“Strong mayor” ballot initiative, backed by Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, clears first signature hurdle

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

“Strong mayor” ballot initiative, backed by Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, clears first signature hurdle An effort led by Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman asking voters to make a change to the city’s charter to give the mayor more power is one step closer to making it onto the November ballot.If the proposed charter amendment makes it onto the ballot and passes, it would change Aurora’s system of government to a form known as “strong mayor,” or “mayor-council.” That means whoever is in the position of mayor could hire and fire department heads, and they could veto ordinances that the City Council passes.If passed by voters, Aurora would join Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo as cities in the state that have adopted this style.Currently, Aurora has what’s called a “council-manager” form of government in which the city manager reports to the City Council but oversees city staff. The mayor only votes on ordinances when he needs to break a tie among the 10 Aurora City Council members.The citizen-initiative petition required backers of the pr...

Broncos’ Greg Penner on Eyioma Uwazurike’s gambling suspension: “This gets to the integrity of the game”

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

Broncos’ Greg Penner on Eyioma Uwazurike’s gambling suspension: “This gets to the integrity of the game” A day after ripping the NFL’s gambling policy in an interview with USA Today following the indefinite suspension of defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, Broncos coach Sean Payton declined to take another swipe at the league Wednesday.“We already went through it,” Payton responded when asked for his thoughts on the league’s policy following a team ramp-up workout prior to the start of training camp.Uwazurike is the 10th player to be suspended this offseason due to a violation of the league’s gambling rules and 11th in the past two years. A fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft, Uwazurike is not eligible to apply for reinstatement until July 24, 2024, at the earliest.Earlier in the offseason, Payton said the team discussed the league’s gambling policies. He expects them to go over the rules again during camp.“I think everybody is adapting to this new policy and what the consequences are. And that can be frustrating when you lose a player at this point of the seaso...

Grand Junction mayor enters Democratic bid to unseat Boebert

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

Grand Junction mayor enters Democratic bid to unseat Boebert Another Democrat has declared for the race to unseat U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert.Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout filed paperwork Thursday announcing her bid. She will face former Aspen City Council member Adam Frisch in the Democratic primary next summer.Frisch came within 600 votes of beating Boebert in November and already holds a multimillion-dollar fundraising advantage over the incumbent.Stout did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday afternoon. Stout’s candidacy was first reported by The Colorado Sun.Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout. (City of Grand Junction)Stout is in her second term on the Grand Junction City Council and currently serving as its president and mayor. She was unopposed in her April re-election bid. Stout is the founder and president of a nonprofit aimed at fostering Grand Junction’s sister city relationship with El Espino, El Salvador, and owner of a translation and interpretation company, according to her biography on the city’s...

CU Buffs “in discussions” for return to Big 12 Conference, exit from Pac-12, source confirms

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

CU Buffs “in discussions” for return to Big 12 Conference, exit from Pac-12, source confirms Ralphie could be running back into the arms of the Big 12.The CU Buffs sent another shockwave through college football after a report via Twitter posted Wednesday that the school was  “in discussions” to return to the Big 12, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, a report confirmed to The Denver Post by a source, following an executive session of the board of regents.CU’s regents scheduled another meeting for Thursday, where they are expected to approve a move to the conference, Brett McMurphy of The Action Network tweeted. Big 12 presidents were also expected to meet Wednesday evening for “an expansion update,” according to Thamel.CU left the Big 12, of which it was a founding member, in 2010 to join an expanding Pac-12, ending an association of 63 straight seasons as a member of the Big 12, Big Eight or Big Seven.Then, as now, the primary reasons that are believed to be behind the university’s discussions are stability and financial security. Ironically, CU w...

'Vicious assailant': Man arrested in series of attacks on women in L.A.

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

'Vicious assailant': Man arrested in series of attacks on women in L.A. A man suspected in a series of attacks on women in the Los Angeles area has been arrested, officials announced Wednesday.Sergio Andrew Garcia, 21, was wanted in connection with at least eight assaults, officials previously said. He was apprehended in Tijuana and was brought back to L.A. County. During a news conference detailing the arrest, Sheriff Robert Luna called the suspect a "viscous assailant." The attacks began on July 10, when Garcia allegedly assaulted a woman and tried to remove her clothing as she was walking under the 110 Freeway in downtown L.A., police said.Sergio Andrew Garcia is seen in photos released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on July 18, 2023. The following morning in South L.A., Garcia allegedly approached another female from behind, slapped her back, and then ran away.He was linked to several more attacks on July 15, police said.In one case, Garcia allegedly punched a 67-year-old woman and pulled down her pants and underwear while she was wo...

Massive marijuana grow op found on 'Flower Street' in downtown L.A.

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

Massive marijuana grow op found on 'Flower Street' in downtown L.A. A massive marijuana grow operation was discovered in the heart of downtown Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon.Police were called to the 1800 block of, coincidentally, South Flower Street around 6 p.m., LAPD Capt. Elaine Morales posted on social media. Pot plants discovered in downtown Los Angeles are seen in an image shared by the Los Angeles Police Department.Arriving officers discovered dozens, possibly hundreds, of marijuana plants being grown on two floors inside a large, commercial-type building. "Surprise, surprise," Morales posted, referring to the officers' reaction to discovering the operation. Pot plants discovered in downtown Los Angeles are seen in an image shared by the Los Angeles Police Department."Great work, lots to book, two floors of this green leafy plant," Morales said. No details about any arrests related to the discovery were released.

Man Dies in Head-On Accident on Interstate 805 [San Diego, CA]

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

Man Dies in Head-On Accident on Interstate 805 [San Diego, CA] Male Driver Pronounced Dead after Wrong-Way Collision near Camino Del PlazaSAN DIEGO, CA (July 26, 2023) – Late Wednesday morning, a man was killed and another was hurt in a head-on accident on Interstate 805.The incident occurred shortly before 12:00 p.m., near Camino Del Plaza and southbound Interstate 5.Upon arrival, officers learned that the driver of a white Audi was traveling the wrong way and collided head-on with an oncoming blue Honda Odyssey.Medics arrived and pronounced the male driver of the Honda dead at the scene. Although, authorities have not yet released his identity.Meanwhile, paramedics transported the 29-year-old Audi driver, from San Diego to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.Following preliminary duties, police say the Audi driver was about to cross the border when he suddenly made a U-turn onto the northbound lanes and caused the collision.Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area to determine further information. Once available, mor...

Sinéad O’Connor, Iconic Irish Pop Singer, Dead At 56

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

Sinéad O’Connor, Iconic Irish Pop Singer, Dead At 56 Sinéad O’Connor has reportedly died at the age of 56, according to her family.“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” the family said in a statement. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”The Irish-born singer began her singing career in 1987 with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra, selling more than 2 million records worldwide. O’Connor’s second album release in 1990 caught fire worldwide, charting No. 1 in dozens of countries, including the U.S. Billboard 200.Best known for her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” for which she won three Grammy Awards, O’Connor hit her stride in the 1990s musically and often found herself in the midst of controversy. On more than one occasion, O’Connor was critical of the Irish Catholic church and the sexual abuse surrounding it, calling the Vatican a “nest of devils,” in a...

Keavon Daniels Arrested after DUI Collision on Sahara Avenue [Las Vegas, NV]

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

Keavon Daniels Arrested after DUI Collision on Sahara Avenue [Las Vegas, NV] 29-Year-Old Man Arrested, 3 Children Hospitalized after DUI Accident near Hollywood BoulevardLAS VEGAS, NV (July 26, 2023) – Saturday morning, Keavon Daniels was arrested after a DUI collision on Sahara Avenue.Around 9:58 p.m., police responded to the scene near Hollywood Boulevard.Per reports, Daniels was driving a Jeep SUV on the wrong side of Hollywood Boulevard while approaching Sahara Avenue. There, he struck a Nissan SUV that was turning onto the road. The Jeep then continued driving before striking a Lexus SUV.Investigators say the three children inside the Jeep were not properly restrained at the time. Paramedics transported the 4-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.In addition, crews took the driver and passenger of the Nissan, and the Lexus driver to a nearby hospital for further treatment.Following preliminary duties, officers say 29-year-old Keavon Daniels displayed signs of impairment and arrested him for...

Letters: Energy infrastructure | A good deal | Google pledge? | A dangerous path | Nuclear war

Published Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:28:31 GMT

Letters: Energy infrastructure | A good deal | Google pledge? | A dangerous path | Nuclear war Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Infrastructure crucialfor clean energy goalRe: “Clean energy tech is surging” (Page A1, July 24).Policy works. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history. And the results are already impressive. The article says, “In less than a year, it has prompted investment in a massive buildout of battery and EV manufacturing across the states. Nearly 80 major clean energy manufacturing facilities have been announced,…”The IRA could potentially reduce U.S. emissions by as much as 41% by 2030. But if we don’t build clean energy infrastructure faster, we will not achieve that goal. We must speed up the rate at which we build electricity transmission to ensure we can connect new wind and solar to the grid.Urge your members of Congress to work across the aisle for permit reform that speeds up the approval of clean energy projects and protects the hea...