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A Week In Review

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Africa

Lightning leaves 13 children dead in Uganda

At least 13 children and one adult were killed by lighting at a refugee camp in Uganda. The camp is home to more than 80,000 people, and the victims were attending a church service at the time of the incident. Around 34 others were injured, and it is unknown the exact ages of the children who died.

Miss Rwanda arrested

Divine Muheto, a beauty queen in Rwanda, was arrested for drinking and driving and driving without a license. Authorities say she damaged infrastructure and fled the scene. Muheto has not publicly reacted to the incident. She recently won the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant.

Asia

Famous Indian designer passes

Rohit Bal, whose designs were marked by a deep understanding of Indian textiles, died at age 63. He is one of India’s most celebrated fashion designers and many designers who came after him credit him for their success. Bal’s designs were worn by Hollywood stars and supermodels. He was listed as India’s “Master of fabric and fantasy” in 1996 by Time magazine.

North Korea fires banned missile

Officials in South Korea and Japan confirmed North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile flew for 86 minutes, the longest flight recorded yet. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said the launch will show “our will to respond to our enemies” in a state media report. South Korea plans to impose new sanctions against the country because of the launch.

Europe

Crack cocaine use rising in Ireland

Data from the Health Research Board shows that the number of people seeking treatment for using crack cocaine in Ireland is rising. There were 1,201 crack cocaine treatment cases in 2023, a 594 percent increase compared to 2017. There has also been an increase in women seeking treatment for cocaine use.

Canopy collapse in Serbia leaves 14 dead

Officials in Serbia confirmed that 14 people were killed when a concrete canopy at a railway station collapsed. Three people are in a hospital, including two women who were pulled alive under the rubble hours after the collapse. The collapsed railway station was renovated in 2021 and again this year before officially opening in July.

Latin America

Former Brazil police officers jailed

Ronnie Lessa and Elcio de Queiroz, two former Brazilian police officers, have been jailed for the murder of left-wing politician Marielle Franco. The politician was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2018. Lessa confessed to firing the gunshots while Queiroz admitted to being behind the wheel. Franco was a popular politician who was emerging in Brazil’s socialist party.

Lost Mexican city discovered

Archaeologists in Mexico discovered a huge, ancient Mayan city that had disappeared under jungle canopy. Officials discovered pyramids, sports fields, causeways connecting districts, and amphitheaters in the state of Campeche. The city was discovered with a laser survey that maps structures buried under vegetation.

North America

Officer found guilty in Breonna Taylor death

Brett Hankinson, a former Kentucky police officer, was found guilty of violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor. He could face up to life in prison after being convicted of using excessive force against her. Taylor, a Black woman, was shot and killed by police in her own home during a botched raid four years ago.

Shark attack in Maui

An unnamed 61-year-old surfer in Hawaii was attacked by a shark near a beach on Maui. The man lost a portion of his leg and managed to swim toward shore after the attack. He was treated onshore and taken to a hospital in critical condition. There have been eight shark attacks in Hawaii the past year.

LaVozColorado endorses Kamala Harris

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LaVozColorado Publisher

Are you better off today than you were four years ago’ is a question regularly posed before  presidential elections. In the opinion of LaVoz Colorado, the answer is clearly, unequivocally ‘Yes.’ But we believe the reason we are better off today than four years ago is because Donald Trump is no longer president. And that affirmation is based not only on kitchen table issues but for reasons that go far deeper. 

Photo courtesy: Harris-Walz campaign

The race between the two nominees for the nation’s highest office, Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-president Donald Trump, represents a contrast unlike almost any other in our history. And it is not simply a matter of favoring a tax policy or one of the many domestic policy positions one candidate offers over the other.

This election represents a dark moral, political and philosophical clash between the two candidates that may very well decide the future of our republic. 

We hold this position based on a number of factors. But we begin with the words spoken—loudly and unabashedly—by Donald Trump as he began his quest for the presidency in 2015.

From the day he first announced his candidacy, when he labeled Mexicans as “rapists,” to his more recently documented Oval Office outburst the ex-president has not changed. A recent Atlantic magazine publication confirmed it.

Trump, recalled retired General  and former Chief of Staff John Kelly, was told that the funeral costs—costs he promised to personally cover—of murdered Army soldier, Vanessa Guillen, were $60,000. Trump was outraged. “It doesn’t cost $60,000 bucks to bury a ******* Mexican,” Trump shouted. “Don’t pay it!”

But Trump’s bookended racism, while beyond troubling—and disqualifying—is but one reason we believe this man has no right to ever lead this nation again.

His economic policies, which include tariffs and mass deportation of potentially millions of undocumented immigrants, millions of whom perform some of this nation’s least desirable jobs, could cut the nation’s GDP by 9 percent. It’s a figure, economists, including Nobel Prize winning economists, say is essentially twice the hit the economy took during the financial crisis of 2007-2009. 

Another reason to oppose a second Trump presidency is healthcare and specifically women’s healthcare. Younger women are already being victimized by a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that ended Roe v Wade, the constitutional right to reproductive rights.

Since then, 21 states have enacted restrictive abortion laws or banned it entirely. While Trump has boldly taken credit for ending Roe v Wade, he has also hedged when asked if he would endorse a national ban on this crucial women’s health care issue. 

Not to be overlooked is the fact that Donald Trump is the only American President to face two impeachments, including one for inspiring the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Trump is also the only candidate of a major American party who is a convicted felon and who also faces additional federal and state criminal charges related to his business and political activities. He is set for sentencing November 26th in New York for falsifying business records and for concealing payments to an adult film star. He also faces charges for pilfering and stashing classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago home.

The fact that Trump now owns a criminal conviction was also the reason for the Colorado State Supreme Court’s ruling that his name be stricken from the 2024 state ballot. The case, Trump v Anderson, which was ultimately overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, was based on the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and his involvement in the insurrection.

The state’s highest court said Trump engaged in the crime by encouraging a mob to ‘walk down to the Capitol…and fight like hell.’ Trump has bizarrely characterized January 6th as “a day of love.”

But more importantly, in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President, LaVozColorado strongly believes that she is eminently qualified to lead the nation. 

The Vice President has a lifetime record of exemplary public service as a prosecutor, district attorney, state attorney general, U.S. Senator and now, for nearly four years, as second in command of the country. 

We offer this endorsement because Ms. Harris is the ideal candidate for the nation’s highest office.  We encourage a vote for her because there are a number of critical issues plaguing the country that remain unsolved, including immigration, housing, public education and gun violence. We believe that she will address these pressing issues intelligently, pragmatically and democratically. 

It should be noted matters that await the next President are neither new nor unique. There are wars, Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Gaza, imminent threats with China and North Korea, and the critical challenge of climate change that must be addressed. But we believe that it is her resolve to address these matters in a cogent,thoughtful and responsible manner.

We also are firm in our belief that by word and deed Donald Trump represents a clear and present danger to a Union that has survived wars, economic spikes, pandemics and more for nearly 250 years. Electing him to the nation’s highest office holds peril, not promise.

Our belief is bolstered by the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting a president nearly unfettered immunity for any action taken while in office. With unbridled power, we fear an exploitation of recklessness by a man who is unfit for office.

The ex-president has already promised a draconian crackdown on immigrants and immigration, including rounding up and imprisoning hundreds of thousands of men, women and children; upending the civil service by firing as many as 50,000 workers arbitrarily deemed disloyal; using the U.S. military against Americans for quelling civic and constitutionally protected protest; enacting economy-wrecking tariffs and more. 

We believe that Donald Trump envisions a second term in the Oval Office not as an opportunity to lead and create an America that embodies the lofty words of the Declaration of Independence but as both a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ ticket and a vehicle to serve the interests of a single person,  Donald Trump.

“We have shared with you the many negative reasons former President Trump must not and cannot  lead our nation. He sadly represents hopelessness, inequality, division, revenge and a threat to the nation we know today” said LaVozColorado publisher, Pauline Rivera. She adds, “Kamala Harris’ experience, intellect and hope bring the promise of solutions and fairness to middle America, and a president for all Americans.”

For these reasons and many more, LaVozColorado endorses the election of the first woman, Kamala Harris, as the next President of the United States.

Celebrating Halloween in the Mile High

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The air is crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and October is coming to a close. That can only mean one thing — Halloween is almost here. 

Whether you’re into spooky thrills, family-friendly fun, or something more low-key, Denver has something for everyone. From haunted houses and candy hunts to immersive art installations, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. Fortunately, Denver offers a variety of Halloween celebrations nearby. Here are some fun activities for you and your family to enjoy this spooky season.

Halloween at the zoo 

This Halloween, you and your family can enjoy Boo at the Zoo at the Denver Zoo. 

This event is specifically  offered for people with sensory processing disorders and is designed to minimize crowds. Tickets are available for $5 for children age 2 and under with a candy bag, $18.90 for children ages 3 to 25, $22.05 for adults 65 and older, and $25.20 for adults ages 16 to 64.

For more information, visit https://my.denverzoo.org/batz/55503

Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens

Denver’s classic Elitch Gardens theme park offers its  Fright Fest event to get in the spirit of Halloween. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. and offers free candy, Halloween-themed challenges, and theme park rides. Roller coaster rides are available after dark, along with haunted houses and creatures lurking to give you a fright.

For more information, visit https://elitchgardens.com/fright-fest/.

Halloween at Meow Wolf Denver 

Meow Wolf Denver is ready to help you celebrate Halloween. 

This year, the museum is offering its “Cosmic Howl Celebration” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31. Ticket holders gain access to self-guided creature huts, a lost sock search party, immersive spaces, and more. Additional information about this event can be found at meowwolf.com. 

Haunted House at 13th Floor 

This year, one of Denver’s best haunted house experiences lasts until Nov. 9. The 13th Floor haunted house offers three new themes this year, including Nautical Nightmare, Crimson Night and Macabre. Tickets cost $26.49 and can be purchased at  https://13thfloorhauntedhouse.com/

Halloween Metaphysical Fair 

Offered through The Roots Collective, the “Halloween Metaphysical Fair” gives residents the chance to enjoy a pumpkin hunt, tarot readings, reiki healing, and festive drinks. This event takes place at 1400 Ogden St. Tickets are free and can be obtained by visiting the event’s Eventbrite page. 

Museum of Illusions Denver 

Illusions are everywhere at the Museum of Illusions Denver. Residents can experience climbing the façade of a building dressed like a super hero, multiply as a ghost face, scare friends through a Vortex Tunnel, and more. For more information, Tickets can be purchased at https://moidenver.com/.

Happy Halloween!

‘El Toro’ created Fernandomania forever

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In a small Mexican indigenous town called Etchohuaquila (etch-oh-wah-kee-yah) came one of MLB’s most accomplished left hand pitchers from the 80’s and early 90’s. Fernando ‘El Toro’ Valenzuela was born on November 1, the youngest of 12. Valenzuela’s parents, Avelino and Maria were poor farmers in Sonora that relied heavily on the help of their 12 children. 

Photo courtesy: L.A. Dodgers X (Formerly Twitter)

By the time Valenzuela was 17 he begin his professional baseball career by signing with the Mayos de Navojoa of the Mexican Pacific League. Valenzuela spent several years bouncing around various Mexican leagues before being scouted by the L.A. Dodgers by chance. In 1979 the Dodgers bought out his contract at the time and he became a Dodger in 1980. 

Valenzuela became the first and only player as of today to win both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season, the L.A. Dodgers also happened to win the World Series that year too.   

Most of Valenzuela’s success came while he was a Dodger peaking from his 1981 season into the 1986 season where during that stretch was named an All-Star. In 1981 the term ‘Fernandomania,’ was coined as the 20 year old dominated his rookie season. Valenzuela’s following seasons weren’t nearly as dominant as his rookie season however, he later took on the nickname El Toro, settling down and establishing himself as one of the leagues best starters. 

After retiring Valenzuela returned to L.A. to serve as a broadcaster from 2003 until earlier this year when he stepped away for health concerns. The L.A. Dodgers retired no. 34 last season and his 41.5 career wins above replacement is the highest of any Mexican-born MLB player. 

On October 22, at the age of 63 Fernando Valenzuela died at a Los Angeles hospital from liver cancer. Valenzuela was honored by the L.A. Dodgers in a ceremony just before game 1 of their World Series with the New York Yankees over the weekend. 

In other sports the Denver Broncos did exactly with they were suppose to do, beat a below average Carolina Panthers team without their starting quarterback. 

The game, although closer than it appears was pretty much over at the half when the Broncos led Carolina 21-7. The Broncos added another touchdown in the third and gave up an insignificant one late in the fourth. 

Denver’s quarterback Bo Nix had one of his best games as a pro, completing 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards, 3 passing touchdowns and one rushing. Nix threw to 11 different receivers and ended the day with a 124.2 QB rating. 

The CU Buffs also won big at home this weekend too. On Saturday the Colorado Buffaloes hosted the Cincinnati Bearcats who were virtually tied with CU in the Big 12 before Saturday’s game. CU struck first with a 3-yard TD pass to Travis Hunter. Cincinnati responded with one of their own. In the end Colorado’s defense turned out to be too much for Cincinnati stopping the Bearcats on several key downs. CU won 34 – 23 over the Bearcats. 

Pueblo’s Cutting Board serves up vegan option

In a town of meat and potatoes eaters, Chad Hankins and his wife, Nako, stand out. While they’re all in with the ‘potatoes’ part of that combination, they’re absolutely not down with the ‘meat’ part. They’re not only husband and wife but also co-owners of Pueblo’s Cutting Board Restaurant, the city’s only vegan or vegetarian restaurant. 

Photo courtesy: The Cutting Board Facebook page

“I quit eating meat in 2001,” said Hankins in a recent phone interview. Of course, prior to banning meat from his diet, he said, “I was a Taco Bell guy.’ But once he swore off eating animals, he’s been a “plant guy.” Same with his San Antonio, native wife. 

Their restaurant, he said, is “100 percent plant-based,” and, in Pueblo, a real against-the-grain dining stop. But in a town where in some neighborhoods ‘kielbasa is king,’ Hankins and his wife are, if not making converts, at least opening a new horizon to diners.

Something he’s heard from more than a few customers who have become regulars at the Cutting Board is the sentence that begins with, ‘I’m not a vegan, but,’ followed by praise for one of the dishes served, including their version of Pueblo’s famous ‘sloppers,’ a hamburger or cheeseburger smothered in green chili. Hankins Cutting Board offers one he says competes comfortably with the original.

Of course, while the menu’s meatless, Hankins says the pair are not afraid to find imaginative ways to kick up the flavor in their dishes, including dishes that taste of fat and salt. “Our mashed potatoes are absolutely decadent.” They come dairy—milk and butter—free.

Hankins says between he and his wife, the pair have found a way to discover eye-opening flavors in foods not normally associated with it. They grind their own spices, including the chili that is generously incorporated into many of their dishes.   

But what also makes the Cutting Board Restaurant different and unique is its staff, a number of whom are ex-cons. The other thing is something brand new. Hankins and his wife are offering cooking classes to kids aging out of foster care. 

“We’re teaching them about food and technique,” Hankins said. “We’re also teaching them about professionalism and taking pride in the job you do.” 

The foster care outreach, Hankins believes, gives foster care kids a foundation in something essential. Some of these boys and girls have shuttled multiple times to new homes. They get housed but very little else. 

Hankins and his wife try and instill basic lessons in both cooking and responsibility. Everything is addressed in a 72-hour course that covers everything from taking orders to measuring, presenting and, of course, cleaning.

Their first foster care child, he said, wanted to study astronomy. “We try and relate what they learn here to science,” he said. Precision in following a recipe is what creates success, evenin the sciences. “Your technique needs to be consistent,” no matter what you do. Studying the stars is no different.

Hankins said working with foster care kids was his wife’s idea. After she explained it to him, there was no question, he said, that it was the right thing to do. “She told me a lot of times these kids just get dropped off, their stuff in a trash bag and ‘good luck.’ The ‘good luck’ part often never materializes. 

Working with foster care children, Hankins said, has been a slow process, much slower than he would like. “We’ve been talking with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the DHS (Department of Human Services),” he said. But things have moved much slower than he would like. Still, he and his wife understand. “The wheels of bureaucracy move very slowly.”

The Cutting Board’s current location, 400 South Union, is only temporary. Within a few months, it will relocate to a new spot at 130 South Union. But it will be open with a ‘pick-up menu for Thanksgiving, Hankins said. It’ll be a traditional Turkey Day dinner. It just won’t include turkey or at least a real bird. The Cutting Board’s substitute will be 100 percent featherless but, instead, 100 percent tofu, a soybean-based foodstuff. “You can do incredible things,” with plant-based ingredients, Hankins said. The self-described ‘skinny chef’ also says going meatless for more than 20 years has made him healthier. He says he stands out among some of his hometown, meat-eating family. “I don’t have some of the health issues they have.”

Vote, settle issues at the ballot box

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David Conde, Senior Consultant for International Programs

I turned 18 during the beginning of President John Kennedy’s first term in office. I did not get to vote for him because, although I was in the military, I was not old enough. 

Two years later the President came to Wiesbaden, Germany as the international part of his campaign for reelection activities. It was a time of great excitement.

I remember going downtown with friends to see him speak. His helicopter landed across the street from the lawn of the Amelia Earhart Hotel where we were and in front of the Von Steuben Hotel.

As the President was getting off the helicopter, one of my roommates,“Fish” (we called him Fish because he always smelled even when using a lot of deodorant), held up a sign that read “AU H20” that meant Goldwater when spelled out. Barry Goldwater was a retired Air Force Major General, a United States Senator from Arizona and the Republican candidate for President.

Kennedy took it all in as he pointed to the sign and laughed. We thought he was looking at us until we looked back to the poster.

A day later, on June 26, 1963 President John F. Kennedy gave that epic presentation in Berlin heard around the world and known as “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. It was the Cold War period and the President, a military hero in World War II, was facing threats by the Soviet Union.

I looked forward to voting for the first time as well as to vote for the reelection of the President. However, less than 5 months later he was assassinated on a Dallas street.

The vacuum created by the desire to cast my first vote for my adolescent hero has never disappeared. There was a uniqueness of that man that is hard to explain other than to say that it forms part of his greatness. 

Given the social and political times we live in today, I do not know that a Kennedy type could even rise to the top of our national leadership. I do know however, that the door of opportunity for that to come about must be maintained open. 

This is where our concept of constitutional democracy becomes paramount for our political system to work and the vote of every eligible individual to be cast and protected. It is about the first words of the Constitution, “We the people…”

It is the power of the people that makes our democracy work. At the root of that power is the simple action of filling out a form that expresses our political choices. If we do not do that, we are basically leaving it to others to make critical decisions about our lives, our community, our culture and our future.

 President Abraham Lincoln said it best in the Gettysburg Address when he ends the speech with, “and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

At the time of that speech, the United States was still in real danger of losing the Civil War to the Confederacy. In our time, we are not dealing yet with an armed conflict, but with a contest between democracy where voting is essential and autocracy where freedom is lost.

Rather than grumble or cheer, we must look to settle issues at the ballot box. If we like what is going on, we can vote for it to continue. If we do not like something, we can vote for change. As former President Obama likes to say, “don’t boo, vote.”

The 2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite, an answer to our future transportation

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The 2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite is a dual electric motor all-wheel drive, with 85 kWh battery rated energy, a 150 kW DC fast charging capability, multi-link front and rear suspension and more.

Photo courtesy: Honda

For your safety and convenience, the 2024 Prologue Elite is equipped with driver’s and front passenger, side and knee airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), electronic safety control (ESC), tire pressure monitoring system, LED daytime running lights, LATCH System for child seats, rear seat reminder (RSR), automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep alert, side blind zone alert, blind zone steering assist, lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert and so much more.

The 2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite’s interior includes surround vision system (360-degree camera), head-up display, 11.3- inch touchscreen display, wireless phone charger, USB-C charging ports, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated seats and more. 

The 2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite’s exterior is equipped with front and rear parking sensors, panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming side mirrors, rain sensing wipers, LED fog lights, LED headlights and taillights, remote start key fob and more.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is a car of the future with electric power designed and utilized to achieve a more efficient, economical and environmentally safe world. It’s energy consumption registered a 92-mpg on city and highway driving.

Drive down to your local Honda dealer and drive this EV and see for yourself. It’s an answer to our energy, our economy, our future.  You’ll be amazed!

Denver Parks & Recreation breaks ground on new indoor pool at Swansea Recreation Center

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) officially broke ground yesterday on the highly anticipated indoor pool at the Swansea Recreation Center, made possible by the Legacy Fund and the Elevate Denver Bonds approved by voters. This new facility will replace the existing outdoor pool and will transform the recreation experience in the area.

The Swansea Recreation Center and Swansea Park have long served as vital community hubs, fostering friendships, and creating memories for generations of families. This new indoor pool is set to elevate the amenities available to the Swansea community.

Photo courtesy: Denvergov.org

“Residents should not have to travel far to access high quality recreational amenities,” said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark, “We are so excited to provide the Swansea community with a gathering place and an aquatic attraction that’s accessible throughout the year. This new space will provide fitness and fun for all ages, just steps from home”.

Public outreach for the project began in 2022 and the design reflects the aspirations and needs of the community. Youth leaders from Swansea have been instrumental in the design process, ensuring that the new facility not only meets the desires of young swimmers but will serve as a familiar space in the community for years to come.

The new swimming pool will feature a 25-meter swimming area with three lap lanes, alongside a zero-entry recreational section and lazy river for relaxation and exercise. Additional spray features will enhance the experience for all ages. There will be a party room for use by the community for celebrations. The facility will also include new changing rooms and locker rooms designed with privacy and inclusivity in mind. Perhaps the most exciting feature of the new design is the large 2-story water slide which will loop in and out of the building!

In 2017, Denver voters resoundingly approved the Elevate Denver Bond Program to advance our Denver’s infrastructure, mobility and institutions that uphold our cultural fabric. Thanks to Denver voters, funding for the Swansea Recreation Indoor Pool was supported by a $22 million investment from Elevate Denver.

Our Government

White House

On National First Responders Day, we recognize and celebrate all the brave first responders across our country who risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe. Our first responders represent the best of who we are as a people.  They are the police officers and sheriff’s deputies who answer our calls, ready to help, no matter the situation.  They are the firefighters running toward the flames to protect our communities.  They are emergency medical technicians, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, 988 crisis responders, and all the medical professionals providing emergency care, who sacrifice so much to be there for us when a crisis hits.

Colorado Governor

Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera released the following statement after President Biden’s historic formal apology for the Federal Government’s role in Indian Boarding Schools across the U.S. “Since day one, our administration has worked to build a Colorado For All, where anyone can thrive. Today, as the federal government acknowledges this dark part of our history, we reaffirm our commitment to support all of our Tribal and American Indian/Alaska Native community partners and continue to seek opportunities for education, allowing Colorado and our nation to learn and heal,” said Governor Polis

Denver Mayor

Mayor Mike Johnston, in partnership with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) and Denver City Council today announced KSE’s new commitment to remain in Denver and play at Ball Arena until June 30, 2050. The announcement also celebrated the transformational redevelopment project that will create a new residential and commercial district around Ball Arena.  “When you think of Denver, you think of the Nuggets, the Avalanche, and the passionate community around our sports teams,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.

A Week In Review

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Africa

Kenyan activist detained

Boniface Mwangi, a prominent Kenyan human rights activist, has been detained. Police charged him with inciting violence, according to his wife. Recently, he called for an anti-government protest at a marathon. His arrest has caused anger among those who support him.

Sudan floods outlook

A recent support from a UN humanitarian organization said over a million people in South Sudan have been impacted by flooding. Around a quarter of people in South Sudan have been forced from their homes because of flooding. Figures show that more than 11 million people have been affected by flooding in South Sudan.

Asia

Chinese woman sentenced to death

Yu Huaying, a woman who trafficked more than 12 children in the 1990s, has been sentenced to death in China. She was found guilty of selling 17 children, many of which suffered from depression. Huaying built a criminal chain of child trafficking, according to a Chinese court ruling.

Millions evacuated in India

Officials in India said 1.5 million people in India were evacuated because of a cyclone. The cyclone impacted people who live in India’s eastern states, including Odisha and West Bengal. Storm victims were offered relief camps with food, water and health facilities.

Europe

Cocaine trafficker arrested

Luigi Belvedere, one of Italy’s most wanted criminals, has been arrested. He was arrested in Medellin and accused of specializing in an illegal importation of cocaine. Belvedere was previously photographed posing next to drug lord Pablo Escobar’s tomb. He is accused of working with the mafia Casalesi in Italy.

UK/Germany strike defense deal

Recent reports show the United Kingdom and Germany have reached an agreement aimed at boosting security, investment and jobs. The deal will allow for a German defense company to open a factory in the UK, creating 400 jobs. Now, both countries will develop drones and a long-range missile together.

Latin America

Cubans suffer without power

Thousands of people were left without power for several days in Cuba. This incident marked Cuba’s worst energy crisis in years. Officials blamed the power outages on the country’s electrical infrastructure. Meanwhile, Hurricane Oscar also left its mark on Cuba.

Former Peru president sentenced

Alejandro Toledo, who served as Peru’s president from 2001 and 2006, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was found guilty of corruption and laundering. Toledo took $35 million in bribes from a construction company. He denied the allegations against him and laughed when a judge spoke against him.

North America

McDonalds E. coli outbreak

Fast food restaurant McDonald’s has continued selling its Quarter Pounder burgers. The company recently ruled out its patties because of an E. coli outbreak. At least one person from the outbreak died while dozens of other became ill. The patties tested negative for the disease in Colorado after the outbreak.

Washington shooting leaves five dead

Five people were shot and killed at a house near Seattle, Washington. Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect who is not allowed to be named. Among the victims included two adults and three teenagers. The suspect had no criminal history before the incident.