Flights to Guadalajara and Monterrey begin Dec. 21
Today Denver International Airport (DEN) celebrated the expansion of service by Aeromexico to two new destinations in Mexico: Guadalajara (GDL) and Monterrey (MTY). Nonstop flights to GDL will operate once per week, on Saturdays, through April 19, 2025, and nonstop flights to MTY will operate twice per week, on Saturdays and Sundays, through April 20, 2025.
Photo courtesy: DEN
“The expansion of DEN service by Aeromexico is welcome news,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “With the addition of flights to these popular destinations during a peak demand period, DEN is poised to continue to serve as the premier gateway between Mexico and the Rocky Mountain region.”
Service to both GDL and MTY will be operated onboard Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. These new flights are in addition to Aeromexico’s nonstop service to Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX).
“We celebrate that Aeromexico is increasing connectivity between Mexico and Denver, encouraging tourism to Guadalajara, known as ‘La Perla Tapatía’, and Monterrey, known as ‘La Sultana del Norte’,” said Pável Meléndez Cruz, Consul General of México in Denver.
February 2024 marked the 15th anniversary of Aeromexico’s service to DEN. Since Feb. 1, 2009, Aeromexico has transported nearly 650,000 passengers between DEN and Mexico onboard more than 5,600 flights. Aeromexico is Denver’s longest serving Mexican-flag carrier.
Demand for travel between Denver and Mexico has surged in the post-pandemic period, increasing by nearly 60 percent since 2019. Today more than 1.2 million people travel between Denver and Mexico annually, and Mexico accounts for 30 percent of DEN’s total international passenger demand, more than any other single country.
New service by United Airlines to Rome, Italy and several North American cities
Denver International Airport (DEN) celebrated the announcement by United Airlines of the addition of service to six new destinations from DEN and the expansion of service in high-demand markets. On May 1, 2025, United Airlines will inaugurate DEN’s first-ever nonstop service to Rome, Italy (FCO), and on May 15, United Airlines will launch flights to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (YQR). New domestic service to Peoria, Ill. (PIA) will start in late March, and flights to Buffalo, N.Y. (BUF), Redding, Calif. (RDD) and Wilmington, N.C. (ILM) will begin in time for the Memorial Day holiday.
“I am elated to announce Denver’s first nonstop flight to Rome, a destination Denverites have craved for quite some time,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said. “This will be a direct link between our vibrant city and Italy, one of the most iconic destinations in the world. United’s new nonstop route will both strengthen our global connections and open a wealth of opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange.”
Rome currently ranks as Denver’s largest unserved international market in terms of passenger demand. Over the most recent year, more than 60,000 people traveled between Denver and Rome, equating to more than 160 people each day. The demand for travel between Denver and Rome has surged by 30 percent over the past year, and Italy ranks as Denver’s fourth-most popular country for international travel behind Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“We could not be happier about today’s announcement by our partner United Airlines as they continue to invest in Denver with the addition of a variety of strategic destinations, including Rome, the top unserved international destination from DEN,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said. “This expansion strengthens Denver’s position as a global hub and provides our community with even greater connectivity to the world. It’s also a major focus of our Vision 100 pillar of Expanding our Global Connections as we grow to 100 million passengers and beyond.”
Both RDD and ILM are brand-new domestic destinations for DEN and have never been served nonstop. In addition to new destinations, United Airlines announced the expansion of flights to North Bend, Ore. (OTH) and Pensacola, Fla. (PNS) to meet growing travel demand; both routes will be served daily in peak demand periods. In 2025, DEN’s domestic network is now scheduled to encompass 189 nonstop destinations across 46 U.S. states and one U.S. territory.
With the addition of Rome and Regina, DEN will offer nonstop service to 33 international destinations across 18 countries, the most in DEN history. This includes nine destinations in eight countries in Europe, and seven destinations in Canada.
Photo courtesy: Denver International Airport Facebook
Statement from President Joe Biden on Student Debt Cancellation for Public Service Workers: “my Administration is announcing student debt cancellation for another 55,000 public service workers, bringing the total number of individuals who have been approved for student debt relief under my Administration to nearly 5 million people through various actions. The public servants approved for debt cancellation today include teachers, nurses, service members, law enforcement officials, and other public service workers who have dedicated their lives to giving back to their communities and who are finally earning the relief they are entitled to under the law.”
Colorado Governor
Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) released the 2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which outlines a path to ensure Colorado’s exceptional outdoor experiences remain world-class for current and future generations. “Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver in Colorado and this report shows just how big of an impact outdoor recreation has, supporting 40,000 jobs and generating billions in revenue,” said Governor Jared Polis.
Denver Mayor
Mayor Mike Johnston announced his administration, working alongside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and several key partners, has ended the cycle of street homelessness for veterans through a system that quickly moves veterans indoors. For the first time, Denver can confidently say that every veteran has access to a safe, stable, and private place to sleep at night. “We are incredibly proud to announce that Denver has ended the cycle of street homelessness for our veterans,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.
A devastating cyclone has killed 94 people in Mozambique. Another 768 people were injured while more than 622,000 people have been affected by the natural disaster in some type of way. The cyclone had previously traveled through the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte before arriving to Mozambique.
“Witchdoctors” arrested in Zambia
Police in Zambia have arrested two men who are accused of being “witchdoctors.” The men were allegedly working to try to bewitch the country’s President Hakainde Hichilema. Witchcraft is a common belief among many people in Zambia. The men were found with “assorted charms” like a live chameleon, according to police.
Asia
Malaysia to continue search for missing flight
Officials in Malaysia agreed to resume the search for a jet that vanished 10 years ago. The aircraft disappeared while it was on its way to China from Malaysia and had 239 people on board. The search will cover a patch in the southern Indian Ocean.
Toxic air in Delhi
Experts in India warned that Delhi’s pollution could have a bigger impact on public health than the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s pollution is at hazardous levels again, causing people to have difficulties breathing. Officials are warning residents to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear a mask.
Europe
Five killed in Russia from Ukraine strike
Officials in Russia said that five people were killed by a Ukrainian strike in the Kursk area. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported that Russia launched a new missile attack, damaging a building hosting embassies in Kyiv. This attack occurred a day after Russia President Vladimir Putin’s end of year press conference where he threatened to launch more missiles at Kyiv.
German Christmas market attack leaves five dead
At least five people were killed at a German Christmas market after a vehicle drove into a crowd. Among those killed include a nine-year-old child. At least 200 other people were also injured. The suspect, who has been named by local media as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, was remanded in custody. He had lived in Germany since 2006 and worked as a doctor.
Latin America
Dozens of new species discovered in Peru
Scientists from the nonprofit Conservation International and members of local indigenous groups have discovered 27 new species in Peru. Among those species include a mouse that can swim with webbed feet and a blob-headed fish. The species were discovered in an expedition to Alto Mayo, which includes the Amazon rainforest.
Five jailed for murder of Venezuelan rapper
A court in Venezuela has jailed a forensic expert, three police officers, and a music impresario for covering up the murder of Venezuelan rapper Canserbero. They were found guilty of helping to stage a crime scene, so Canserbero’s murder looked like a suicide. Cansrbero, who was named as the best Spanish-language rapper by Rolling Stone, was drugged and stabbed to death in 2015 by his manager.
North America
Man sentenced in Indiana for murdering two girls
Richard Allen, who killed two teenage girls in 2017, has been sentenced to 130 years in an Indiana prison. The victims were Liberty German and Abigail Williams. Their bodies were found with cuts to their throat near an abandoned railway bridge. Allen was a pharmacist and was arrested in 2022 by police for the crime.
Trump sues Iowa newspaper
President-elect Donald Trump has sued the Des Moines Register newspaper for a poll publishing days before the 2024 election. The poll suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris would win Iowa. Trump recently settled a defamation lawsuit he filed against ABC News after an anchor falsely stated he was found liable for rape, when in fact he was found liable for sexual abuse.
It may not be a well known fact, but “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens epic play, was written with as much purpose as story when penned in 1843. The holiday classic was inspired by Dickens’ own youth, one that was spent in poverty and resulted in him leaving school and, like so many other children of the era, work in a factory to help support his family.
Photo courtesy: Jamie Kraus Photography
The latest incarnation of the seemingly timeless tale of redemption is now playing through the end of December at the Marvin and Judi Wolff Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. But this performance features something of a twist and a delightful one, at that.
‘Tiny Tim,’ the iconic little boy in the production is no longer the cockney speaking waif, but a precocious seven-year-old Denver second-grader named Benjamin Martinez.
Young Mr. Martinez landed the role of Tiny Tim over a number of other young boys, said his father, David. “It was a whole group of children,” he said. “They took them all into a separate room” and had them go through the paces. “It wasn’t long.”
Martinez, a Denver probation officer, also, told his son at the audition that there was “no expectation.” He said the only thing he told Benjamin was, “Just go have fun and enjoy the moment.”
The character ‘Tiny Tim’ is by no means the ebullient moppet. Dickens’ Tiny Tim needs a crutch to walk and has trouble breathing. The character somewhat symbolizes the London of the period, a time when the city was in the midst of the industrial revolution and dark coal-firedclouds belched from furnaces and stagnated over the region. They blackened not only the skies but the spirit that has captured the soul of the story’s protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge.
The character of Tiny Tim is a sickly child whose father, the ever loyal Bob Cratchit, cannot afford to pay for the treatments the boy needs on the salary his boss, Scrooge, pays him. But Tiny Tim’s modern day incarnation, Benjamin, has found a way to bottle his energy and blend it into the perfect embodiment of the 19th century child, said casting director Grady Soapes.
“Tiny Tim needs to be a kid with an energetic and optimistic outlook on life,” said Soapes. “In Benjamin’s audition, it was clear he is a joyful and happy child and was truly excited just to be in the room auditioning for that role.” When a young actor shows these qualities, Soapes said, “you know you have found the right Tiny Tim.”
Before the audition, said Martinez, his son’s only knowledge of the classic play was in “The Muppets Christmas Carol.” What apparently stayed with him from the Muppets’ version, Martinez said, “was the little piece of hope in the story.”
Now a veteran of nearly three weeks of performances, Martinez says he sees no change in his young boy. Of course, others, including those at his school, have celebrated their new ‘star.’
“He was ‘Student of the Week’ last week, said Martinez. The family used pictures from a dress rehearsal and taken by a professional photographer for his poster board to share the experience with his school. “His teacher also had him take the magazine from the DCPA,” said Martinez, adding “that a couple of teachers from his school also went to the show.”
While young Benjamin has enjoyed his time playing the part of Tiny Tim, said his father, he has not lost his focus on the other things that take up his time, including school where he continues to excel. “He has good grades and good assessments,” and also has a good group of friends.
The seven-year-old second-grader, said Martinez, not unlike other children his age, loves soccer, baseball, hockey and flag football. “He’s good at all of them,” the proud father adds. “Everything has clicked with all the sports,” Martinez said. “He just loves to run, catch and score touchdowns.”
Though young Benjamin’s a veteran of nearly three weeks of productions, both father and mother, Selena, who’s also a Denver probation officer, say their own anxiety still hangs over them with each performance. But nothing like the first time.
“On opening night,” he said of Benjamin’s mother, “her expression was a constant smile…she put her hands to her face and you could hear her talking to herself. She was so proud.” For him, Martinez said the experience was all so new.
“We had seen the costumes before, but to see him make his first appearance and coming on to the stage, that was very different.” “It was very emotional, constantly smiling,” he said. “I was catching myself with tears coming down my face. ‘Our baby was doing some very amazing things.’”
The Martinez also have two other children, both daughters, one older than Benjamin, one younger.
Performances of “A Christmas Carol,” run through the end of December. tickets can be purchased on line athttps://tickets.denvercenter.org.
A new book detailing the first Hispano settlers of the San Luis Valley and the surrounding areas is now available for purchase.
Photo courtesy: Maria C. Martinez
Author and genealogist Maria C. Martinez wrote the book, titled “First Settlers: Las Cuatro Plazas de la Culebra,” detailing the lives of each household in the area from the 1860 Census. Martinez examined Census information, that included names, value of real estate for the first settlers, personal property, and their birth places. The book contains narratives about the first settlers, including information about who they were, where they came from and family group sheets for each of the people that are in the Census. The cover was designed by Martinez’ cousin Barbara Cordova, whose father is from Costilla.
“It’s not taught in schools, and I’m hoping the schools can use this as a history book,” said Martinez. “That’s what it is. It’s our history.”
Martinez is from San Pedro, Colorado and graduated high school at Centennial High School in San Luis. Tracing genealogy since 1990, Martinez holds a genealogy database with information on tens of thousands of people from Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico as well as information about the founding families of La Culebra, La Veta, Walsenburg, Conejos, San Miguel de la Costilla, and other San Luis Valley towns.
Martinez first began taking an interest in genealogy thanks to her father who would constantly share information about her family history. Among those stories is a true account of an attack on a wagon train near Santa Fe, New Mexico, which left everyone dead except for a baby boy who was taken in by the Martinez family.
“(Her father) triggered my interest, and I say that in the book,” she said.
Since finding her passion, Martinez has released several genealogy books and is in the process of writing another book based on information from voting records in Costilla in 1861, which she hopes will further illuminate the lives and contributions of early Hispano settlers.
Her books are more than records, serving as bridges to the past and connecting readers with the stories and struggles of the first settlers. This dedication underscores her mission to preserve heritage of the first Hispano settlers.
Martinez’ work is inspiring and provides rich information about the culture of the San Luis Valley. Through her meticulous research, she has created a resource for people interested in the cultural and historic fabric of the region. Martinez’ unwavering commitment to honoring and preserving the legacy of these families ensures their contributions are acknowledged and remembered.
“First Settlers: Las Cuatro Plazas de la Culebra” is available for purchase for $100. You can purchase it directly from Martinez by emailing her at sanpedro65@yahoo.com.
The Denver Broncos were in the driver’s seat on Sunday when they hosted the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver had some trouble in the first half running the ball and moving the ball down the field.
By halftime the Colts were up 13-7, while Denver had 36 total yards on the ground in the first half compared to Indianapolis’ 105. In the second half it appeared as though the Broncos were done after rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw two interceptions, which didn’t result in anything due to Denver’s stout defense.
By the third quarter Denver had cut the Colt lead to just three scoring a field goal by William Lutz. The fourth quarter belonged to Denver who scored three touchdowns, one of which came on a trick play by Indianapolis where quarterback Anthony Richardson tossed the ball to wide receiver Adonai Mitchell who tossed to right back to Richardson but was picked off by Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto for the touchdown.
In a game that appeared to be heading in Indianapolis’ direction quickly changed tide after Colts running back Jonathan Taylor dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line resulting in the play being called a touchback. The Colts were on the verge of taking a 10-point lead but instead the Broncos scored 24 unanswered points to take the win and the number six position in the postseason ahead of division rivals the L.A. Chargers.
Denver has a short week before heading to L.A. to face the Chargers after L.A. got blown-out by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40-17. L.A. will be looking to get back into the number six spot with a win at home over the Broncos this Thursday night. Denver on the other hand has an opportunity to take a commanding lead at number six and quite possibly the number five spot ahead of the Ravens if they Ravens lose to the Steelers this weekend.
With Denver’s win over the Colts on Sunday, their chance of making the post-season has increased to 91 percent.
Photo courtesy: Colorado Buffaloes Football Twitter
In other sports, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, won the Heisman trophy over the weekend sealing the ironman’s fate in College Football History. His mom, coach Sanders, teammate and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and his fiancé accompanied Hunter to the Heisman ceremony on Saturday.
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Nashville Predators on Saturday night after losing 4-1 to the Utah Hockey Club last week. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon was the first NHL player this season to reach 50-points. Currently MacKinnon has 13 goals and 37 assists this season. The Avalanche are on the road this week to face the Vancouver Canucks, the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks before returning to Denver to host the Seattle Kraken next Sunday.
The Denver Nuggets enjoyed some rest over the weekend after beating the L.A. Clippers on Friday night in Denver. The Nuggets are also on the road this week to face the Sacramento Kings, the Portland Trailblazers (Thursday, Dec. 19th @ 8 p.m.) and the New Orleans Pelicans (Sunday, Dec. 22 @ 5 p.m.) before returning home next Monday to host the Phoenix Suns.
It has to be one of the most convenient airports in Colorado. Located twenty minutes from town—at its farthest—the Pueblo Memorial Airport offers free parking and a short few minutes’ walk to the terminal for those needing to get out of town. But there’s one problem and despite putting it off for way too long, Pueblo’s ready to fix it.
Like most cities, with so many costs and priorities, some things inevitably get delayed. But 2025 is the year Pueblo is investing in modernizing its airport and making it truly a 21st century facility.
With the expected approval of City Council, Pueblo will be budgeting up to $5 million to expand the airport terminal, improve accessibility and make the traveling experience dramatically more convenient and comfortable than it is today.
“The foundation of this project is to expand the concourse,” said Directory of Aviation Greg Pedroza. “Passengers,” he said, “will now get screened and rest in a nicer area.” New and modern restrooms will also be part of the overall upgrade.
A significant target of the upgrade and perhaps the most significant part of the overall plan is expansion of the area where screened passengers must now remain before boarding. When complete, Pedroza said, “Passengers will get screened and rest in a nicer area,” one that includes restrooms, he said, an amenity that does not now exist.
“If you’re on this side waiting for the aircraft, he said, “you have to go back outside (the holding area) and be rescreened…it’s strenuous for passengers.” Pedroza said the city has done its best to make do by working around the inconveniences, but the money just wasn’t there to properly address it. “This project allows us to bring everything up to code efficiently in one felled swoop.” It will also allow the airport to meet all ADA guidelines.
While reluctant to guess how City Council will vote on approving the funds, Pedroza said meetings with council have so far gone well. But Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham is all in saying improving the airport will not only be good for travelers who, by the way, come to Pueblo from all parts of southern Colorado to fly, but for the whole city.
“Making investments in the Pueblo Memorial Airport is important, especially as we look forward to a new air service provider in 2025 and for large scale events like the Thunderbirds air show,” said Mayor Graham. “Investing in our airport with the terminal renovation is an opportunity for us to increase revenue for the future, which benefits all of Pueblo.”
The Pueblo Memorial Airport was deeded to the city after WWII. But for much of the war, the airport played a vital role in the American mission. The airport was a training site for pilots and crews for bombing missions who flew the B17, B24 and B29 aircraft. Today the airport is also home to the Weisbrod Aircraft Museum which features a number of artifacts of the war, including the B29 Super Fortress, perhaps the workhorse bombing aircraft of the war.
Pueblo’s airport also serves another important mission for aspiring pilots, including a long list from the nearby Air Force Academy. Cadets regularly perform touch-and-goes on the DA-20 Katana aircraft.
Improvements, Pedroza said, will provide travelers what they want. “It is incumbent on ourselves and will make us a viable option…making an investment in our own infrastructure makes for more comfort for the travel experience.” It may also keep more passengers from traveling to Colorado Springs or Denver to catch their flight.
Plans for the upgrades, Pedroza said, are now about 90 percent complete. Work is estimated to begin early next year, and completion is expected to be done by “summer of 2025.”
Abril Franco is a high school senior at East High who currently holds a 4.553 GPA. Franco’s academic achievements include College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award, Principal’s Honor Roll (2x), Angel’s Honor Roll, and Academic Letter. Franco belongs to East Dance Company, EHS Varsity Poms Team, Denver Children’s Choir and American Eagle.
Favorite Book: Inside Out and Back Again – Thanhha Lai
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite Subject: English
Favorite Music: All music
Future Career: Real Estate Agent/Architect
Hero: My grandma, Maria Pasión Rivera
Favorite Hobby: Dancing
Favorite Social Media Follow: Emma Chamberlain
Words to live by: “Everything happens for a reason, so trust the process.”
Community Involvement: Franco volunteers through EHS Poms Team at Dance with Joy Studio by teaching styles of dance to children and assisted in teaching a technique masterclass to the Poms/Drill Team. Franco also volunteered through a summer internship with Xcel Energy.
Why is Community involvement important? Franco says, “Community involvement is important because it makes people feel like someone has their back no matter what. It is also important to give back to your community, so it can continue becoming a better place.”
If I could improve the world I would…
“…. make everyone have a balance between caring for themselves and caring for others.”
College of choice: Applied to the University of North Carolina; University of California-Berkley.
David Conde, Senior Consultant for International Programs
I visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday the 8th of December. The venue was crowded and one could see that a large number of pilgrims had already arrived to pay homage to the Icon.
We decided not to make the climb up Mount Tepeyac to the chapel, site of the appearance of the Virgin to Juan Diego in 1531, but watched intently as streams of people lined the steps leading to the holy place. It reminded me of my own enthusiasm for climbing those stairs for many years.
Beginning Monday the 9th it became almost impossible to even approach the area as gigantic groups walking in procession or being driven in trucks and buses from throughout the country arrived to pay their respects. There were those that walked on their knees helped by others who threw pieces of rugs or cardboard to soften the pain.
Altogether over 12 million devotees came to visit from the region and the far reaches of the nation and the continents. It is so impressive to watch faith at work and the unity it fosters among a people that are driving their renaissance at breakneck speed to a future more certain than what we can project for ourselves in our country.
For the United States, the Thanksgiving holiday is the gateway to the Christmas season. For Mexico it is the repeated appearances of the Virgin between December 9th and the 12th that provide for the beginning of the holy month that ends with the giving of presents on January 6th, emulating the visit of the Magi Kings that came to the baby Jesus crib to honor his coming with gifts.
The Christmas story commemorated in rituals and enactments is a story of the power of belief. It is popular for statements from the pulpit like, “all things are possible for those that believe.”
Most of us do not stop to think about the true meaning of the statements and how they affect our lives. For example, I have visited the major pre-Colombian cities of Mexico and Central America, have stood in wonder at their form, their beauty and yet, they stand abandoned.
It is people’s belief in their unity and identity expressed in those great cities that led to their construction. It is their loss of belief in themselves and each other that made them leave their homes to the ravages of time.
In America, we are at the crossroads of a major shift in our feelings about the ideals and beliefs that created and nurtured our country to greatness. The divisions we see every day in the media and elsewhere is the very picture of consuming decadence.
When we refer to belief, it is not necessarily about religion. Christ came to the world to establish a new way of believing away from the decadence that consumed the Roman Empire.
His brand of disinterested and unconditional love was designed to foster an identity for believers that would construct a new way of living with each other. Although religious doctrines of ever kind managed to run that into the ground, the message continues to be available for those that believe.
The birth of the Christ Child in the poorest of neighborhoods is the metaphor that indicates where we can start. His angels recruited those that had the least to come to be with the lord at his manger.
The Magi Kings were the last to come. Their duty was to give to the poorest of them all: Jesus.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of LaVozColorado. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.
