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Articles by Jordan Chavez
How a Marine in Colorado hopes to use his facial hair to connect veterans with jobs
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo — The number of suicides by the people who fight to defend the United States is on the rise. The latest numbers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs show the average number of veteran suicides per day was nearly 17 in 2020. About 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year, according to the VA, and veterans are 57 percent more at risk for suicide than non-military adults. Struggles to find work after life in the military is a big factor in the number of veteran suicides.
'I'm still catching my balance': Older LGBTQ+ members describe changes since 1969 Stonewall Riots
DENVER — The LGBTQ+ community has seen many changes in the United States since June 28,1969, when New York City Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village in New York City. At that time, homosexuality was considered a criminal offense, and it was common for police to raid bars like the Stonewall Inn. But this raid led to a nighttime riot. Over the next six days, thousands took to the streets in protest in what became known as the Stonewall Riots, or the Stonewall Uprising.
Answering viewer questions addressed to the LGBTQ+ community
DENVER — During Pride Month, we are providing a safe space for viewers to start a conversation around Pride and LGBTQ+ issues. If you have a question you would like to ask our Race and Culture Team, you can text your questions to us at 303-871-1491 and we can start a meaningful conversation. We will be updating this article as we receive more questions. You can find the answers to previously asked questions below: How many countries don't have protections for LGBTQ+ people?
Arvada wellness coach uses cold exposure therapy improve mental health
ARVADA, Colo. — As focus on mental health grows more prevalent in the U.S., people are trying out different methods to find what best suits them. For some, help is found through therapy, exercise or journaling. Other times, less conventional methods are applied like cold plunge therapy. That's what Arvada wellness coach, Ben King, credits for what he and his wife describe as a dramatic improvement in his mental health.
No Social challenge asks others to take a break from social media
DENVER — Maddie Freeman, a student at University of Colorado Boulder (CU), knows the about the impact of social media on kids' mental health and created a digital detox challenge that's now going viral and helping students around the world. No Social (NoSo) is a campaign challenging young people to take a month-long break from social media for their mental health.
Lady Justice Brewing serving up change with new beer
AURORA, Colo. — A popular Colorado brewery is serving up change. Lady Justice's newest beer is bolstering protection for the LGBTQ+ community. The brew, called the Strawberry LaLager, is a first of its kind and "focused on creating a beer for the drag community by the drag community," Alison Wisneski, Lady Justice's director of marketing, said. The beer's namesake is LaLa Queen, a well-known drag queen in the Denver metro area.
Youth drill team returns art of stepping to Montbello
Local News The non-profit youth organization teaches kids the art of step, a dance deeply embedded in Black history. Author: Jordan Chavez Published: 12:02 PM MST February 6, 2023 Updated: 12:02 PM MST February 6, 2023 DENVER — With every single stomp and clap, The Colorado Community Elite Drill Team moves as one.
Youth drill team returns art of stepping to Montbello
Black History The non-profit youth organization teaches kids the art of step, a dance deeply embedded in Black history. Author: Jordan Chavez Published: 12:02 PM MST February 6, 2023 Updated: 12:02 PM MST February 6, 2023 DENVER — With every single stomp and clap, The Colorado Community Elite Drill Team moves as one.
Broncos cheerleaders inspire American Dream for young Latinas
DENVER — As the blurred orange and blue crowd roars in the background and camera crews sprawl across the field, Daniela finds herself in the middle of a dream. It's one that lived only in her head as a child growing up in Chihuahua, Mexico, where she and her family watched the Denver Broncos play on TV every weekend. It wasn't the players Daniela was focused on. Her eyes were on the women with pom-poms that lined the field.
'¡Si se puede!': Porristas de los Broncos de Denver inspiran a jóvenes latinas
DENVER — Mientras una multitud borrosa de color naranja y azul ruge en el fondo y los equipos de cámara se distribuyen por el campo, Daniela se encuentra en medio de un sueño. Es uno que solo vivía en su cabeza mientras crecía en Chihuahua, México, donde ella y su familia veían jugar a los Denver Broncos en la televisión todos los fines de semana. No eran los jugadores en los que estaba enfocada Daniela. Sus ojos estaban puestos en las mujeres con pompones que rodeaban el campo.
When employees don't have psychological safety at work, it costs their bosses the most
The number of people quitting their jobs could have less to do with the actual work and more to do with how employees are treated. DENVER — Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, tens of millions of Americans have quit their jobs. A Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed employers advertised 10.9 million job openings, up from 10.8 million the previous month.
Colorado author wants to help LGBTQ+ community by sharing personal stories
A local author wants to help LGBTQ+ community members know they are not alone in her book "Pride in the Voices." DENVER — Heather Spillman has a child in the LGBTQ community and she's putting her heart into this specific community. In an effort to help them know they are not alone and to help family and friends understand them – she collected a variety of personal stories from people about what it was like for them to come out to friends and family.
'I pretty much stopped dating': How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected single people
DENVER — There’s no arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone. Some people have been financially strapped due to the economic downturn as hundreds of thousands of others grieved for loved ones killed by the virus. But the pandemic's effect on another population has the potential for a different set of severe outcomes. Since March of last year, the pandemic forced people across the world to isolate.
Colorado student in Washington told to prepare for Inauguration Day 'as you would for a hurricane'
Libby Lukens returned to Washington from her winter break to a drastically different city filled with national guard members. STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — As Americans mentally prepared themselves for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, just two weeks after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, images of a bleak-looking Washington, flooded screens across the country. For most of those people, the option always remained to momentarily look away or turn off the news altogether.
In a year like 2021, Halloween monsters get an early spotlight in Denver
Located at Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall, Distortions Monster World celebrates all things 'monster.' DENVER — Camouflaged in the middle of downtown Denver's 16th Street Mall is a world most people have to wait until October to see. Inside Distortions Monster World, a new kind of art installation, lives life-sized ghouls, snarling gargoyles and other creatures of the night.
How a Colorado woman is trying to help more students of color earn college degrees
Jordan Matthews is earning dual degrees and works as an equity peer leader to mentor other students of color. DENVER — As she types up notes on her laptop inside Metro State University (MSU) Denver's Jordan Student Success Center, Jordan Matthews' face reflects one of studious concentration. With the amount of focus she places on her school work, it's hard to believe there was ever a possibility she wouldn't continue her education beyond high school.
2020 brings highest levels of air pollution the Denver metro area has seen in a decade
CDPHE said the effects of the wildfires' smoke has contributed to the worsening air pollution in Denver. DENVER — Colorado's front range saw another smoky, nasty and hazy day. From Colorado State University's northern campus to Boulder and downtown Denver, haze from wildfires burning across the state, as well as the western part of the country, hung around and is likely to continue over the next couple of days.
Denver high school students organize mock election, engage classmates in current politics
The student council at John F. Kennedy High School prepared a mock election that asks students to vote on Colorado's initiatives. DENVER — As voters across the country tuned into Wednesday night's vice presidential debate to stay informed, high school students in Denver are finding ways to engage in the election process before most of them are even eligible to cast a ballot. John F. Kennedy High School is preparing for a mock election on Nov. 3 organized by its student council.
Gay Twitter users take over Proud Boys hashtag with photos of their love
Members of the LGBTQI community are taking back a term Proud Boys from the far-right extremist group. DENVER — Gay men across the country are flooding twitter with photos depicting their love. They're taking back the term Proud Boys from the far-right extremist group that President Donald Trump told to "stand back and stand by" when he refused to condemn white supremacists in last week's debate.
They understand, but these goat-showing siblings are bummed the National Western Stock Show won't happen in 2021
"I was pretty sad about it, but now looking back I completely understand what they’re trying to do," said Cassidy Jagers, a 17-year-old who planned to show her goat. DENVER — The decision wasn't made lightly, but earlier this month the National Western Stock Show's President & CEO Paul Andrews announced the 115th annual event would be postponed to 2022.
Ahead of any potential SCOTUS battle on Roe v. Wade, Coloradans set to vote on 22-week abortion ban
Proposition 115 would restrict women in Colorado from getting abortions after 22 weeks, or about five months. DENVER — While much of the national conversation is around Roe v. Wade and what might happen as a SCOTUS nominee battle plays out in Washington, Colorado voters will make a choice about restricting certain abortions in November. Proposition 115 would restrict women in Colorado from getting abortions after 22 weeks, or about five months.
How Denver restaurants are preparing for outdoor dining in colder weather
My Brother's Bar in Denver has a creative approach with individual, heated solar domes. Each will have its own theme, the owner said. DENVER — As you cross off the final days of summer, restaurant and bar owners across Colorado are forced to turn their attention to maintaining business when temperatures begin to drop. Since being able to reopen to dine-in customers, many restaurants have relied heavily on extended patios that stretch onto the sidewalks or spill over onto blocked-off streets.
Same weather system that helped Colorado fires worsened West Coast fires
"Our blessing, kind of, was their curse," said Paul Schlatter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder. DENVER — The haze over Colorado made its return on Tuesday after a weekend inside a 'smoke-free bubble.' A wind shift last week caused the smoke from California and Oregon’s wildfires to drift west over the Pacific Ocean. That brought some of those strange orange skies that Colorado towns have seen many times this summer, to some of the coastal cities on the West Coast.
Aurora Police officer suspended 40 hours for pulling gun on doctor entering his own property
The doctor involved told 9NEWS he believes the officer's actions were racially motivated. AURORA, Colo — An Aurora Police officer has been suspended for 40 hours after video showed him pulling a gun on a doctor trying to park on his own property. That's according to a letter Dr. P.J. Parmar said the Aurora Poice Department sent to him. The letter forwarded to 9NEWS says the officer was also ordered to receive additional training.
'I've never experienced anything more frightening': Fort Collins dad describes attempted kidnapping
"Everyone on the block that has kids is getting a camera," a father said after a man was charged with trying to entice his daughter. FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A father in Fort Collins is issuing a warning to the public, while a man accused of child enticement waits for a judge's ruling. Philip Colvin's corner of Fort Collins is stepping up its neighborhood watch to keep a more watchful eye over the kids who live there. "Everyone on the block that has kids is getting a camera," Colvin said.
'I've never experienced anything more frightening': Fort Collins dad describes attempted kidnapping
Christopher Clay Webb has two prior arrests related to incidents involving children, but charges were ultimately dropped in both cases, prosecutors said. FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A father in Fort Collins is issuing a warning to the public, while a man accused of child enticement waits for a judge's ruling. Philip Colvin's corner of Fort Collins is stepping up its neighborhood watch to keep a more watchful eye over the kids who live there.
Boulder Valley School District teachers trying new virtual method to teach students math and literacy
The district has created a library of engaging videos to help teach elementary students. BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Students in the Boulder Valley School District kicked off their new year on Wednesday at home. This time around, elementary school students will be learning from several teachers across the district. That's because teachers said they learned a lot from the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presented last semester and they didn't want to be caught off guard again.
Colorado among first in the US to allow women the right to vote
Like recreational marijuana and same-sex marriage, the Centennial State allowed women to vote long before it was legal at the federal level. DENVER — Tuesday marked 100 years since the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was ratified which gave women the right to vote. But in 1920, Colorado was already ahead of the game. Like recreational marijuana and same-sex marriage, the Centennial State allowed women to vote long before it was legal at the federal level.
How travel, supply truckers have been impacted by fire's I-70 closure
Safeway said its trucks have done some rerouting, but so far aren't experiencing significant delays at any store across the state. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Colorado has been a popular place for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to AAA, Denver was the No. 1 travel destination in its data, jumping up eight spots and knocking Orlando out of that poll position for the summer.
‘I’m a rafter, not a firefighter’: Fire crews get help from unlikely places to fight Grizzly Creek Fire
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Gregory Cowan’s years as a rafting guide trained him to run his own rafting company. Never did he think those skills would be used to help battle a major wildfire. Cowan and his wife bought then-named Rock Gardens Rafting in 2017 after Cowan had already spent years working as one of the company’s guides. Shortly after, they renamed the company Defiance Rafting.
'We're just calling him our angel': Rafting guide rescues family biking near Glenwood Springs wildfire
Tara Schleser and her daughters rented bikes and were out on a ride when they learned about the fire. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — A family who was visiting Colorado from the Chicago area suddenly found themselves in the middle of the Grizzly Creek Fire burning near Glenwood Springs. "The smoke just started to get more and more intense. And we started to feel the ash hitting our face and getting in our eyes," said Tara Schleser.
'It's a lot of hard choices': Parents stressed, anxious about back-to-school decisions
Making a choice between remote and in-person learning isn't an easy one for many parents who struggle to determine which is best. DENVER — Parents across Colorado have to deal with tough choices when it comes to the upcoming school year for their children. Linnea Covington understands the feeling all too well. Her son, Gunnar, is about to start first grade at Rocky Mountain Prep Berkeley Elementary Charter School in the Denver Public School District (DPS).
Prospective teachers having trouble finding work during COVID-19 pandemic
GOLDEN, Colo. — Alex Emerson thought she was getting an early start on her job search for the upcoming school year when she started submitting applications back in May. She said at that point, there were still a lot of open positions and she felt hopeful she'd land at least one. As the country moved further into the COVID-19 pandemic, Emerson said the different jobs started dwindling without anyone seeming to actually fill the unoccupied positions.
History shows opposition to mask orders is nothing new
During the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918 there was a similar debate about masks and whether there should be mandates to wear them. DENVER — As the old saying goes, history has a way of repeating itself. This holds true for anyone looking to compare today's COVID-19 pandemic to the Spanish Influenza outbreak in 1918. It’s estimated about 1,500 people died in Denver and 8,000 across the state when that particular pandemic swept through Colorado.
Aurora Police facing possible federal lawsuit after officer pulls gun on doctor entering his own property
Video now going viral shows one of the department's officers pulling a gun on a doctor trying to park on his own property. AURORA, Colo. — The Aurora Police Department (APD) is once again under scrutiny. Video now going viral shows one of the department's officers pulling a gun on a doctor trying to park on his own property. Dr. P.J. Parmar is the owner and founder of Mango House in Aurora, a shared space for refugees. Mango House currently spans two properties at 10180 E.
Denver photographers protest racism through photography
A unique kind of protest, sparked by a now-viral video, took place Tuesday night in Denver's Hilltop neighborhood. DENVER — Denver photographers gathered Tuesday night to protest racism sparked by a now-viral video recorded in Denver's Hilltop neighborhood. The video showed a woman in Denver profanely berating a Black man after he took a photo of a house in her neighborhood over the weekend. Behind the camera was an ally who stepped in to tell the woman to stop harassing the man.
Q&A: APD interim chief stands behind police response to weekend protesters
APD noted in a series of tweets Saturday afternoon that the demonstrations had been peaceful, but warned of a "small group of agitators." AURORA, Colo. — Aurora's Interim Police Chief is standing behind her department's response during weekend protests related to the death of Elijah McClain. The Aurora Police Department (APD) has faced heavy criticism for wearing riot gear and using pepper spray and gas against protesters.
'There is no history without Black history': Denver school pushes for more inclusive curriculum
Students began pushing for the change after an eye opening visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture last year. DENVER — Adding the history of Black people in America to school curriculums is a conversation districts across the country are having. Denver Public School (DPS) Board Member Tay Anderson has been calling for it for the past few weeks. DPS said it's already working on those changes and that's largely because of one school in the district.
Mental health advocates say defunding police would not be so bad
Several Denver City Council members say they would be in favor of scrutinizing the budget of the Denver Police Department, amid calls nationwide to defund police. DENVER — Since the death of George Floyd, there have been cries all across the U.S. to defund the police. Several Denver City Council members said they would be in favor of scrutinizing the budget of the Denver Police Department, amid calls nationwide to defund police.
Listen to some of the voices of Colorado's Black community
DENVER, Colorado — George Floyd's death sparked anger, frustration and confusion throughout America and the world. It also fueled substantive conversations about racism, and more importantly, ending it. For some, it's a more personal issue. We sat down with seven people in Colorado's Black community to hear their messages and give them a voice and a platform to share their views.
Colorado woman tests positive for COVID-19 a 2nd time Original
Less than two months after testing positive for COVID-19, and two negative tests, a Lafayette woman tested positive again. LAFAYETTE, Colo — A month 1/2 since her first time contracting the novel coronavirus, a woman in Lafayette found out she tested positive for COVID-19 — again. Michelle Hart first developed COVID-19 symptoms at the end of April. Doctors administered a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PRC) test — commonly performed with a nasal swab for coronavirus.
Gov. Polis' executive order limiting evictions about to expire, state legislators seeking to help renters
Colorado's state senate heard a housing assistance bill that's meant to help renters impacted by COVID-19. DENVER — A lot of people are struggling to pay rent and Democratic Governor Jared Polis' executive order protecting Coloradans from evictions is about to expire. State legislators are quickly working to make sure people who've been negatively impacted by COVID-19 get some money. Colorado state senators heard a second reading of a housing assistance bill late Thursday night.
Finding Her Funny Bones
Bishop ‘outraged’ after President Trump poses with Bible in front of St. John’s Church After threatening to use the U.S. military in American cities to put down unrest over the death of George Floyd, President Trump posed for cameras holding a Bible in front of St. John's Episcopal Church – a moment that left the Right Rev.
Mountain towns look forward to reopening after pandemic devastated their economies
Colorado tourism leaders are hopeful unemployment will go down while spending in mountain communities goes up. EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — Mountain towns have been financially devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most communities in the high country rely on tourism which has been all but eliminated since March. Now that some counties have been granted variances, the state's tourism leaders are hopeful unemployment will go down while spending in those communities goes up.
Gyms in Douglas County prepare to open after state approves variance
Gyms were among the businesses in Douglas County. Restaurants, churches and Park Meadows mall were also allowed to reopen. HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Now that gyms in Douglas County have been given the green light from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, their owners and staff have been putting in work over the weekend to comply with the state's safety measures.
Did you get two election ballots in the mail? Here's why that might've happened
Getting two ballots would cause most of us to do a double take. =It memorably caused confusion for a state legislator a few years ago. Now, it's a woman from Jefferson County who is curious why she got two ballots from two counties. Lisa Hemminger has lived in Jefferson County for the past 20 years and this is the first time this has happened to her. However, this isn't the first time we've ever heard of this problem.
Isolation spurring problems among senior care center residents
Isolation can lead to stress and depression. A downward turn in a person's mental health can also have adverse effects on their physical health. DENVER — Current public health orders are in place to protect our most vulnerable populations, but some families of residents in senior care centers say those very rules are starting to become the problem.
Meadowlark Kitchen is hesitant to reopen during COVID-19 pandemic
DENVER — When restaurants are given the green light to reopen their dining rooms, that doesn't mean they have to. That's the way Meadowlark Kitchen, a popular burger joint in the River North Art District, is leaning. Its owners have decided to shutter the restaurant completely -- foregoing takeout and delivery options.
'It's hilarious': Arvada photographer entertains neighbors with unusual yard decorations
For the past month, Kate Davis and her family have re-positioned the skeletons in her front yard nearly every day to mimic scenes in pop culture. ARVADA, Colo. — Her passion is to capture moments. Lighthearted and fun or warm and sentimental are the moments Kate Davis usually captures as a wedding photographer. But business has been nonexistent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as has her income, she said.
'It's hilarious': Arvada photographer entertains neighbors with unusual yard decorations
FEATURES For the past month, Kate Davis and her family have repositioned the skeletons in her front yard nearly every day to mimic scenes in pop culture. ARVADA, Colo. — Her passion is to capture moments. Lighthearted and fun or warm and sentimental are the moments Kate Davis usually captures as a wedding photographer. But business has been nonexistent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as has her income, she said.
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