Angelika Albaladejo
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Award-winning investigative journalist. Miami-born Cubana-Puertorriqueña. Previously with @DenverChannel & @CapitalandMain
Articles by Angelika Albaladejo
For Coloradans with Latin American roots, the holidays aren't over yet
DENVER — For many Coloradans, after the new year starts, the holidays are over. But for those with roots in places like Mexico and Puerto Rico, the festivities continue with Three Kings Day. “It's a special day that honors the arrival of the Three Kings, which are also known as the Wise Men, to Bethlehem after the birth of the baby Jesus,” said Lori Marie Huertas, who grew up in Puerto Rico and helps direct the Metro State University of Denver Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Industry Partnerships.
Older Latinos face higher social isolation. A new study hopes to help.
DENVER — Colorado’s population of older Latinos is growing, and a new study hopes to build a better understanding of why they face higher rates of social isolation linked to poor health outcomes. The new research is spearheaded by the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization (CLLARO), one of the state's longest-standing organizations aimed at studying and supporting Latinos.
'From Cameroon to Colorado with love': Denver shop grows cacao to make local chocolate treats
EDGEWATER, Colo. — From colorful bonbons to crispy bites of bark, a small family-ownedColorado business is making chocolate into a local treat. Patrick Tcheunou and his wife, Mara, came up with the idea when they learned about an impending worldwide cocoa shortage brought on by climate change and the chocolate industry’s problems with slave and child labor. Patrick grew up in the Central African country of Cameroon, where cacao flourished on his grandparents’ land.
Mexican Christmas traditions take center-stage in a unique riff on The Nutcracker
DENVER — Most of us are familiar with Christmas traditions like stringing the lights and decorating the tree. But a unique dance performance in Denver hopes to show how heritage can influence the ways we celebrate. Fiestas Navideñas “adds a Mexican-inspired twist to The Nutcracker,” said José Rosales, the co-founder and CEO of the ArtistiCO dance company. “The main reason for celebrating Christmas is the love,” Rosales said.
Mexican Christmas traditions take center-stage in a unique riff on The Nutcracker
DENVER — Most of us are familiar with Christmas traditions like stringing the lights and decorating the tree. But a unique dance performance in Denver hopes to show how heritage can influence the ways we celebrate. Fiestas Navideñas “adds a Mexican-inspired twist to The Nutcracker,” said José Rosales, the co-founder and CEO of the ArtistiCO dance company. “The main reason for celebrating Christmas is the love,” Rosales said.
Where to 'shop small' in Denver this holiday season
DENVER — As the holiday shopping season kicks off, some small businesses are banding together to draw the community into their local stores with deals they hope will amplify the fun of in-person shopping. On Tennyson Street in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, the annual Small Business Passport event is meant to keep the local economy thriving, while helping the community finds unique gifts.
Environmental groups' lawsuit argues Colorado is letting air polluters 'pay to play'
DENVER — Colorado environmental groups are suing the state’s air quality commission, arguing in a Denver court Monday that the state is not adequately carrying out air pollution protections for “disproportionately impacted communities.” “This is a first for us, that we're going to use sophisticated legal tools, and we will challenge the state when they fail to protect communities,” said Ean Thomas Tafoya, who leads the grassroots group GreenLatinos Colorado.
Aurora arts nonprofit provides safe space for diverse families
AURORA, Colo. — As kids and their parents walk into an art class at the Downtown Aurora Visual Arts nonprofit, they’re welcomed, no matter where they come from or what language they speak. “Every single kid is unique, every family is unique, and we value them for who they are,” said Priscilla Montoya, DAVA’s executive director.
Indigenous chef uses native ingredients to connect with her culture, share it with others
ARVADA, Colo. — Walking through her home garden, Chef Andrea Condes points out the plants she most enjoys cooking with – fruits and vegetables indigenous to the Americas. “This is abuela, our grandmother cactus,” she said, showing off the prickly pear cactus she’s nurturing in her front yard. The fruit, known as tuna, is not only edible and delicious, but also connected to a rich food culture.
Indigenous chef uses native ingredients to connect with her culture, share it with others
ARVADA, Colo. — Walking through her home garden, Chef Andrea Condes points out the plants she most enjoys cooking with – fruits and vegetables indigenous to the Americas. “This is abuela, our grandmother cactus,” she said, showing off the prickly pear cactus she’s nurturing in her front yard. The fruit, known as tuna, is not only edible and delicious, but also connected to a rich food culture.
Native Max magazine fills its pages with Indigenous fashion, positive stories from Indian Country
NORTHGLENN, Colo. — When you flip through the pages of most fashion magazines, it’s rare to see Native American models and designs. But Kelly Holmes set out to change that. “When I first started out in fashion, I actually faced a lot of discrimination and exclusion,” Holmes said. She’s Mnicoujou Lakota and grew up on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. By 16 years old, she was modeling in Denver.
Air monitoring study finds 'elevated radioactivity' near Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City
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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — A new study monitoring the air near the Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City has found a contaminant you might not expect: radioactivity. While Suncor’s repeated air pollution violations at the refinery have already led to multiple million-dollar settlements over the years, this emerging research suggests another health-harming substance is floating in the air. “We live on a radioactive planet.
By Angelika Albaladejo Verified, Veronica Acosta Verified, Claire Lavezzorio Verified, Stephanie Butzer Verified
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KMGH-TV (Denver, CO)
Verified
Woman with disabilities blocked from entering hospital with service dog
DENVER AND WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — When Jennifer Snider and her black-and-white-spotted Australian Cattle Dog enter a room, it isn’t always obvious that he’s her service animal. “I'm fit, I look healthy,” Snider said. So, in the 10 years she’s relied on a service dog, she’s gotten “used to being harassed about it.” But when a hospital security guard almost stopped her from entering an emergency room last month, she felt it was time to fight for better education on the laws protecting access.
Colorado's young voter turnout likely to grow through easier access, increased awareness of issues
DENVER — Young voters, between the ages of 18 and 34, made up the biggest voting bloc in Colorado in the 2020 elections. And this time around, with more options to vote from where they are and encouragement from organizers, it appears likely young voter turnout will be high again.
Sports betting profits are exceeding expectations. Prop JJ would let the state keep the extra tax revenue
DENVER — Since Coloradans voted to legalize sports betting four years ago, the popularity of these wagers has far surpassed expectations. A tax on those bets is raising tens of millions of dollars for the state each year. But that extra tax revenue means Colorado voters have a choice to make: On the ballot this election, Proposition JJ asks voters whether to let the state keep the extra money or return it to the casinos and sports betting operators.
Sports betting profits are exceeding expectations. Prop JJ would let the state keep the extra tax revenue
DENVER — Since Coloradans voted to legalize sports betting four years ago, the popularity of these wagers has far surpassed expectations. A tax on those bets is raising tens of millions of dollars for the state each year. But that extra tax revenue means Colorado voters have a choice to make. On the ballot this election, Proposition JJ asks voters whether to let the state keep the extra money or return it to the casinos and sports betting operators.
Italian traditions hold strong at Denver's Potenza Lodge
DENVER — In an old brick building in what used to be Denver’s Little Italy, Italian traditions are still very much alive at the Potenza Lodge. “The 3 F’s of Italian culture are family, faith and food,” said Geraldine Pergola, the lodge’s historian. “I was born into the Potenza Lodge. My parents were both lifelong members,” she said.
Chicano leader Corky Gonzales' legacy grows through his son Rudy
DENVER — Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales was a boxer, poet, teacher, political organizer and prominent Chicano civil rights movement activist in Colorado. He was also a father, and his legacy lives on through those he taught, including his son, Rudy Gonzales. As Denver7 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, we sat down with Rudy Gonzales to reflect on his father’s life and how he’s stepped into those shoes to give back to community with the hope that their stories will inspire future leaders.
A secret operation brought Cuban children to the United States. Some stayed in Colorado.
DENVER — When Marta Welch flips through the pages of her old Cuban passport, it’s a reminder of what she left behind, and what she gained, by fleeing the island to live in the United States. “I was so excited to be in America and to leave a country that was so oppressive,” Welch said. It was 1962, and Welch was one of more than 14,000 children who left the island through a secret operation known as "Pedro Pan," or Peter Pan, in English.
From farmworkers to athletes: Colorado's history of Hispanic baseball teams
GREELEY, Colo. — Baseball’s place as "America's favorite pastime" may be fading, but in northern Colorado, the deep history of the sport in Hispanic communities means those fond memories live on. Starting more than 100 years ago, Mexican American farmworkers came north to Colorado from across the southwest to tend crops like sugar beets, potatoes and cherries. Eventually, employers like the Great Western Sugar Company gave their workers materials and land to build neighborhoods known as colonias.
From farmworkers to athletes: Colorado's history of Hispanic baseball teams
GREELEY, Colo. — Baseball’s place as "America's favorite pastime" may be fading, but in northern Colorado, the deep history of the sport in Hispanic communities means those fond memories live on. Starting more than 100 years ago, Mexican American farmworkers came north to Colorado from across the southwest to tend crops like sugar beets, potatoes and cherries. Eventually, employers like the Great Western Sugar Company gave their workers materials and land to build neighborhoods known as colonias.
Denver Healing Generations helps Mexican American teens using Indigenous teachings
DENVER — Mexican American teenagers facing troubles and traumas are finding a new path forward, through ancient Indigenous teachings at the Denver Healing Generations program. “You carry the baggage, the cargas, but you also have the blessings and the gifts,” said John Perez, who helps lead the group. “Well-being and self-care is rooted in all of the work that we do.” Many of the youth joining the group have been disengaged at school or had run-ins with the criminal justice system.
Mexican-American art exhibit explores the feeling of being 'in between'
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — An ancient word is inspiring fresh creativity, and a diverse display of Mexican-American culture, at an art exhibit in northern Colorado. “Nepantla, even though it’s a Nahuatl word,” spoken by the Aztecs, “it's a universal theme,” said Tony Ortega, a Denver artist who curated the exhibit under that theme. Nepantla means the space in between. “That's a concept that many Mexican-Americans feel,” he said. Trying to preserve their heritage, while living in the United States.
Denver7 Investigates visited old oil wells across Colorado to see the dangers they pose. Here's what we found
There could be thousands of old oil wells across Colorado that are low producing or not producing at all, but haven’t been cleaned up by their operators. These sites are referred to as “zombie” wells or “orphaned” wells. A “zombie”well is a non-producing or low-producing well that is still under the operator. An “orphaned” well, on the other hand, has been turned over to the state for cleanup.
Hispanos brought a unique art form to Colorado hundreds of years ago. You can see it on display in Denver.
DENVER — Some of the oldest art in the American southwest depicts the culture and religion of Hispanos, Spanish settlers who moved hundreds of years ago into what is now New Mexico and Colorado. At a gallery in Denver, the largest collection of these art pieces is on display and preserved for study in a library at Regis University. “History hasn't always been written or documented.
When oil and gas operators don't clean up their mess, Colorado takes on the costs and challenges
ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — When Michael Hickey walks around an old oil well site, he’s prepared for the dangers. He wears fire retardant clothing, a hard hat and protective glasses. He fences off hazardous areas to keep others away. In five years of supervising Colorado’s Orphaned Well Program, he said, “we haven't had an accident yet.” But Colorado’s backlog of wells needing cleanup continues to grow, increasing the challenges and costs for the state.
When oil and gas operators don't clean up their mess, Colorado takes on the costs and challenges
ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — When Michael Hickey walks around an old oil well site, he’s prepared for the dangers. He wears fire retardant clothing, a hard hat and protective glasses. He fences off hazardous areas to keep others away. In five years of supervising Colorado’s Orphaned Well Program, he said, “we haven't had an accident yet.” But Colorado’s backlog of wells needing cleanup continues to grow, increasing the challenges and costs for the state.
Almost 'orphans': Why Colorado's low-producing oil wells could become the state's responsibility
FRONT RANGE, Colo. — Colorado is currently cleaning up almost 1,000 old oil and gas wells left behind by operators unable or unwilling to cover the costs and effort. It’s already a big, expensive job, but the backlog of so-called “orphan” wells may soon grow. Denver7 Investigates found that thousands of low-producing wells, still on the books as “active,” are nearing the end of production and teetering on the edge of becoming the state’s responsibility.
Almost 'orphans': Why Colorado's low-producing oil wells could become the state's responsibility
FRONT RANGE, Colo. — Colorado is currently cleaning up almost 1,000 old oil and gas wells left behind by operators unable or unwilling to cover the costs and effort. It’s already a big, expensive job, but the backlog of so-called “orphan” wells may soon grow. Denver7 Investigates found that thousands of low-producing wells, still on the books as “active,” are nearing the end of production and teetering on the edge of becoming the state’s responsibility.
Colorado Brazil Fest unifies cultures through music and dancing
BOULDER, Colo. — As celebrations begin for Hispanic Heritage Month, one of Latin America’s biggest and most-populated countries isn’t included at all. Brazil stands alone as a Portuguese-speaking nation with its own unique blend of cultures. This weekend, Coloradans will gather at a festival honoring those traditions.
Colorado's Latinos are getting better access to cancer care through bilingual patient navigators
DENVER — For Coloradans who worry about how they’ll be able to pay for healthcare costs or who don’t speak English as their first language, accessing care for cancer can be challenging. But patient navigators are helping make it faster, easier and cheaper to schedule appointments, get screenings, treatment and financial assistance.
'Early detection is number 1' — Cheaper, easier cancer screenings aim to save lives Coloradans' lives
DENVER — What you eat, how old you are and even your race or ethnicity could put you at higher risk for cancer. But there’s a lot you can do to prevent cancer or at least detect it earlier to improve your treatment options and outcomes. Scripps News Denver sat down with Andrea Dwyer, who leads the Colorado Cancer Screening Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz, to learn about early screening.
'Early detection is number 1' — Cheaper, easier cancer screenings aim to save lives Coloradans' lives
DENVER — What you eat, how old you are and even your race or ethnicity could put you at higher risk for cancer. But there’s a lot you can do to prevent cancer or at least detect it earlier to improve your treatment options and outcomes. Denver7 sat down with Andrea Dwyer, who leads the Colorado Cancer Screening Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz, to learn about early screening. Most Coloradans only go to clinics or hospitals when they feel sick, but Dwyer said we need to change that.
Cancer risk is higher for Colorado's Latinos. Here's why
DENVER — More Coloradans die each year from cancer than any other illness. It can be hard to talk about, but learning about prevention and early detection can save lives, especially in communities hit hardest like Colorado’s Latinos. They face higher cancer rates than Hispanics anywhere else in the country.
Cancer risk is higher for Colorado's Latinos. Here's why
DENVER — DENVER — More Coloradans die each year from cancer than any other illness. It can be hard to talk about, but learning about prevention and early detection can save lives, especially in communities hit hardest like Colorado’s Latinos. They face higher cancer rates than Hispanics anywhere else in the country.
Denver entrepreneur leans on mentorship to get fresh food to communities in need Original
DENVER — A Denver entrepreneur whose dream of getting fresh food into the hands of communities in need is getting some much needed help thanks to the mentorship of a Denver nonprofit which works to elevate Latino leaders. At a warehouse in Denver, a tightly-knit team packs fresh produce into boxes. Palisade peaches, onions and jalapeño peppers — all grown in Colorado farms. “This is all local food.
New Denver film festival shares stories from around the world
DENVER — A film projected onto the screen brings viewers to another place: the coast of Senegal, where the Lebou tribe is fishing from a boat rocking in the ocean. “We don't see a lot of movies from Africa,” said Ousmane Ndoye. But he’s trying to change that. Ndoye grew up in Senegal. He immigrated to Colorado more than 20 years ago, and since then, he’s been working towards a dream. “We want to connect communities, cultures and history beyond borders through the art of filmmaking,” he said.
Colorado girls inspired to play rugby following USA's historic Olympics medal win
DENVER — When it comes to running across a pitch to score tries, lots of Coloradans may not know what that means, let alone how to do it. But following the excitement of Team USA’s women’s rugby players winning their first Olympic bronze medal earlier this month, girls across the Front Range are more eager than ever to learn the skills of the sport.
Colorado girls inspired to play rugby following USA's historic Olympics medal win
DENVER — When it comes to running across a pitch to score tries, lots of Coloradans may not know what that means, let alone how to do it. But following the excitement of Team USA’s women’s rugby players winning their first Olympic bronze medal earlier this month, girls across the Front Range are more eager than ever to learn the skills of the sport.
Colorado's quilt museum showcases intricately sewn masterpieces
GOLDEN, Colo. — Visitors walk through the galleries, closely admiring the colors, textures and intricate designs on display. Masterpieces depicting the beauty of nature, abstract shapes and the power of women’s right to vote — all evoking emotions and provoking thought. But at least one of the creators of these artworks doesn’t see herself as an artist at all. “I don't sell my work. I'm not a professional.
Colorado takes steps to reduce greenhouse gas from garbage
ERIE, Colo. — As Colorado takes steps to reduce climate-warming pollution, the state hopes to finalize new rules by next year to tackle the methane released by our trash. When it comes to air pollution, methane may not be as well-known as carbon dioxide. But it’s one of the most potent greenhouse gases, trapping about 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide.
Colorado takes steps to reduce greenhouse gas from garbage
ERIE, Colo. — As Colorado takes steps to reduce climate-warming pollution, the state hopes to finalize new rules by next year to tackle the methane released by our trash. When it comes to air pollution, methane may not be as well-known as carbon dioxide. But it’s one of the most potent greenhouse gases, trapping about 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide.
Colorado immigrants share recipes, life stories in cookbook 'Cocina Libre'
When Lila Ylarraza kneads together water, salt and harina P.A.N. – a fine corn flour – she feels connected to her family back in Venezuela. Ylarraza and her two daughters came to Denver nine months ago, after traveling the dangerous route through jungle and desert to cross the U.S. southern border. “From the time you’re born in Venezuela, you learn how to make arepas,” she said with a laugh. She learned from her mother and taught her daughters the same techniques. She cooks by feel.
Colorado immigrants share recipes, life stories in cookbook 'Cocina Libre'
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — When Lila Ylarraza kneads together water, salt and harina P.A.N. – a fine corn flour – she feels connected to her family back in Venezuela. Ylarraza and her two daughters came to Denver nine months ago, after traveling the dangerous route through jungle and desert to cross the U.S. southern border. “From the time you’re born in Venezuela, you learn how to make arepas,” she said with a laugh. She learned from her mother and taught her daughters the same techniques. She cooks by feel.
Greeley parent calls for better air monitoring at school near oil wells
GREELEY, Colo — At the Bella Romero Academy 4-8 in northern Colorado, students study and play less than 2,000 feet from oil and gas operations. “If we go to the playground and we get on the jungle gym, you can see the wells,” said Patricia Garcia-Nelson, whose son Diego has been a student at Bella Romero since 2019. As students head back to school next week, Garcia-Nelson is raising concerns that the state may not be doing enough to monitor air pollution and its potential health risks.
Colorado commission approves sprawling oil and gas plan near Aurora
AURORA, Colo — Colorado’s oversight agency for oil and gas operations has approved a sprawling fracking plan, known as the Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan, which was strongly opposed by community members who live nearby. Civitas, one of Colorado’s biggest oil and gas operators, submitted the plan to the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) two years ago.
Colorado commission approves sprawling oil and gas plan near Aurora
AURORA, Colo — Colorado’s oversight agency for oil and gas operations has approved a sprawling fracking plan, known as the Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan, which was strongly opposed by community members who live nearby. Civitas, one of Colorado’s biggest oil and gas operators, submitted the plan to the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) two years ago.
Environment groups file lawsuit against Suncor Energy in Commerce City
DENVER — Community members and environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against Suncor Energy in Commerce City alleging it has repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act. The groups — Green Latinos, 350 Colorado and Sierra Club, all represented by the nonprofit law firm Earthjustice — announced in early June that they intended to sue Suncor, which they said is one of the greatest sources of air pollution in the state, for repeated violations. Watch our reporting below on that announcement.
Environment groups file lawsuit against Suncor Energy in Commerce City
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DENVER — Community members and environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against Suncor Energy in Commerce City alleging it has repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act. The groups — Green Latinos, 350 Colorado and Sierra Club, all represented by the nonprofit law firm Earthjustice — announced in early June that they intended to sue Suncor, which they said is one of the greatest sources of air pollution in the state, for repeated violations. Watch our reporting below on that announcement.
By Stephanie Butzer Verified, Angelika Albaladejo Verified, Kristian Lopez Verified, Oscar Contreras Verified
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KMGH-TV (Denver, CO)
Verified
Will Colorado approve fracking plan proposed near Aurora communities, reservoir?
AURORA, Colo. — Colorado’s oversight agency for oil and gas operations will decide this week whether to approve a sprawling fracking plan strongly opposed by community members. Civitas, one of Colorado’s biggest oil and gas operators, hopes to drill more than 160 wells east of the Aurora Reservoir, neighborhoods and schools. The proposal is known as the Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan, named for the state-owned prairie lands where the operator wants to install its well pads.
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