Former president Donald Trump doubled down on his erroneous statement at last week’s debate that a Venezuelan gang has “taken over” Aurora, Colorado, suggesting at a Friday news conference that if he wins a second term in office he would order a mass deportation of Venezuelan newcomers, starting in the Denver suburb. So Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about Aurora’s moment on the national stage and dig into the other big stories of the week — from a couple of hotly contested historic preservation fights and a new vision for Speer Boulevard to the latest big step forward for Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke’s dream of developing the parking lots around Ball Arena.

Paul referenced this Instagram post from the Weathervane Cafe about 1709 N. Williams St., and this episode of The Daily about Trump’s suggestion that Haitian newcomers are “eating dogs” in Springfield, Ohio. Patty talked about Aurora’s cultural renaissance and referenced two of Westword writer Bennito Kelty’s recent articles on the Venezuelan gang hysteria in Aurora:

• “Amid National Spotlight, Aurora Disputes Venezuelan Gang Has ‘Taken Over’ City”


• “Tren de Aragua's Lack of Identifying Symbols, Frequent Impostors Could Spur Overreaction, Crime Writer Says”

What do you think about the way Trump is talking about Aurora? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

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