thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Denver DA says 3 Aurora police officers in shootout were justified in use of force

Three Aurora police officers , who shot at a suspect in an exchange of gunfire in Denver , were justified in their use of force , according to investigators .
The Denver District Attorney ’ s Office on Thursday announced that officers Paul Jerothe , Brett Iske and Michael Neumeyer , who were part of a Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force SWAT unit at the time of the July 27 incident , were “ legally justified ” in firing their weapons at 22-year old Dontari Hudson .
The shootout happened at 4775 N. Argonne St. and both Iske and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a decision letter sent to Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen .
Neumeyer suffered cuts and abrasions in the incident .
Hudson , a suspect in a series of armed robberies when he was encountered by the officers , fired 11 shots from a Glock semi-automatic handgun at the officers , according to the letter .
The officers fired dozens of shots and a vehicle , which Hudson was allegedly attempting to carjack , was riddled with gunfire .
A mother and daughter , who were at the scene and were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrowly escaped , according to the letter .
Hudson was shot and was taken to Denver Health Medical Center .
He has been charged with three counts of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder , among other felony charges .
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Oct. 23 .
The officers “ reasonably believed that a lesser degree of force would have been inadequate and that they were in imminent danger of being killed or receiving additional serious bodily injury , ” the decision letter said .

Three Aurora police officers, who shot at a suspect in an exchange of gunfire in Denver, were justified in their use of force, according to investigators.
The Denver district attorney’s office on Thursday announced that officers Paul Jerothe, Brett Iske and Michael Neumeyer, who were part of a Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force SWAT unit at the time of the July 27 incident, were “legally justified” in firing their weapons at 22-year-old Dontari Hudson.
The shootout happened at 4775 N. Argonne St. and Iske and Jerothe were hit by gunfire from Hudson, according to a decision letter sent to Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen. Neumeyer suffered cuts in the incident.
Hudson, a suspect in a series of armed robberies when he was encountered by the officers, fired 11 shots from a Glock semiautomatic handgun at the officers, according to the letter. The officers fired dozens of shots, and a vehicle, which Hudson allegedly was attempting to carjack, was riddled with gunfire.
A mother and daughter, who were at the scene and were victims of the attempted carjacking, narrowly escaped, according to the letter.
Hudson was shot and was taken to Denver Health. He has been charged with three counts of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, among other felony charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 23.
The officers “reasonably believed that a lesser degree of force would have been inadequate and that they were in imminent danger of being killed or receiving additional serious bodily injury,” the decision letter said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Taylor Hall and the Avalanche could make a deal in NHL free agency

The Taylor Hall sweepstakes , Part 1 , begins at 10 a.m. Friday when NHL free agency starts .
It is believed that Hall , the 2018 Hart Trophy winner with New Jersey , is seeking a short-term contract with a Stanley Cup-contending team .
It could be just a one-year deal that would pave the way for a longer contract after next season in free agency .
The current economic climate is expected to limit free-agent spending , particularly with the league possibly playing without fans again next season .
The Avalanche could be the right fit for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on either wing on the top two lines and not disrupt the team ’ s ideal 1-2 punch at center with Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri .
Hall would be a significant upgrade from Valeri Nichushkin , who failed to produce a point in 13 of 15 playoff games .
In a career playing for mostly weak teams in Edmonton , New Jersey and Arizona , Hall understandably seeks a chance with a winner .
Although the Avs ’ primary needs aren ’ t upgraded scoring potential , adding Hall would undoubtedly help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the pending free agent was shopped by the Devils before the trade deadline , but that was because general manager Joe Sakic didn ’ t want to disrupt chemistry for one of the league ’ s top-scoring teams , and because the price for Hall would have been high .
Now , with free agency , it only takes money to add Hall , a proven high-character player who would fit in well behind Colorado ’ s established star players and team leaders .
The Avs ’ primary free-agent need is adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy like Corey Perry ( but not Corey Perry ) — and perhaps a goaltender like Corey Crawford , 35 , a three-time Stanley Cup champion probably willing to serve as a backup but ready to jump in and be the No .
1 guy .
The Avs have been eliminated from the playoffs with a third-string goalie in net for the second time in three years .
Although Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz are both under contract next season , Sakic and his staff might look to deepen that position .
Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the salary cap , with 15-of-23 players under contract .
The Avs still need to sign restricted free agents Andre Burakovsky and Ryan Graves , both due hefty raises , plus Nikita Zadorov , Nichushkin and Tyson Jost .
Zadorov , an inconsistent defenseman , could be traded , and if that ’ s the plan , the Avs might look for a veteran shutdown defenseman to replace him in free agency .
They already have defensemen Erik Johnson , Sam Girard , Ian Cole and Cale Makar under contract , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conor Timmins and Bo Byram coming up .
So the position is stocked .
Here are five of the Avs ’ possible free-agent targets , in order of importance : Hall , the No .
1 pick in the 2010 draft , shoots left but can play either wing .
He beat out MacKinnon for the 2018 Hart Trophy with a career-best 39-goal , 93-point season .
Hall has played in the postseason just twice in 11 seasons .
He had two goals and six points in nine playoff games in September , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona ’ s five games against the Avs .
Simmonds , 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds , is tough and mean — two areas the Avs can improve on with their depth forwards .
No longer a top-six power forward , Simmonds , 32 , can add scoring and grit in the bottom-six .
He signed a one-year , $ 5 million free-agent deal with New Jersey on July 1 , 2019 and that ’ s about what it will take to sign him — unless he takes less to play for a Cup-contending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Sportsnet and ESPN , have said the Avs are interested in Crawford .
To that end , he has to be on this list .
Clifford , 6-2 , 210 , is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings .
The 29-year-old was a trade-deadline acquisition by Toronto in Februar , signed to serve as the depth-forward grinder .
He ’ s coming off a five-year , $ 8 million contract — approximately what he ’ ll make on his next deal .
This guy won ’ t put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll clear the way for others to do so .
Martin , 6-3 , 220 , grew up in Ontario and has never played for a team outside the East Coast .
Perhaps he ’ ll choose to remain there but a $ 3 million annual salary could lead him west .
Martin , 31 , had a $ 2.5 million cap hit for the Islanders last season .

The Taylor Hall sweepstakes, Part 1, begins at 10 a.m. Friday in NHL free agency.
It is believed that Hall, the 2018 Hart Trophy winner with New Jersey, is seeking a short-term contract with a Stanley Cup-contending team. It could be just a one-year deal that would pave the way for a longer contract after next season in free agency. The current economic climate is expected to limit free-agent spending, particularly with the league possibly playing without fans again next season.
The Avalanche could be the right fit for the 28-year-old Hall — who would slot in on either wing on the top two lines and not disrupt the team’s ideal 1-2 punch at center with Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri. Hall would be a significant upgrade from Valeri Nichushkin, who failed to produce a point in 13 of 15 playoff games.
In a career playing for mostly weak teams in Edmonton, New Jersey and Arizona, Hall understandably seeks a chance with a winner. Although the Avs’ primary needs aren’t upgraded scoring potential, adding Hall would undoubtedly help. Colorado decided to pass on Hall when the pending free agent was shopped by the Devils before the trade deadline, but that was because general manager Joe Sakic didn’t want to disrupt chemistry for one of the league’s top-scoring teams, and because the price for Hall would have been high.
Now, with free agency, it only takes money to add Hall, a proven high-character player who would fit in well behind Colorado’s established star players and team leaders.
The Avs’ primary free-agent need is adding toughness among the bottom-six forwards — a guy like Corey Perry (but not Corey Perry) — and perhaps a goaltender like Corey Crawford, 35, a three-time Stanley Cup champion probably willing to serve as a backup but ready to jump in and be the No. 1 guy.
The Avs have been eliminated from the playoffs with a third-string goalie in net for the second time in three years. Although Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz are both under contract next season, Sakic and his staff might look to deepen that position.
Colorado enters free agency approximately $21.5 million under the salary cap, with 15-of-23 players under contract. The Avs still need to sign restricted free agents Andre Burakovsky and Ryan Graves, both due hefty raises, plus Nikita Zadorov, Nichushkin and Tyson Jost.
Zadorov, an inconsistent defenseman, could be traded, and if that’s the plan, the Avs might look for a veteran shutdown defenseman to replace him in free agency. They already have defensemen Erik Johnson, Sam Girard, Ian Cole and Cale Makar under contract, with Graves to be signed and young prospects Conor Timmins and Bo Byram coming up. So the position is stocked.
Here are five of the Avs’ possible free-agent targets, in order of importance:
F Taylor Hall
Hall, the No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft, shoots left but can play either wing. He beat out MacKinnon for the 2018 Hart Trophy with a career-best 39-goal, 93-point season. Hall has played in the postseason just twice in 11 seasons. He had two goals and six points in nine playoff games in September, including a goal and an assist in Arizona’s five games against the Avs.
F Wayne Simmonds
Simmonds, 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, is tough and mean — two areas the Avs can improve on with their depth forwards. No longer a top-six power forward, Simmonds, 32, can add scoring and grit in the bottom-six. He signed a one-year, $5 million free-agent deal with New Jersey on July 1, 2019 and that’s about what it will take to sign him — unless he takes less to play for a Cup-contending team.
G Corey Crawford
Many reputable NHL insiders, including Sportsnet and ESPN, have said the Avs are interested in Crawford. To that end, he has to be on this list.
F Kyle Clifford
Clifford, 6-2, 210, is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings. The 29-year-old was a trade-deadline acquisition by Toronto in February, signed to serve as the depth-forward grinder. He’s coming off a five-year, $8 million contract — approximately what he’ll make on his next deal.
F Matt Martin
This guy won’t put the puck in the net often but he’ll clear the way for others to do so. Martin, 6-3, 220, grew up in Ontario and has never played for a team outside the East Coast. Perhaps he’ll choose to remain there but a $3 million annual salary could lead him west. Martin, 31, had a $2.5 million cap hit for the Islanders last season.
Other possible candidates: F Vladislav Namestnikov, G Jacob Markström, G Brayden Holtby, G Henrik Lundqvist, F Mike Hoffman, F Andreas Athanasiou, F Tyler Toffoli.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--U.S. Rep. Lamborn’s COVID-19 test comes back negative

U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn has tested negative for COVID-19 after returning to Colorado from his Washington , D.C. , office @ @ @ @ @ recently tested positive .
“ Out of an abundance of caution , Congressman Lamborn was @ @ @ @ @ week , and the results have come back as negative , ” Cassandra Sebastian , @ @ @ @ @ Springs congressman , said in a statement Thursday .
“ His Washington D.C. and District @ @ @ @ @ , staff will continue telework.
” The Denver Post first reported the D.C. staffers ’ @ @ @ @ @ that the congressman had been attending fundraisers in Colorado while refusing to take a test @ @ @ @ @ , Lamborn ’ s office released a statement that said he did not have symptoms @ @ @ @ @ the expressions of concern and prayers he has received from well wishers .

U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn has tested negative for COVID-19 after returning to Colorado from his Washington, D.C., office, where two staff members recently tested positive.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Congressman Lamborn was tested for COVID-19 earlier this week, and the results have come back as negative,” Cassandra Sebastian, said spokesperson for the Colorado Springs congressman, said in a statement Thursday. “His Washington D.C. and District offices will remain closed however, staff will continue telework.”
The Denver Post first reported the D.C. staffers’ positive tests Tuesday, and that the congressman had been attending fundraisers in Colorado while refusing to take a test himself. After that report, Lamborn’s office released a statement that said he did not have symptoms.
Sebastian said Lamborn appreciates the expressions of concern and prayers he has received from well wishers.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--A calmer work environment:  As home offices become the norm, families are rethinking how they want t

A calmer work environment:  As home offices become the norm, families are rethinking how they want to live

If any good at all comes from the CV-19 emergency , it ’ s that families are reimagining how they want to live—paying less attention to where they work and more to where they want to be .
You ’ ll see that effect today in a fast-selling custom home community near Parker that ’ s orienting its lifestyle around a historic farm instead of a pool or a golf course .
“ Your nervous system just calms down , ” says Braden McLoughlin , who is making a thousand-mile move from Chicago ’ s Logan Square neighborhood to Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Flintwood Road , near Parker .
With a job as a trader that McLoughlin says is stressful , he and wife Vanessa have scoured Denver ’ s housing scene looking for laid-back surroundings .
A Redfin search turned up Fox Hill—and a 4,911-square-foot contemporary walkout ranch that builder Nicholas Custom Homes already had under construction on a near-2-acre view site , set to finish next week .
Meanwhile , Fox Hill ’ s custom builders are starting five other homes in a new area of acre-plus sites with ponderosa pines and great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of them—taking eight recent sales from $ 1.17 million , including two of those custom spec homes .
“ We ’ re getting buyers from all over the country , ” says Paige McLaughlin , a broker at Fox Hill , working from the century-old farmhouse that ’ s now an information center .
Several of those buyers are opting for ‘ multigenerational ’ plans that work for kids coming home , or older parents moving in—becoming a specialty of Fox Hill ’ s builders .
They all get 1-gig fiber optics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cue , I met a second couple from Chicago , Holly , and Fritz Heffinger , looking to move here with their two kids , 5 and 7 .
They ’ d looked at Stapleton and up in Summit County , before discovering Fox Hill on web search for homes on acreage .
Now they ’ re working with Paige , looking at one custom home she has ready for move-in ( you can tour it Sunday , Oct. 11 ) ; along with the option of customizing a home underway , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t see until they arrived here was a high-tech greenhouse that ’ s producing fresh salad greens—part of the fresh produce residents receive , already including eggs , herbs , honey , tilapia , and hops for a neighborhood brew , as part of a farm-to-table lifestyle .
To keep up with demand , Fox Hill is inviting Ranch Living into its builder group , also including Camerata Homes , Gladstone Custom Homes and TM Grace Builders .
To reach the farmhouse and to see the new plans those builders are starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulch a mile ; watch for the turn east .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

If any good at all comes from the CV-19 emergency, it’s that families are reimagining how they want to live—paying less attention to where they work and more to where they want to be. You’ll see that effect today in a fast-selling custom home community near Parker that’s orienting its lifestyle around a historic farm instead of a pool or a golf course.
Fox Hill near Parker What: Fox Hill, custom home community near Parker built around a farm-to-table lifestyle, with farm amenities, 35 minutes from Denver Tech Center, 1 custom home for quick delivery, new view sites opening now
Fox Hill, custom home community near Parker built around a farm-to-table lifestyle, with farm amenities, 35 minutes from Denver Tech Center, 1 custom home for quick delivery, new view sites opening now Where: 2743 Flintwood Rd, Franktown; from E-470 head south on Parker Rd 8 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd., left on Bayou Gulch, east 5 mi. to Flintwood, south
2743 Flintwood Rd, Franktown; from E-470 head south on Parker Rd 8 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd., left on Bayou Gulch, east 5 mi. to Flintwood, south Price: From $1.2M, move now $1.79M
From $1.2M, move now $1.79M When: Sun. Oct 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., daily 10-5
Sun. Oct 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., daily 10-5 Phone: 303-620-6677
303-620-6677 More Info: LiveInFoxHill.com
“Your nervous system just calms down,” says Braden McLoughlin, who is making a thousand-mile move from Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood to Fox Hill, south of Bayou Gulch Road on Flintwood Road, near Parker.
With a job as a trader that McLoughlin says is stressful, he and wife Vanessa have scoured Denver’s housing scene looking for laid-back surroundings. A Redfin search turned up Fox Hill—and a 4,911-square-foot contemporary walkout ranch that builder Nicholas Custom Homes already had under construction on a near-2-acre view site, set to finish next week.
Meanwhile, Fox Hill’s custom builders are starting five other homes in a new area of acre-plus sites with ponderosa pines and great views. But buyers are already well ahead of them—taking eight recent sales from $1.17 million, including two of those custom spec homes.
“We’re getting buyers from all over the country,” says Paige McLaughlin, a broker at Fox Hill, working from the century-old farmhouse that’s now an information center. Several of those buyers are opting for ‘multigenerational’ plans that work for kids coming home, or older parents moving in—becoming a specialty of Fox Hill’s builders. They all get 1-gig fiber optics for super-fast office communications.
Almost on cue, I met a second couple from Chicago, Holly, and Fritz Heffinger, looking to move here with their two kids, 5 and 7. They’d looked at Stapleton and up in Summit County, before discovering Fox Hill on web search for homes on acreage. Now they’re working with Paige, looking at one custom home she has ready for move-in (you can tour it Sunday, Oct. 11); along with the option of customizing a home underway, or building from scratch.
What they didn’t see until they arrived here was a high-tech greenhouse that’s producing fresh salad greens—part of the fresh produce residents receive, already including eggs, herbs, honey, tilapia, and hops for a neighborhood brew, as part of a farm-to-table lifestyle.
To keep up with demand, Fox Hill is inviting Ranch Living into its builder group, also including Camerata Homes, Gladstone Custom Homes and TM Grace Builders. To reach the farmhouse and to see the new plans those builders are starting now, take Flintwood south from Bayou Gulch a mile; watch for the turn east.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Karl Dorrell, CU Buffs can open football practice Friday

The Karl Dorrell Era at CU finally has the green light to get underway .
Dorrell , the Buffs ’ first-year football coach , tweeted late Thursday afternoon that CU was “ 1 Day away from starting the 2020 season !
” On Friday , that day arrives .
And the first practice has been approved to take place in Boulder County .
CU announced practice plans submitted to the Boulder County Public Health department had been approved .
The county had issued an order on Sept. 24 that banned gatherings for 18-to-22-year-olds in Boulder because of the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ban expired Thursday at noon .
CU is slated to open a shortened regular season at home on Nov. 7 against UCLA , a program Dorrell coached from 2003-07 .
The Pac-12 announced a return-to-play plan the same day as Boulder announced its ban on gatherings .
Dorrell was hired Feb. 23 to replace Mel Tucker , who departed earlier in the month to take the head-coaching gig at Michigan State .
The pandemic closed on-campus learning through the summer and canceling the scheduled spring practices .
The Buffs have yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coach .
But that ’ s about to change .

The Karl Dorrell Era at CU finally has the green light to get underway.
Dorrell, the Buffs’ first-year football coach, tweeted late Thursday afternoon that CU was “1 Day away from starting the 2020 season!”
On Friday, that day arrives. And the first practice has been approved to take place in Boulder County.
CU announced Thursday that practice plans submitted to the Boulder County Public Health department had been approved for football. Limited practices for the Buffs’ men’s and women’s basketball programs can also resume.
The county had issued an order on Sept. 24 that banned gatherings for 18-to-22-year-olds in Boulder because of the spread of coronavirus across CU’s Boulder campus. That ban expired Thursday at noon.
CU is slated to open a shortened regular season at home on Nov. 7 against UCLA, a program Dorrell coached from 2003-07. The Pac-12 announced a return-to-play plan the same day as Boulder announced its ban on gatherings.
Dorrell was hired Feb. 23 to replace Mel Tucker, who departed earlier in the month to take the head-coaching gig at Michigan State. The pandemic closed on-campus learning through the summer and canceling the scheduled spring practices.
The Buffs have yet to hold a fully-padded practice under their new coach. Nearly eight months after Dorrell was hired, that’s finally about to change.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Stolen car suspect crashes into wind turbine blade in plant near Windsor

A man suspected of stealing an SUV led state and local police on series of pursuits , out of Wyoming and into Larimer County , Thursday morning where the suspect allegedly stole a second vehicle which crashed into a wind-turbine blade .
The incident unfolded in Colorado when the sheriff ’ s office was notified , at about 10:30 am.
, that the Wyoming Highway Patrol was pursuing a stolen SUV southbound on Interstate 25 toward the state line , according to a news release .
The stolen SUV was abandoned in Wellington , where a car was stolen from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was spotted on I-25 heading south and deputies pursued the driver toward Fort Collins , the release said .
At one point a pursuing deputy attempted to bump the stolen car to a stop , but the driver kept going .
Pursuit was called off in Fort Collins because of traffic and safety considerations .
A short time later , the stolen car was spotted east of Timnath , and another chase ensued .
That pursuit was called off , again for safety , when the driver entered Windsor , the release said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Windsor , near the Vestas Blades America facility , 11140 Eastman Park Drive .
Another bump maneuver was attempted and the suspect drove into the Vestas facility where the car crashed into a wind-turbine blade , the sheriff ’ s office said .
The stolen car was “ undriveable ” and the suspect tried to flee the crash on foot .
He was caught and arrested .
The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Frank Lopez .
He is wanted on arrest warrants out of Boulder County for kidnapping and failure to comply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lopez was booked into the Larimer County on Thursday on suspicion of aggravated vehicle theft , vehicular eluding and criminal mischief , all felonies .
Additional charges will be filed against Lopez in Laramie County , Wyo.
, the release said .

A man who stole an SUV led law enforcement officials on series of pursuits out of Wyoming on Thursday morning and into Larimer County, where he stole a second vehicle and crashed into a wind-turbine blade.
The incident unfolded in Colorado when the sheriff’s office was notified about 10:30 am., that the Wyoming Highway Patrol was pursuing a stolen SUV south on Interstate 25 toward the state line, according to a news release. The stolen SUV was abandoned in Wellington, where a car was stolen from a residential driveway.
The second stolen car was spotted on I-25 heading south, and deputies pursued the driver toward Fort Collins, the release said. At one point a pursuing deputy attempted to bump the stolen car to a stop, but the driver kept going.
The pursuit was called off in Fort Collins because of traffic and safety considerations. A short time later, the stolen car was spotted east of Timnath, and another chase began. This one also was called off for safety reasons, and the driver entered Windsor, the release said.
The driver was spotted east of Windsor, near the Vestas Blades America facility, 11140 Eastman Park Drive. Another bump maneuver was attempted, and the driver entered the Vestas facility, where the car crashed into a wind-turbine blade, the sheriff’s office said.
The stolen car was “undriveable,” and the driver tried to flee the crash on foot. He was caught and arrested.
Frank Lopez, 29, was booked into the Larimer County jail on Thursday on suspicion of aggravated vehicle theft, vehicular eluding and criminal mischief, all felonies. Additional charges will be filed against Lopez in Laramie County, Wyo., the release said. Lopez also is wanted on arrest warrants out of Boulder County for kidnapping and failure to comply with probation, according to the release.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Broncos-Patriots game moved to Monday due to positive coronavirus tests within New England organizat

Broncos-Patriots game moved to Monday due to positive coronavirus tests within New England organization

The Broncos ’ game at New England has been moved from Sunday to Monday , the NFL announced Thursday .
Kickoff at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough , Mass.
, will be at 3:05 p.m. Denver time .
Moving the game became necessary after three Patriots players , including quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore , tested positive for coronavirus in recent days .
Newton missed last week ’ s game at Kansas City and the Patriots , following Gilmore ’ s positive test this week , canceled all in-person activities on Wednesday and Thursday .
The Broncos were informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , a source said .
The Broncos are expected to fly to the East Coast on Sunday and the game change means one fewer day of recovery and preparation for their Oct. 18 home game against Miami .
On Twitter , defensive end Shelby Harris said : “ Why are we getting punished when we did nothing wrong ( ? )
Pats go on a bye next week and we are stuck on a short week playing the Dolphins .
Help it make sense.
” Harris ’ point has merit .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an early-season bye because of the Tennessee Titans ’ on-going COVID-19 outbreak , the Broncos are paying the price for the Patriots ’ issues .
The New England-to-Miami turnaround will be the Broncos ’ third short work week of the season as they played on a Monday night in Week 1 and a Thursday night in Week 4 .
Pushing the game ahead a day could also mean Newton is available to start for the Patriots .
Earlier Thursday , Broncos coach Vic Fangio said moving the game back a day wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status .
Lock has been a limited practice participant this week following a Week 2 right shoulder injury and it is expected Brett Rypien will start at quarterback .
The Patriots had their game last week at Kansas City moved from Sunday afternoon to Monday night and they lost 26-10 .
The Broncos-Patriots game is the fourth to be impacted by coronavirus : Last week ’ s Pittsburgh-Tennessee game was postponed and the Patriots-Chiefs game was moved from Sunday to Monday .
This week , the Buffalo-Tennessee game has been moved from Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City-Buffalo game has been moved to Oct. 18 .
While the Patriots have prepared this week virtually , the Broncos have been on the practice field three times and kept their normal schedule .
Since daily testing began in late July , the Broncos have had only one positive COVID-19 test — fullback/tight end Andrew Beck on July 30 .
Before practice Thursday , Fangio said the team “ certainly ” wanted to play Sunday .
“ But we understand with COVID ( -19 ) , there is going to be improvising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everybody and this would be our turn to adjust if they change it , but we ’ ll be ready to go , ” he said .

Editor’s note (Oct. 11): The Broncos-Patriots game has been postponed to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.
The Broncos’ game at New England has been moved from Sunday to Monday, the NFL announced Thursday. Kickoff at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., will be at 3:05 p.m. Denver time.
Moving the game became necessary after three Patriots players, including quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, tested positive for coronavirus in recent days. Newton missed last week’s game at Kansas City and the Patriots, following Gilmore’s positive test this week, canceled all in-person activities on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Broncos were informed of the game change around 4 p.m. Thursday, a source said.
The Broncos are expected to fly to the East Coast on Sunday and the game change means one fewer day of recovery and preparation for their Oct. 18 home game against Miami.
On Twitter, defensive end Shelby Harris said: “Why are we getting punished when we did nothing wrong(?) Pats go on a bye next week and we are stuck on a short week playing the Dolphins. Help it make sense.”
Harris’ point has merit. Just like Pittsburgh was penalized last week with an early-season bye because of the Tennessee Titans’ on-going COVID-19 outbreak, the Broncos are paying the price for the Patriots’ issues. The New England-to-Miami turnaround will be the Broncos’ third short work week of the season as they played on a Monday night in Week 1 and a Thursday night in Week 4.
Pushing the game ahead a day could also mean Newton is available to start for the Patriots. Earlier Thursday, Broncos coach Vic Fangio said moving the game back a day wouldn’t impact quarterback Drew Lock’s status. Lock has been a limited practice participant this week following a Week 2 right shoulder injury and it is expected Brett Rypien will start at quarterback.
The Patriots had their game last week at Kansas City moved from Sunday afternoon to Monday night and they lost 26-10.
The Broncos-Patriots game is the fourth to be impacted by coronavirus: Last week’s Pittsburgh-Tennessee game was postponed and the Patriots-Chiefs game was moved from Sunday to Monday. This week, the Buffalo-Tennessee game has been moved from Sunday to Tuesday. Next Thursday’s Kansas City-Buffalo game has been moved to Oct. 18.
While the Patriots have prepared this week virtually, the Broncos have been on the practice field three times and kept their normal schedule. Since daily testing began in late July, the Broncos have had only one positive COVID-19 test — fullback/tight end Andrew Beck on July 30.
Before practice Thursday, Fangio said the team “certainly” wanted to play Sunday.
“But we understand with COVID(-19), there is going to be improvising and adjusting that has to go on for everybody and this would be our turn to adjust if they change it, but we’ll be ready to go,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-08--Steve Addazio, CSU Rams largely absolved by independent investigation

Football coach Steve Addazio and CSU athletics were largely absolved by an independent investigation of published accusations of wrongdoing , the university announced .
An eight-week investigation into the Rams ’ athletic department by the legal team of Husch Blackwell determined that alleged COVID-19 protocol violations were inconclusive , inconsistent or a result of miscommunication .
The law firm found similar inconsistencies when it came to charges of racist-and-abusive language .
Husch Blackwell noted that while Addazio , the Rams ’ first-year coach , and his staff have made missteps , some of the concerns stemmed from conduct by former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are no longer a part of the program .
Addazio and athletic director Joe Parker declined to comment Thursday , through an athletic department spokesman , deferring to a previous statement by university president Joyce McConnell .
She wrote in an open letter released late Wednesday that the university will “ work quickly ” to implement the recommendations in the report and “ prioritize these issues ” going forward .
The investigation corroborated allegations published by the Fort Collins Coloradoan that Addazio used forceful-and-firm language with a current Rams football player during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the incidents that became public over the summer , witnesses also disputed versions of published reports .
There were similar contradictions by witnesses in terms of how the current coaching staff handled a planned players ’ march in response to a Black CSU football player , later identified by Sports lllustrated as offensive lineman Barry Wesley , being held at gunpoint in June while working at an off-campus job in Loveland .
Published accusations of Addazio or his staff willfully disregarding or downplaying coronavirus protocols were refuted by some witnesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lack of playing time by Addazio and his staff for reporting COVID symptoms were also deemed by investigators to be disputed by witnesses or open to interpretation .
More tellingly , investigators made no substantive suggestions for the university with regards to the football program and COVID-19 going forward .
There were , however , suggestions made in regards to improving the culture with regards to race relations within the department .
The firm proposed that student-athletes be able to report their concerns to someone outside of the athletic department and outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplemented diversity and inclusion training , university-wide ; and amplification of the university ’ s policy against retaliation within the athletic department .
McConnell had announced the hiring of the Kansas City firm on Aug. 6 .
A university official told The Post that the cost of the investigation would be released to the public soon .
The firm charged the University of Iowa athletics earlier this year as much as $ 675 per hour in attorney rates , according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette .
Iowa State University paid the firm $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department cases , the Iowa State Daily reported in 2018 .

Football coach Steve Addazio and CSU athletics were largely absolved by an independent investigation of published accusations of wrongdoing, the university announced.
An eight-week investigation into the Rams’ athletic department by the legal team of Husch Blackwell determined that alleged COVID-19 protocol violations were inconclusive, inconsistent or a result of miscommunication. The law firm found similar inconsistencies when it came to charges of racist-and-abusive language. Husch Blackwell noted that while Addazio, the Rams’ first-year coach, and his staff have made missteps, some of the concerns stemmed from conduct by former football coach Mike Bobo and assistant coaches who are no longer a part of the program.
Addazio and athletic director Joe Parker declined to comment Thursday, through an athletic department spokesman, deferring to a previous statement by university president Joyce McConnell. She wrote in an open letter released late Wednesday that the university will “work quickly” to implement the recommendations in the report and “prioritize these issues” going forward.
The investigation corroborated allegations published by the Fort Collins Coloradoan that Addazio used forceful-and-firm language with a current Rams football player during a discussion. But, as with some of the incidents that became public over the summer, witnesses also disputed versions of published reports. There were similar contradictions by witnesses in terms of how the current coaching staff handled a planned players’ march in response to a Black CSU football player, later identified by Sports lllustrated as offensive lineman Barry Wesley, being held at gunpoint in June while working at an off-campus job in Loveland.
Published accusations of Addazio or his staff willfully disregarding or downplaying coronavirus protocols were refuted by some witnesses, the investigation determined. Charges of intimidation and lack of playing time by Addazio and his staff for reporting COVID symptoms were also deemed by investigators to be disputed by witnesses or open to interpretation.
More tellingly, investigators made no substantive suggestions for the university with regards to the football program and COVID-19 going forward.
There were, however, suggestions made in regards to improving the culture with regards to race relations within the department. The firm proposed that student-athletes be able to report their concerns to someone outside of the athletic department and outside Parker’s jurisdiction; continued and supplemented diversity and inclusion training, university-wide; and amplification of the university’s policy against retaliation within the athletic department.
McConnell had announced the hiring of the Kansas City firm on Aug. 6. A university official told The Post that the cost of the investigation would be released to the public soon.
The firm charged the University of Iowa athletics earlier this year as much as $675 per hour in attorney rates, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Iowa State University paid the firm $120,325 for its services on three athletic department cases, the Iowa State Daily reported in 2018.
CSU COVID-19 investigation from Husch Blackwell
CSU racial climate investigation from Husch Blackwell


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Endorsement: Coloradans know John Hickenlooper — a man ready to serve us in the U.S. Senate

Editor ’ s note : This represents the opinion of The Denver Post editorial board , which is separate from the paper ’ s news operation .
For more endorsements visit this page .
John Hickenlooper ’ s legacy in Colorado is that of a man who invested early in a dream to revitalize our capital city and then stepped up to lead a thriving economy , a prosperous business environment , a developed transportation network , and progressive reforms .
Coloradans should reflect on Hickenlooper ’ s productive eight years as mayor of Denver and his eight years as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Senate .
We know who Hickenlooper is : the Democratic who , as a candidate for president , decried socialism soliciting boos from a California assembly ; the Democrat who convinced the oil and gas industry to agree to leak detection when the state legislature couldn ’ t achieve meaningful reform , and the Democrat who signed universal background checks and limits on high-capacity magazines into law after 12 people were murdered at an Aurora movie theater in 2012 .
He ’ s a man Coloradans can trust to keep their interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to help repair our national system of governance .
In fact , it ’ s Hickenlooper ’ s reluctance to enter into this race that makes him such an attractive candidate for Coloradans , most of whom would also rather not meddle with Washington-style politics .
Is Hickenlooper a slick politician who wins debates ?
Nope , but this board is done with political gamesmanship .
In sharp contrast , U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is excellent at playing the political game , but he has proven to have terrible judgment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to meet with The Denver Post editorial board for our endorsement process .
In part , we are sure , that is because of a harsh editorial we wrote in 2019 after he didn ’ t join 12 other Republicans to repudiate the fake emergency declaration President Donald Trump used to steal congressionally appropriated funds from the Department of Defense .
“ Gardner could still prove to be a great senator for Colorado , a man who puts his state and his principles above party and politics , ” we wrote concluding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 if he was not going to stand on principle when the nation needed him most .
Gardner traded unyielding party fealty for election-year favors : the Arkansas Valley Conduit , moving dozens of Bureau of Land Management employees to Colorado , and securing billions of dollars a year for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase additional public lands and pay for a backlog of projects in our nation ’ s parks .
The price for these wins was too steep at the federal level .
President Donald Trump reigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down constitutional protections , stirring up racial animus , leaving American allies abroad out in the cold , and claiming more and more authority for the executive branch of government .
Gardner had many opportunities to oppose the administration ’ s “ burn it down ” approach to governance .
Instead , he joined the enablers who turned a blind eye to Trump ’ s corruption .
Hickenlooper is the better choice for Coloradans in these trying times .
For an hour , Hickenlooper sat down with The Post ’ s editorial board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at our Washington Street campus .
“ These are two relatively minor reporting errors that I made , that I took responsibility for and I paid my $ 2,750 fine , ” he said .
Hickenlooper mishandled the complaint against him — as we ’ ve already said — but we do not believe accepting a flight on a private plane to assist in the USS Colorado ceremony was a breach of Coloradans ’ trust , nor was it untoward for him to attend a conference in Italy where his transportation and meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have disclosed these gifts or paid for them .
If Trump is re-elected , Hickenlooper said he would respect the office of the presidency , but stand up to the president when he is wrong .
Hickenlooper noted that Gardner has still not defended Colorado ’ s safe and secure vote-mail system against Trump ’ s assault on our democracy .
There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud , yet Trump continues to say there is a threat of this election being illegitimate .
If Democrats sweep in November , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Republicans had in 2016 , Hickenlooper assured us he ’ s not going to let his party push him around .
“ I think I ’ ve proven , a number of times , that I ’ m always trying to get people together .
I ’ m always trying to do everything I can to build bridges and find common ground , ” Hickenlooper said .
“ But when something needs to be said , I ’ ve never been afraid to say it.
” We think Democrats should , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Joe Biden , take the high road and end this escalation of extremism .
Retaliation is a zero-sum game that only hurts Americans , and it ’ s what Trump has done for the past four years .
Of course , we must rollback the most egregious assaults on human decency : family separations and other inhumane policies at the border and the abandonment of our global commitments to reduce carbon emissions .
But Democrats shouldn ’ t end the filibuster or pack the Court .
Supporters shouldn ’ t chant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders must not continue Trump ’ s abuse of the Attorney General ’ s office .
Ramming through drastic policy changes would be a mistake too , and Hickenlooper agrees .
America needs to move forward .
He does not support a single-payer health care system like the Medicaid for All pushed by Sen. Bernie Sanders .
“ I do think we have to get to universal coverage .
Health care is a right , not a privilege , ” Hickenlooper said .
So how do we fill the glaring gap that exists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal health insurance Medicaid and those who can ’ t afford insurance on the private market even with federal subsidies ?
The solution clearly isn ’ t to force Americans off of Medicaid , as Sen. Cory Gardner voted to do when he supported massive cuts to Medicaid in proposed rollbacks of the Affordable Care Act .
Hickenlooper supports creating a public option , which is something The Denver Post editorial board was pushing Congress to include in the ACA back in 2012 .
While Gardner says he is an advocate for America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill into law that gave in-state tuition to Dreamers at state universities and colleges .
For Colorado high school graduates who were brought to America as children without proper documentation , this was a life-altering piece of legislation .
Gardner is on record in 2013 opposing the ASSET Bill along with most Republicans in the state legislature .
For eight years , Gov .
John Hickenlooper threaded the needle between working hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado as part of a global effort to slow global warming and lessen the effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He balanced that against the risk of escalating energy prices and harming the state ’ s oil and gas industry .
We think he struck a good balance and is ready to go further in Congress to reduce emissions .
Coloradans know Hickenlooper : the governor who donated his $ 90,000 a year salary to charities while he was governor ; the governor who helped us mourn and recover from floods and fires and mass shootings ; the man who is ready to serve once again in Congress .
To send a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Editor’s note: This represents the opinion of The Denver Post editorial board, which is separate from the paper’s news operation. For more endorsements visit this page.
John Hickenlooper’s legacy in Colorado is that of a man who invested early in a dream to revitalize our capital city and then stepped up to lead a thriving economy, a prosperous business environment, a developed transportation network, and progressive reforms.
Coloradans should reflect on Hickenlooper’s productive eight years as mayor of Denver and his eight years as governor as they cast their ballots for U.S. Senate. We know who Hickenlooper is: the Democratic who, as a candidate for president, decried socialism soliciting boos from a California assembly; the Democrat who convinced the oil and gas industry to agree to leak detection when the state legislature couldn’t achieve meaningful reform, and the Democrat who signed universal background checks and limits on high-capacity magazines into law after 12 people were murdered at an Aurora movie theater in 2012.
He’s a man Coloradans can trust to keep their interests at heart, to make sound decisions, and to help repair our national system of governance.
In fact, it’s Hickenlooper’s reluctance to enter into this race that makes him such an attractive candidate for Coloradans, most of whom would also rather not meddle with Washington-style politics. Is Hickenlooper a slick politician who wins debates? Nope, but this board is done with political gamesmanship.
In sharp contrast, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is excellent at playing the political game, but he has proven to have terrible judgment and communicate poorly with his constituents.
Gardner declined to meet with The Denver Post editorial board for our endorsement process. In part, we are sure, that is because of a harsh editorial we wrote in 2019 after he didn’t join 12 other Republicans to repudiate the fake emergency declaration President Donald Trump used to steal congressionally appropriated funds from the Department of Defense. “Gardner could still prove to be a great senator for Colorado, a man who puts his state and his principles above party and politics,” we wrote concluding it was a mistake to endorse him in 2014 if he was not going to stand on principle when the nation needed him most.
Gardner traded unyielding party fealty for election-year favors: the Arkansas Valley Conduit, moving dozens of Bureau of Land Management employees to Colorado, and securing billions of dollars a year for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase additional public lands and pay for a backlog of projects in our nation’s parks.
The price for these wins was too steep at the federal level. President Donald Trump reigned unchecked — crashing through norms, knocking down constitutional protections, stirring up racial animus, leaving American allies abroad out in the cold, and claiming more and more authority for the executive branch of government. Gardner had many opportunities to oppose the administration’s “burn it down” approach to governance. Instead, he joined the enablers who turned a blind eye to Trump’s corruption.
Hickenlooper is the better choice for Coloradans in these trying times.
For an hour, Hickenlooper sat down with The Post’s editorial board — in a socially-distanced, mask-on meeting at our Washington Street campus.
He addressed his ethics infraction head-on.
“These are two relatively minor reporting errors that I made, that I took responsibility for and I paid my $2,750 fine,” he said. Hickenlooper mishandled the complaint against him — as we’ve already said — but we do not believe accepting a flight on a private plane to assist in the USS Colorado ceremony was a breach of Coloradans’ trust, nor was it untoward for him to attend a conference in Italy where his transportation and meals were comped by corporate sponsors. Hickenlooper should have disclosed these gifts or paid for them.
If Trump is re-elected, Hickenlooper said he would respect the office of the presidency, but stand up to the president when he is wrong. Hickenlooper noted that Gardner has not adequately defended America’s election system against Trump’s assault on our democracy. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, yet Trump continues to say there is a threat of this election being illegitimate.
If Democrats sweep in November, and we are faced with a single-party government as Republicans had in 2016, Hickenlooper assured us he’s not going to let his party push him around.
“I think I’ve proven, a number of times, that I’m always trying to get people together. I’m always trying to do everything I can to build bridges and find common ground,” Hickenlooper said. “But when something needs to be said, I’ve never been afraid to say it.”
We think Democrats should, and likely would under the leadership of former Vice President Joe Biden, take the high road and end this escalation of extremism. Retaliation is a zero-sum game that only hurts Americans, and it’s what Trump has done for the past four years. Of course, we must rollback the most egregious assaults on human decency: family separations and other inhumane policies at the border and the abandonment of our global commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
But Democrats shouldn’t end the filibuster or pack the Court. Supporters shouldn’t chant “lock him up” and our leaders must not continue Trump’s abuse of the Attorney General’s office. Ramming through drastic policy changes would be a mistake too, and Hickenlooper agrees. America needs to move forward.
He does not support a single-payer health care system like the Medicaid for All pushed by Sen. Bernie Sanders. “I do think we have to get to universal coverage. Health care is a right, not a privilege,” Hickenlooper said. So how do we fill the glaring gap that exists right now between those who qualify for federal health insurance Medicaid and those who can’t afford insurance on the private market even with federal subsidies?
The solution clearly isn’t to force Americans off of Medicaid, as Sen. Cory Gardner voted to do when he supported massive cuts to Medicaid in proposed rollbacks of the Affordable Care Act. Hickenlooper supports creating a public option, which is something The Denver Post editorial board was pushing Congress to include in the ACA back in 2012.
While Gardner says he is an advocate for America’s Dreamers, Hickenlooper signed a bill into law that gave in-state tuition to Dreamers at state universities and colleges. For Colorado high school graduates who were brought to America as children without proper documentation, this was a life-altering piece of legislation. Gardner is on record in 2013 opposing the ASSET Bill along with most Republicans in the state legislature.
For eight years, Gov. John Hickenlooper threaded the needle between working hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado as part of a global effort to slow global warming and lessen the effects of climate change on vulnerable regions. He balanced that against the risk of escalating energy prices and harming the state’s oil and gas industry. We think he struck a good balance and is ready to go further in Congress to reduce emissions.
Coloradans know Hickenlooper: the governor who donated his $90,000 a year salary to charities while he was governor; the governor who helped us mourn and recover from floods and fires and mass shootings; the man who is ready to serve once again in Congress.
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.
Updated Oct. 9, 2020 at 2:29 p.m. This editorial was clarified after it was pointed out that Cory Gardner has at least three times made statements supporting Colorado’s vote by mail system.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Fire officials issue emergency message for mandatory evacuations from Cameron Peak fire

The Larimer County Sheriff ’ s Office sent out an emergency message for new mandatory evacuations Friday morning .
Cameron @ @ @ @ @ evacuations for Pingree Park and Monument Gulch area residents and businesses because immediate and imminent @ @ @ @ @ to evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible .
They say not to @ @ @ @ @ or protect homes and businesses .

By Blayke Roznowski
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office sent out an emergency message for new mandatory evacuations Friday morning.
Cameron Peak fire officials ordered mandatory evacuations for Pingree Park and Monument Gulch area residents and businesses because immediate and imminent danger.
Fire officials say to evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. They say not to take time to gather belongings or protect homes and businesses.
This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. The Cameron Peak fire officials have ordered Mandatory Evacuations for Pingree Park/Monument Gulch area residents and business occupants due to immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate t https://t.co/qCWFM5c9cn — LETA (@LETA_911) October 9, 2020
This is the Larimer County Sheriff's Office with an emergency message. Cameron Peak Fire officials have ordered mandatory evacuations for County Road 44H (the Buckhorn Road) to County Road 27 (the Stove Prairie Road) for residents and business occupants i https://t.co/jZHbhL2A68 — LETA (@LETA_911) October 9, 2020
Read more at thedenverchannel.com.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Move to electric commercial fleets get charge from deal between Loveland manufacturer, vehicle renta

Move to electric commercial fleets get charge from deal between Loveland manufacturer, vehicle rental company

A Loveland-based company that designs and manufactures electric vehicles for commercial and government fleets has landed an order for 600 vans and trucks from Fluid Truck , which rents commercial vehicles .
The order calls for Lightning Systems to produce an assortment of all-electric Lightning Electric Ford Transit delivery vans and medium-duty trucks .
The two companies said in a statement Thursday that the vehicles will be used in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. “ This is an exciting opportunity for both companies due to the rising demand for electric vehicles from commercial customers who have sustainability requirements for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CEO of Lightning Systems .
Reeser expects to see demand for electric commercial vehicles to keep rising as cities look at designating zero-emission zones .
In September , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed an executive order directing state regulators to develop a plan requiring automakers to sell more zero-emissions passenger vehicles , including electric or hydrogen-powered cars and truck , with the goal of phasing out gas-fueled passenger vehicles by 2035 and heavy-duty trucks by 2045 where possible .
In Colorado , Gov .
Jared Polis signed an executive order in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to increasing the number of electric vehicles and expanding the network of charging stations across the state .
The order changed the state ’ s electric vehicle plan by requiring that state grants to replace older gas- and diesel-powered trucks and fleet vehicles go only for electric vehicles .
The governor ’ s draft plan to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions targets stepping up the move to electric vehicles .
Reeser told The Denver Post that he believes the electric vehicle market has reached a tipping point , where interest prompted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerated to the point that economies of scale are making the cars and trucks less expensive to buy , fueling more demand .
He said Lightning Systems has reduced its price by as much as 40 % for big orders , which helps companies realize savings more quickly due to the much lower fuel and operating costs of all-electric vehicles .
“ We ’ re seeing tremendous acceleration and we see it continuing to accelerate at a very fast pace , ” Reeser said .
Lightning Systems has seen a huge increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company has about $ 32 million in orders this year after notching about $ 3 million in sales in 2019 .
“ Actual on the ground this year , we ’ ll ship close to $ 15 million vehicles .
We have orders right now for $ 150 million going forward , of which we ’ ll ship about $ 82 million next year , ” Reeser said .
Lightning Systems expects to add about 100 workers in 2021 and increase its work space to at least 200,000 square feet from 142,000 square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses rely on the safe and efficient transportation of their goods and services .
This partnership unlocks an environmentally friendly transportation option that ’ s good for businesses and Colorado ’ s environment , ” Betsy Markey , executive director , Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade , said in a statement .
Fluid Truck is a Denver-based company that allows customers to rent commercial vehicles on demand by using their mobile devices .
The company operates in 11 markets , including Denver , Los Angeles , Houston , Miami , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to add more locations over the next year .
“ We have been impressed with Lightning Systems ’ capabilities and innovation in the EV space .
We believe that electric vehicles will be a great solution for businesses to get the job done sustainably , ” James Eberhard , CEO and founder of Fluid Truck , said in a statement .

A Loveland-based company that designs and manufactures electric vehicles for commercial and government fleets has landed an order for 600 vans and trucks from Fluid Truck, which rents commercial vehicles.
The order calls for Lightning Systems to produce an assortment of all-electric Lightning Electric Ford Transit delivery vans and medium-duty trucks. The two companies said in a statement Thursday that the vehicles will be used in major metropolitan areas across the U.S.
“This is an exciting opportunity for both companies due to the rising demand for electric vehicles from commercial customers who have sustainability requirements for their fleets,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems.
Reeser expects to see demand for electric commercial vehicles to keep rising as cities look at designating zero-emission zones.
In September, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order directing state regulators to develop a plan requiring automakers to sell more zero-emissions passenger vehicles, including electric or hydrogen-powered cars and truck, with the goal of phasing out gas-fueled passenger vehicles by 2035 and heavy-duty trucks by 2045 where possible.
In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order in 2019 to reaffirm the state’s commitment to increasing the number of electric vehicles and expanding the network of charging stations across the state. The order changed the state’s electric vehicle plan by requiring that state grants to replace older gas- and diesel-powered trucks and fleet vehicles go only for electric vehicles.
The governor’s draft plan to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions targets stepping up the move to electric vehicles.
Reeser told The Denver Post that he believes the electric vehicle market has reached a tipping point, where interest prompted by regulations and peer pressure among businesses has accelerated to the point that economies of scale are making the cars and trucks less expensive to buy, fueling more demand. He said Lightning Systems has reduced its price by as much as 40% for big orders, which helps companies realize savings more quickly due to the much lower fuel and operating costs of all-electric vehicles.
“We’re seeing tremendous acceleration and we see it continuing to accelerate at a very fast pace,” Reeser said.
Lightning Systems has seen a huge increase in orders and sales. Reeser said the company has about $32 million in orders this year after notching about $3 million in sales in 2019.
“Actual on the ground this year, we’ll ship close to $15 million vehicles. We have orders right now for $150 million going forward, of which we’ll ship about $82 million next year,” Reeser said.
Lightning Systems expects to add about 100 workers in 2021 and increase its work space to at least 200,000 square feet from 142,000 square feet.
“Colorado’s small businesses rely on the safe and efficient transportation of their goods and services. This partnership unlocks an environmentally friendly transportation option that’s good for businesses and Colorado’s environment,” Betsy Markey, executive director, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, said in a statement.
Fluid Truck is a Denver-based company that allows customers to rent commercial vehicles on demand by using their mobile devices. The company operates in 11 markets, including Denver, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, San Diego and Seattle, and plans to add more locations over the next year.
“We have been impressed with Lightning Systems’ capabilities and innovation in the EV space. We believe that electric vehicles will be a great solution for businesses to get the job done sustainably,” James Eberhard, CEO and founder of Fluid Truck, said in a statement.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Denver area parents can track school COVID-19 cases with online dashboards

Several school districts in the Denver metro area have begun publicly reporting COVID-19 case data online .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment does not require schools to publicly disclose positive cases , and the health agency only does so when a facility is the site of a coronavirus outbreak .
Most districts did not have a central location for the information when the semester started , which is why The Denver Post started a running list of school-related cases that relies on tips from the community that we then verify with district personnel .
The dashboards being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the information included .
For example , many only show active cases within the district and do not include all historical data .
Jeffco Public Schools is the only district on the list that does not display how many people are in quarantine .
“ The quarantines are extremely complicated , constantly moving targets that often overlap each other and sometimes change — it is a significant amount of work to track them , ” said spokeswoman Cameron Bell .
“ And we have seen inaccurate reporting of these details early on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our communities.
” Bookmark these links if you ’ re keeping an eye on a specific school district .
What it displays : A summary of active cases within the district organized by school and grades affected , the number of students and adults in quarantine , the quarantine period , and date students and staff may return to school .
As quarantines are resolved , cases drop off the list .
What it displays : A summary of active cases within the district by school , the number of students and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may return to school , and if a facility where a case is detected has closed partially or entirely .
What it displays : A summary of active COVID-19 cases within the district wholistically , the number of students and staff in quarantine , the number of students and staff currently in remote learning , and links to every COVID-related notification sent out to families .
What it displays : Metrics used by the district to decide which format of learning is most suitable given local COVID-19 circumstances .
Under the “ dashboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekly reports that include the number of students and employees who have tested positive and who are isolated or in quarantine .
What it displays : An interactive chart of new cases by day that dates back to the beginning of the semester .
Users can filter the data by a specific school or academic level .
The dashboard also includes dates when quarantined individuals may return to school , though it doesn ’ t say how many were placed in quarantine due to a positive case .
Denver Public Schools , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person learning , plans to launch its own dashboard , but it ’ s still in the works , said spokeswoman Winna Maclaren .

Several school districts in the Denver metro area have begun publicly reporting COVID-19 case data online.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment does not require schools to publicly disclose positive cases, and the health agency only does so when a facility is the site of a coronavirus outbreak. Most districts did not have a central location for the information when the semester started, which is why The Denver Post started a running list of school-related cases that relies on tips from the community that we then verify with district personnel.
The dashboards being introduced by school districts vary in terms of the information included. For example, many only show active cases within the district and do not include all historical data. Jeffco Public Schools is the only district on the list that does not display how many people are in quarantine.
“The quarantines are extremely complicated, constantly moving targets that often overlap each other and sometimes change — it is a significant amount of work to track them,” said spokeswoman Cameron Bell. “And we have seen inaccurate reporting of these details early on leading to a lot more confusion in our communities.”
Bookmark these links if you’re keeping an eye on a specific school district.
What it displays: A summary of active cases within the district organized by school and grades affected, the number of students and adults in quarantine, the quarantine period, and date students and staff may return to school. As quarantines are resolved, cases drop off the list.
What it displays: A summary of active cases within the district by school, the number of students and staff exposed, when quarantined students and staff may return to school, and if a facility where a case is detected has closed partially or entirely.
What it displays: A summary of active COVID-19 cases within the district wholistically, the number of students and staff in quarantine, the number of students and staff currently in remote learning, and links to every COVID-related notification sent out to families.
What it displays: Active cases within the district, broken down by school and number of students and staff infected, as well as estimated percentage of students and staff who are test-positive and the number of people in quarantine.
What it displays: Metrics used by the district to decide which format of learning is most suitable given local COVID-19 circumstances. Under the “dashboard ratings” section, users can find weekly reports that include the number of students and employees who have tested positive and who are isolated or in quarantine.
What it displays: An interactive chart of new cases by day that dates back to the beginning of the semester. Users can filter the data by a specific school or academic level. The dashboard also includes dates when quarantined individuals may return to school, though it doesn’t say how many were placed in quarantine due to a positive case.
Denver Public Schools, which only recently began welcoming students back for in-person learning, plans to launch its own dashboard, but it’s still in the works, said spokeswoman Winna Maclaren.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--2020 tensions give age-old political yard sign shenanigans a sharper edge

Democratic congressional hopeful Ike McCorkle woke up one morning last week to find 15 of his political yard signs touting Democratic candidates stolen and another half dozen dumped into the street outside his Parker home .
The retired Marine called the incident an act of “ attempted intimidation , ” one that laid bare for him just how divisive and noxious this year ’ s campaign season has become , as the Nov. 3 election looms less than four weeks away .
“ This is something that is a reflection of something that is happening in our homes and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is challenging U.S. Rep. Ken Buck in the solidly red 4th Congressional District .
“ No one should be invading someone else ’ s property and taking someone ’ s property and destroying it.
” While yard sign shenanigans during election season are nothing new , this fall ’ s particularly tense and polarized political atmosphere is giving the theft and vandalism of placards and signs a sharper and nastier edge .
Last month , a 12-year-old boy riding on his bike while holding a Trump sign in Boulder was attacked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to police .
A few weeks later , a teenager holding a pro-Biden sign in Denver said a man in a Range Rover pointed a gun at him .
Media outlets have reported other acts of political sign destruction in Jefferson County , Colorado Springs and Castle Rock in the last few weeks .
“ There ’ s a lot of anger ( and other emotion ) in the public right now — it ’ s been a tumultuous year and it ’ s a scary time , ” University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sokhey wrote in an email .
“ Identity is being triggered ( constantly ) by our politics , which when combined with the pandemic and economic pressures is certainly a recipe for people taking actions that are linked to how they see themselves.
” In Denver ’ s Lowry neighborhood last month , the homeowner association was caught in a political maelstrom when its policy disallowing signs of any kind was challenged by residents wanting to post Black Lives Matter placards on their lawns .
Sokhey , who for years has studied the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , said it ’ s too soon to say whether 2020 is a bigger year for lawn politics than was the case four years ago .
In 2016 , his research found that 12 % of the American public reported displaying visible support — including bumper stickers — for a candidate , which was higher than what had been seen during election cycles in the 1980s and 1990s .
But , Sokhey said , the 2004 election had 20 % of people displaying visible support for a candidate .
“ What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past four years is trends in affective polarization — we ’ re in a moment of deep-seated identity politics in this country , ” he said .
“ Signs are important to people , in part , because they are expressions of identity .
The parties ’ bases are very , very fired up , so I ’ m not surprised to see a lot of politics on display.
” A political science professor at Colorado State University , Kyle Saunders , said what is clear is that with the increasing prevalence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued proliferation of social media , that mix “ certainly has made the possibility of these kinds of viral events more likely over time.
” Whether disputes over political displays are increasingly incorporating violence as a tactic is not definitive , Saunders said , but he pointed to a study published in Politico last week that found a disturbing rise in the proportion of voters from either major party saying violence is justified in advancing political goals .
Whereas in 2017 only 8 % of respondents from either the Democratic or Republican parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share skyrocketed to 33 % of Democrats and 36 % of Republicans who thought the same thing on Sept. 1 of this year — a year defined by tumult and protest in the streets of America .
Representatives for both major parties in Colorado told The Denver Post they have received tens of thousands of requests for yard signs this year .
“ We can ’ t keep yard signs in stock , ” said David Pourshoushtari , spokesman for the Democrats .
“ It indicates that there ’ s a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , John Hickenlooper and down the ticket.
” Joe Jackson , a spokesman for the GOP in Colorado , said he has heard of signs expressing support for Republican contenders getting trashed and stolen in the same way McCorkle ’ s Democrat-supporting signs were last week .
He hopes it will end , despite the fact that more than three weeks remain before Election Day .
“ All Coloradans , regardless of their party affiliation , should feel comfortable expressing their views without fearing that their property will be destroyed , vandalized or @ @ @ @ @ @

Democratic congressional hopeful Ike McCorkle woke up one morning last week to find 15 of his political yard signs touting Democratic candidates stolen and another half dozen dumped into the street outside his Parker home.
The retired Marine called the incident an act of “attempted intimidation,” one that laid bare for him just how divisive and noxious this year’s campaign season has become, as the Nov. 3 election looms less than four weeks away.
“This is something that is a reflection of something that is happening in our homes and in our society,” said McCorkle, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Ken Buck in the solidly red 4th Congressional District. “No one should be invading someone else’s property and taking someone’s property and destroying it.”
While yard sign shenanigans during election season are nothing new, this fall’s particularly tense and polarized political atmosphere is giving the theft and vandalism of placards and signs a sharper and nastier edge.
Last month, a 12-year-old boy riding on his bike while holding a Trump sign in Boulder was attacked by a woman riding past on a moped, according to police. A few weeks later, a teenager holding a pro-Biden sign in Denver said a man in a Range Rover pointed a gun at him.
Media outlets have reported other acts of political sign destruction in Jefferson County, Colorado Springs and Castle Rock in the last few weeks.
“There’s a lot of anger (and other emotion) in the public right now — it’s been a tumultuous year and it’s a scary time,” University of Colorado at Boulder political science professor Anand Sokhey wrote in an email. “Identity is being triggered (constantly) by our politics, which when combined with the pandemic and economic pressures is certainly a recipe for people taking actions that are linked to how they see themselves.”
In Denver’s Lowry neighborhood last month, the homeowner association was caught in a political maelstrom when its policy disallowing signs of any kind was challenged by residents wanting to post Black Lives Matter placards on their lawns.
Sokhey, who for years has studied the campaign yard sign phenomenon in the United States, said it’s too soon to say whether 2020 is a bigger year for lawn politics than was the case four years ago.
In 2016, his research found that 12% of the American public reported displaying visible support — including bumper stickers — for a candidate, which was higher than what had been seen during election cycles in the 1980s and 1990s. But, Sokhey said, the 2004 election had 20% of people displaying visible support for a candidate.
“What we have seen continue to accelerate over the past four years is trends in affective polarization — we’re in a moment of deep-seated identity politics in this country,” he said. “Signs are important to people, in part, because they are expressions of identity. The parties’ bases are very, very fired up, so I’m not surprised to see a lot of politics on display.”
A political science professor at Colorado State University, Kyle Saunders, said what is clear is that with the increasing prevalence of easily accessible video recording devices and the continued proliferation of social media, that mix “certainly has made the possibility of these kinds of viral events more likely over time.”
Whether disputes over political displays are increasingly incorporating violence as a tactic is not definitive, Saunders said, but he pointed to a study published in Politico last week that found a disturbing rise in the proportion of voters from either major party saying violence is justified in advancing political goals.
Whereas in 2017 only 8% of respondents from either the Democratic or Republican parties justified the use of violence, that share skyrocketed to 33% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans who thought the same thing on Sept. 1 of this year — a year defined by tumult and protest in the streets of America.
Representatives for both major parties in Colorado told The Denver Post they have received tens of thousands of requests for yard signs this year.
“We can’t keep yard signs in stock,” said David Pourshoushtari, spokesman for the Democrats. “It indicates that there’s a lot of energy for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, John Hickenlooper and down the ticket.”
Joe Jackson, a spokesman for the GOP in Colorado, said he has heard of signs expressing support for Republican contenders getting trashed and stolen in the same way McCorkle’s Democrat-supporting signs were last week.
He hopes it will end, despite the fact that more than three weeks remain before Election Day.
“All Coloradans, regardless of their party affiliation, should feel comfortable expressing their views without fearing that their property will be destroyed, vandalized or stolen,” Jackson said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Colorado extends deadline to claim Lost Wages Assistance money

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has set Oct. 26 as the new deadline by which people on unemployment must certify their eligibility if they want to claim Lost Wages Assistance program payments .
State officials estimate that between 70,000 and 80,000 Coloradans eligible for the program known as LWA have not called or logged into the state ’ s automated system to certify that they were out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic during the period the program covers .
That certification is required for people who are collecting state benefits to claim the $ 300 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,800 total , for the weeks between July 26 and Sept. 5 .
The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded Colorado $ 553 million to pay eligible people through the LWA program .
So far the state has sent out about $ 350 million in payments , labor department deputy executive director Cher Haavind said , leading officials to extend the certification period by a few weeks .
“ We certainly don ’ t want these funds to go to waste , and we want individuals who could benefit from these additional funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Haavind said .
The state is planning an outgoing call and email campaign to reach eligible people .

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has set Oct. 26 as the new deadline by which people on unemployment must certify their eligibility if they want to claim Lost Wages Assistance program payments.
State officials estimate that between 70,000 and 80,000 Coloradans eligible for the program known as LWA have not called or logged into the state’s automated system to certify that they were out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic during the period the program covers.
That certification is required for people who are collecting state benefits to claim the $300 per week in extra support, up to $1,800 total, for the weeks between July 26 and Sept. 5.
To certify, people who collected unemployment during the program period must call the unemployment customer service line (303-318-9000 or 1-800-388-5515 if they lived outside the Denver metro area) or visit cdle.colorado.gov/lwa and click on the virtual agent chat box in the lower right corner of the screen. The virtual agent will provide a Lost Wages Assistance option. Applicants will need their Social Security Number and unemployment PIN. Certification is only impacted to take a minute or two, officials say.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded Colorado $553 million to pay eligible people through the LWA program. So far the state has sent out about $350 million in payments, labor department deputy executive director Cher Haavind said, leading officials to extend the certification period by a few weeks.
“We certainly don’t want these funds to go to waste, and we want individuals who could benefit from these additional funds to take advantage of this program,” Haavind said.
The state is planning an outgoing call and email campaign to reach eligible people.


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Pick 6: Odds the CU Buffs win the Pac-12, Avalanche spends the most money on free agency in October

It ’ s a longshot , to say the least .
They ’ re projected to finish fifth in the South Division by the Pac-12 media .
Oddsmakers don ’ t even give them that good of a chance .
Here ’ s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports .
Colorado Buffaloes ’ odds to win the Pac-12 football conference title , via BetMGM .
So you ’ re saying there ’ s a chance .
Karl Dorrell and the Buffs are a distant 12th out of 12 teams to win the Pac-12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon at +220 .
Colorado Avalanche ’ s odds on spending the most in free agency among NHL teams in October , via Bovada .
The Avs were a goal away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals .
Would an offseason move or three get them closer to the Stanley Cup ?
Bovada has the Avs as the sixth favorite in October spending with Toronto and Boston favored at +325 .
One name who could join the team : forward Mike Hoffman , who is +400 to get signed by the Avs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams listed .
Justin Gaethje ’ s odds to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 , via BetMGM The former Northern Colorado all-American wrestler is coming in as an underdog to the undefeated Nurmagomedov .
But he wasn ’ t supposed to win against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 either .
The odds the next NBA season will start in January , via Bovada .
The Lakers and Heat play Game 5 of the NBA Finals tonight , but there ’ s still the question as to when the 2020-21 season will begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by February ( +350 ) and December ( +650 ) .
The odds Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will win the offensive rookie of the year award , via BetOnline .
Denver ’ s first-round pick has shown glimpses of what they were hoping he would be coming out of Alabama .
He ’ s the ninth favorite right now — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow ( +100 ) is the favorite — but if he pulls off a few more Randy Moss-esque catches like he had against the Jets , his odds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LaMelo Ball is the No .
1 overall pick in the NBA draft , via Bovada .
LaVar ’ s youngest boy could be his best on the hard court .
LaMelo Ball is one of the top prospects in this year ’ s draft , but is an underdog to get chosen first overall to Minnesota , behind favorite guard Anthony Edwards of Georgia ( -250 ) .

Colorado Buffaloes, 2020 Pac-12 football champions?
It’s a longshot, to say the least. They’re projected to finish fifth in the South Division by the Pac-12 media. Oddsmakers don’t even give them that good of a chance.
Here’s a look at some of the current odds in the world of sports.
+10,000
Colorado Buffaloes’ odds to win the Pac-12 football conference title, via BetMGM.
So you’re saying there’s a chance. Karl Dorrell and the Buffs are a distant 12th out of 12 teams to win the Pac-12 title this year. The favorite is Oregon at +220.
+850
Colorado Avalanche’s odds on spending the most in free agency among NHL teams in October, via Bovada.
The Avs were a goal away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Would an offseason move or three get them closer to the Stanley Cup? Bovada has the Avs as the sixth favorite in October spending with Toronto and Boston favored at +325. One name who could join the team: forward Mike Hoffman, who is +400 to get signed by the Avs — the best bet of the five teams listed.
+225
Justin Gaethje’s odds to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254, via BetMGM
The former Northern Colorado all-American wrestler is coming in as an underdog to the undefeated Nurmagomedov. But he wasn’t supposed to win against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 either.
-300
The odds the next NBA season will start in January, via Bovada.
The Lakers and Heat play Game 5 of the NBA Finals tonight, but there’s still the question as to when the 2020-21 season will begin. January is the current favorite, followed by February (+350) and December (+650).
+2,200
The odds Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will win the offensive rookie of the year award, via BetOnline.
Denver’s first-round pick has shown glimpses of what they were hoping he would be coming out of Alabama. He’s the ninth favorite right now — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (+100) is the favorite — but if he pulls off a few more Randy Moss-esque catches like he had against the Jets, his odds are sure to improve.
+170
The odds LaMelo Ball is the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, via Bovada.
LaVar’s youngest boy could be his best on the hard court. LaMelo Ball is one of the top prospects in this year’s draft, but is an underdog to get chosen first overall to Minnesota, behind favorite guard Anthony Edwards of Georgia (-250).


thedenverpost--2020-10-09--Broncos leaning heavily on rookie class via baptism-by-fire for cornerback Michael Ojemudia, center

Broncos leaning heavily on rookie class via baptism-by-fire for cornerback Michael Ojemudia, center Lloyd Cushenberry and others

After the coronavirus pandemic wiped out organized team activities in the spring , condensed training camp and then forced the cancellation of the preseason , NFL rookies were set up for a near-certain baptism-by-fire in 2020 .
In the case of the Broncos , the lack of an acclimation period for rookies has been noticeable as Denver ’ s dealt with a long list of injuries through the first four games .
That ’ s caused the Broncos ’ rookie class to play 1,288 snaps so far , second-most in the league behind the Jaguars .
Five rookies have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s played every offensive snap ( 269 total ) , while cornerback Michael Ojemudia has three starts and 272 snaps .
Undrafted cornerback Essang Bassey ( 198 snaps ) as well as wideouts Jerry Jeudy ( 182 ) and KJ Hamler ( 125 ) have also seen significant time .
“ We have asked a lot of them , ” veteran safety Justin Simmons said .
“ That ’ s something you always tell rookies when they ’ re coming in , from first-round all the way to undrafted — ‘ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or another , we ’ re going to need you.
’ It just so happened we needed a lot of those guys earlier much more than later.
” Cushenberry , selected in the 3rd round at No .
83 overall , was the lone rookie atop his respective positional depth chart heading into the regular season .
There have been growing pains for Cushenberry — including giving up two sacks in a Week 3 domination by the Tampa Bay defensive front — but offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said the Broncos are “ pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game charting , Cushenberry has allowed nine disruptions ( 3½ sacks , 5½ knockdowns and no pressures ) as well as 1½ bad run plays .
He has not been penalized .
“ We trust him to do the right thing , ” Shurmur said .
“ We ask a lot of the center to direct , and he ’ s getting better each week .
He ’ s making less bad plays and more good plays… We asked him to do a very tough thing as a rookie , and we played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of him early .
That ’ s going to serve him well as he moves forward.
” Meanwhile , Jeudy needs just 50 yards receiving against New England to become the third player in NFL history to begin a career with at least 50 yards receiving in the first five games .
Jeudy ( 1st round , No .
15 overall ) had his first touchdown catch in the Broncos ’ Week 4 over the Jets , and his role has increased since No .
1 wideout Courtland Sutton sustained a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fellow rookie wideout KJ Hamler ( 2nd round , No .
46 overall ) has been limited to three games and won ’ t play against the Patriots due to a hamstring injury .
But he , too , appears poised for more targets and responsibility when he returns to action .
“ ( Jeudy and Hamler ) haven ’ t even scratched the surface of how good they can be in this league , ” Ojemudia said .
“ Injuries and all the other things ( like a quarterback shuffle ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( a little ) , but when those guys take off , it ’ s going to be a wild ride .
Those guys are electric.
” Defensively , Ojemudia and Bassey were called on following a shoulder injury to No .
1 cornerback A.J .
Bouye in Week 1 , which landed Bouye on injured reserve .
Ojemudia ( 3rd round , No .
77 overall ) has been targeted a ton by opposing quarterbacks , and he has three pass breakups , two touchdowns allowed and a couple pass interference penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a long season , but it ’ s also a long game , so if things happen in the first quarter , you still have to battle all the way through and stick with it , ” Ojemudia said .
“ The toughest moment for me so far was ( giving up two touchdowns ) in that Pittsburgh game , and facing adversity early .
I tried to focus on battling through that and sticking with it , because your teammates are looking for you to bounce back.
” Ojemudia said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love to pick on is “ something you have to relish from the first snap of the game.
” “ The thing is , if you answer them early , they might stop going your way , ” Ojemudia said .
“ It ’ s a challenge , but one that any cornerback would want the chance to have : to show them that if you try me , you ’ re going to get burned.
” Bassey , meanwhile , has played the second-most snaps among undrafted first-year players through Week 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the Broncos ’ roster out of training camp since 1997 , Bassey has not had a pass break-ups or a penalty .
He was benched late in the first half of Denver ’ s win over the Jets last week .
“ Essang is a worker , ” Ojemudia said .
“ We ’ re going to keep counting on him a lot this season , and me and him , we ’ re definitely going to go through rough patches but we ’ re also going to bounce back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and none of this ( rookie adversity ) can phase us.
” The learning curve facing other rookies such as outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka , wideout Tyrie Cleveland and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam — who has yet to debut — has Ojemudia optimistic about the long-term potential of the rookie class .
“ It ’ s definitely going to be a rookie class to remember , ” Ojemudia said .
“ I think in a couple years down the line , hopefully we can still be here , but we want to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And this is a rookie class that can leave their impression on Denver .
”

After the coronavirus pandemic wiped out organized team activities in the spring, condensed training camp and then forced the cancellation of the preseason, NFL rookies were set up for a near-certain baptism-by-fire in 2020.
In the case of the Broncos, the lack of an acclimation period for rookies has been noticeable as Denver’s dealt with a long list of injuries through the first four games. That’s caused the Broncos’ rookie class to play 1,288 snaps so far, second-most in the league behind the Jaguars.
Five rookies have been particularly impactful. Center Lloyd Cushenberry has played every offensive snap (269 total), while cornerback Michael Ojemudia has three starts and 272 snaps. Undrafted cornerback Essang Bassey (198 snaps), as well as wideouts Jerry Jeudy (182) and KJ Hamler (125), have also seen significant time.
“We have asked a lot of them,” veteran safety Justin Simmons said. “That’s something you always tell rookies when they’re coming in, from first-round all the way to undrafted — ‘If you make the team, at some point or another, we’re going to need you.’ It just so happened we needed a lot of those guys earlier much more than later.”
Cushenberry, selected in the 3rd round at No. 83 overall, was the lone rookie atop his respective positional depth chart heading into the regular season. There have been growing pains for Cushenberry — including giving up two sacks in a Week 3 domination by the Tampa Bay defensive front — but offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said the Broncos are “pleased with his development.” Per Denver Post game charting, Cushenberry has allowed nine disruptions (3½ sacks, 5½ knockdowns and no pressures) as well as 1½ bad run plays. He has not been penalized.
“We trust him to do the right thing,” Shurmur said. “We ask a lot of the center to direct, and he’s getting better each week. He’s making less bad plays and more good plays… We asked him to do a very tough thing as a rookie, and we played against four pretty good defenses while asking a lot of him early. That’s going to serve him well as he moves forward.”
Meanwhile, Jeudy needs just 50 yards receiving against New England on Monday to become the third player in NFL history to begin a career with at least 50 yards receiving in the first five games. Jeudy (1st round, No. 15 overall) had his first touchdown catch in the Broncos’ Week 4 over the Jets, and his role has increased since No. 1 wideout Courtland Sutton sustained a season-ending knee injury in the season opener. Fellow rookie wideout KJ Hamler (2nd round, No. 46 overall) has been limited to three games and won’t play against the Patriots due to a hamstring injury. But he, too, appears poised for more targets and responsibility when he returns to action.
“(Jeudy and Hamler) haven’t even scratched the surface of how good they can be in this league,” Ojemudia said. “Injuries and all the other things (like a quarterback shuffle) that have been going on derailed them (a little), but when those guys take off, it’s going to be a wild ride. Those guys are electric.”
Defensively, Ojemudia and Bassey were called on following a shoulder injury to No. 1 cornerback A.J. Bouye in Week 1, which landed Bouye on injured reserve. Ojemudia (3rd round, No. 77 overall) has been targeted a ton by opposing quarterbacks, and he has three pass breakups, two touchdowns allowed and a couple pass interference penalties.
“I’ve learned it’s a long season, but it’s also a long game, so if things happen in the first quarter, you still have to battle all the way through and stick with it,” Ojemudia said. “The toughest moment for me so far was (giving up two touchdowns) in that Pittsburgh game, and facing adversity early. I tried to focus on battling through that and sticking with it, because your teammates are looking for you to bounce back.”
Ojemudia said being the rookie cornerback that opposing quarterbacks love to pick on is “something you have to relish from the first snap of the game.”
“The thing is, if you answer them early, they might stop going your way,” Ojemudia said. “It’s a challenge, but one that any cornerback would want the chance to have: to show them that if you try me, you’re going to get burned.”
Bassey, meanwhile, has played the second-most snaps among undrafted first-year players through Week 4. The 24th rookie college free agent to make the Broncos’ roster out of training camp since 1997, Bassey has not had a pass break-up or a penalty. He was benched late in the first half of Denver’s win over the Jets last week.
“Essang is a worker,” Ojemudia said. “We’re going to keep counting on him a lot this season, and me and him, we’re definitely going to go through rough patches but we’re also going to bounce back. I know we’re both fighters and none of this (rookie adversity) can faze us.”
The learning curve facing other rookies such as outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka, wideout Tyrie Cleveland and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam — who has yet to debut — has Ojemudia optimistic about the long-term potential of the rookie class.
“It’s definitely going to be a rookie class to remember,” Ojemudia said. “I think in a couple years down the line, hopefully we can still be here, but we want to make our impression as fast as possible. And this is a rookie class that can leave their impression on Denver.”