado’s most-improved player. He led the team with a .317 average, ranked second with eight stolen bases, and posted a career-best .369 on-base percentage.
“He’s adjusted to major-league pitching and he’s doing the things he needs to do offensively,” manager Bud Black said. “He’s calmed down his swing — it shows up every now and then — but for the most part, the swing is where it needs to be as far as the effort level. He’s taking balls and swinging at strikes more often than not. He’s not expanding the zone.”
Tapia’s defense in left field still needs to improve, especially when it comes to taking the correct angle on line drives, but he’s making strides.
Outfield depth remains an issue, due in part to the hit-and-miss development of Sam Hilliard, who saw his playing time reduced as the season went on and spent part of the season at the alternative training site. Hilliard has power — he mashed six home runs in 105 at-bats — but his .210/.272/.438 slash line and 36.8% strikeout rate led to his benching.
Hilliard was recalled for the final eight games of the season but he batted 2-for-21 with nine strikeouts.


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--Avalanche early favorites to win 2021 Stanley Cup, oddsmakers say

The Avalanche may have been bounced from the playoffs after a heartbreaking Game 7 overtime loss to the Stars in @ @ @ @ @ , but oddsmakers think Colorado has a strong shot at winning the Stanley Cup in @ @ @ @ @ the best odds to win it all next year by a number of different sportsbooks @ @ @ @ @ Colorado has +800 odds — meaning a $ 100 bet would win $ 800 — @ @ @ @ @ s a narrow lead over the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning ( +900 ) , @ @ @ @ @ ) and Boston Bruins ( +1,100 ) .
The Avs are also favored to win @ @ @ @ @ at +380 , slightly ahead of Vegas ( +500 ) .
Colorado has better odds @ @ @ @ @ at +700 , ahead of Tampa Bay ( +750 ) , Vegas ( +750 ) @ @ @ @ @ .
Detroit sits at the bottom at +15,000 .
The 2020-21 season is tentatively slated @ @ @ @ @

The Avalanche may have been bounced from the playoffs after a heartbreaking Game 7 overtime loss to the Stars in the second round in September, but oddsmakers think Colorado has a strong shot at winning the Stanley Cup in 2021.
The Avs have the best odds to win it all next year by a number of different sportsbooks, according to Oddschecker.com.
Colorado has +800 odds — meaning a $100 bet would win $800 — on BetMGM. It’s a narrow lead over the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning (+900), Vegas Golden Knights (+1,000) and Boston Bruins (+1,100).
The Avs are also favored to win the Western Conference next year at +380, slightly ahead of Vegas (+500).
Colorado has better odds on Bovada where it leads at +700, ahead of Tampa Bay (+750), Vegas (+750) and Boston (+1,000). Detroit sits at the bottom at +15,000.
The 2020-21 season is tentatively slated to begin Dec. 1.


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--Ask Amy: Friend is worried about pal’s abusive marriage

Dear Amy : My closest friend from college is 65 years old .
We talk on the phone regularly .
He related a serious incident to me yesterday about his wife ( of 35 years ) physically attacking him .
She punched him in the head and split his lip with an ashtray .
He fell to the floor , and she continued punching and kicking him , bruising him in several places .
I tried to encourage him to leave , but he won ’ t .
He plans on staying in a completely loveless , and now violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what my next step should be .
He got angry when I mentioned that I would call his son .
However , what if I don ’ t do anything and this behavior escalates ?
Dear Friend : The National Domestic Violence Hotline ( thehotline.org ) quotes an alarming statistic : One in seven men in the U.S. age 18 and over has been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in his lifetime .
Male victims of IPV ( intimate partner violence ) are often reluctant to involve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward female victims ( and the fear that the man will be arrested , even if he is the injured party ) .
Your friend told you about his abuse , which is an important step .
Keep talking and continue to be concerned and supportive .
Instead of urging him to leave the marriage , ask if he would come to visit you ( if possible ) .
Helpguide.org has extremely helpful information and resources specifically for male victims of domestic violence .
Share this with your friend .
In terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to decide if this would further isolate him .
His injuries , however , are alarming , and I believe the son should be told .
Dear Amy : My father is 87 years old .
My mother died when I was a teenager .
Dad met a great woman almost 20 years ago and moved a couple of states away to be with her .
My brother and sister have both lost contact with him , but Dad and I talk every week on the phone , and I visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been battling cancer for years , but now the cancer has spread , and he is no longer receiving any medical treatment .
He is very weak and not able to talk on the phone for more than a minute or two .
My husband and I made plans to drive several hours to see him .
Initially this plan seemed fine , but a few days later I got an email from his lady friend .
She said that he didn ’ t want to see me .
He knew it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he couldn ’ t handle saying goodbye .
He wanted me to remember him the way he was the last time I saw him .
She just doesn ’ t want to put him through the emotional upheaval .
Deep down I understand my father , and know that I would probably feel the same way .
Everyone is telling me that I will regret it if I don ’ t go .
What should I do ?
Dear Sad : People who are near the end of their lives sometimes withdraw from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have experienced this with family members , and understand that it is painful to be on the receiving end of this sort of decision .
Shoot a video of yourself and send it to your father ’ s partner so she can show it to him .
Tell him how much you love him , share some happy or funny memories , and express your gratitude to him .
Yes , you should also travel to where you father lives ( do not ask to stay in their home ) .
Tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t want to see you , but that you want to be nearby .
Do not sweep in and make this last period of your father ’ s life about you and your needs .
In being present , mindful , respectful , and helpful , you will find that some of your own needs will be met , and yes , you will have fewer regrets .
Dear Amy : No , no , no !
Your response to “ Rightful Owner ” was so off base .
This man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car to take her daughter-in-law and her kids to the airport , when the DIL had a perfectly good car of her own .
Yet another example of male bias .
Dear Disgusted : What I objected to was the way he responded to this challenge , which was to take off in the car on the day of the trip , leaving others to scramble .
I thought his behavior was cowardly .

Dear Amy: My closest friend from college is 65 years old. We talk on the phone regularly.
He related a serious incident to me yesterday about his wife (of 35 years) physically attacking him.
She punched him in the head and split his lip with an ashtray. He fell to the floor, and she continued punching and kicking him, bruising him in several places.
I tried to encourage him to leave, but he won’t. He plans on staying in a completely loveless, and now violent, relationship.
I don’t know what my next step should be. He got angry when I mentioned that I would call his son. However, what if I don’t do anything and this behavior escalates?
— Concerned Friend
Dear Friend: The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org) quotes an alarming statistic: One in seven men in the U.S. age 18 and over has been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in his lifetime. Male victims of IPV (intimate partner violence) are often reluctant to involve the police because of a perceived bias toward female victims (and the fear that the man will be arrested, even if he is the injured party).
Your friend told you about his abuse, which is an important step. Keep talking and continue to be concerned and supportive. Instead of urging him to leave the marriage, ask if he would come to visit you (if possible).
Helpguide.org has extremely helpful information and resources specifically for male victims of domestic violence. Share this with your friend. In terms of reaching out to his son, you will have to decide if this would further isolate him. His injuries, however, are alarming, and I believe the son should be told.
Dear Amy: My father is 87 years old.
My mother died when I was a teenager. Dad met a great woman almost 20 years ago and moved a couple of states away to be with her.
My brother and sister have both lost contact with him, but Dad and I talk every week on the phone, and I visit once or twice a year.
He has been battling cancer for years, but now the cancer has spread, and he is no longer receiving any medical treatment. He is very weak and not able to talk on the phone for more than a minute or two.
My husband and I made plans to drive several hours to see him.
Initially this plan seemed fine, but a few days later I got an email from his lady friend. She said that he didn’t want to see me. He knew it would be the last time, and he couldn’t handle saying goodbye.
He wanted me to remember him the way he was the last time I saw him.
She just doesn’t want to put him through the emotional upheaval.
Deep down I understand my father, and know that I would probably feel the same way.
Everyone is telling me that I will regret it if I don’t go.
What should I do?
— Sad and Confused
Dear Sad: People who are near the end of their lives sometimes withdraw from even close friends and family members.
I have experienced this with family members, and understand that it is painful to be on the receiving end of this sort of decision.
Shoot a video of yourself and send it to your father’s partner so she can show it to him. Tell him how much you love him, share some happy or funny memories, and express your gratitude to him.
Yes, you should also travel to where you father lives (do not ask to stay in their home). Tell his partner that you understand that he doesn’t want to see you, but that you want to be nearby.
Do not sweep in and make this last period of your father’s life about you and your needs. In being present, mindful, respectful, and helpful, you will find that some of your own needs will be met, and yes, you will have fewer regrets.
Dear Amy: No, no, no! Your response to “Rightful Owner” was so off base. This man’s wife basically commandeered the family car to take her daughter-in-law and her kids to the airport, when the DIL had a perfectly good car of her own.
Yet another example of male bias.
— Disgusted
Dear Disgusted: What I objected to was the way he responded to this challenge, which was to take off in the car on the day of the trip, leaving others to scramble. I thought his behavior was cowardly.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-10-05--Man shot Sunday night near Colfax and Pearl in Denver

Denver Police is investigating a shooting that sent one man to the hospital on Sunday night .
The shooting occurred @ @ @ @ @ North Pearl Street .
The man shot went to a hospital where received treatment for @ @ @ @ @ information on this is being asked by police to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 .

Denver Police is investigating a shooting that sent one man to the hospital on Sunday night.
The shooting occurred at East Colfax Avenue and North Pearl Street. The man shot went to a hospital where received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Anyone has information on this is being asked by police to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
#DPD Officers on scene at E Colfax Ave and N Pearl St on a shooting. An adult male was shot and transported to a local hospital, non life threatening injuries. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers, 720.913.STOP (7867) pic.twitter.com/bzOBDb1jOZ — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) October 5, 2020
This is a developing story.