Author: I-70 Scout

Denver (May 22, 2025) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, and Denver International Airport (DEN) are notifying the public of a possible measles exposure at Denver International Airport and a nearby hotel. An out-of-state traveler with a confirmed case of measles traveled through Denver International Airport and stayed at the Quality Inn and Suites Denver International Airport while infectious.

The individual arrived at the international terminal at DEN on Tuesday, May 13, then went to a hotel for the evening. On Wednesday, May 14, the individual returned to DEN and boarded a domestic flight. Anyone who was exposed to the case on either of the flights will be notified directly by their state or local public health agency.

“This situation underscores the critical importance of vaccination. Staying up to date on vaccinations and being aware of health risks when traveling are important ways to protect yourself and your community,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Measles is highly contagious, and we are working swiftly to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against this preventable disease.”

Measles is highly contagious and can sometimes lead to serious health problems. It spreads through the air when a person with it coughs or sneezes, and it can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person has left. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Known exposure locations:

Based on available information, anyone who was in the following location during the date and times listed may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine because they are at significantly higher risk. People who are susceptible to measles and were exposed at this location may develop symptoms through Wednesday, June 4. We will update the locations, as necessary.

Location	Date/time	Notes
Denver International Airport 8500 Peña Blvd. Denver, CO 80249	Tuesday, May 13 5 – 8 p.m.	Arrived at Gate A-27 in concourse A at 5:10 p.m. Walked across the bridge to international customs. International baggage claim 3. Main terminal
Quality Inn and Suites shuttle to hotel	Tuesday, May 13 6 – 8 p.m.	Rode shuttle at 6 p.m.
Quality Inn and Suites Denver International Airport 6890 Tower Rd. Denver, CO, 80249	Tuesday, May 13, 6:15 p.m. – Wednesday, May 14, 7 a.m.	Hotel lobby and elevator: Tuesday, May 13, 6:15 – 8:15 p.m. Hotel lobby and elevator: Wednesday, May 14, 5 – 7 a.m.
Quality Inn and Suites shuttle to DEN	Wednesday, May 14 5 – 7:30 a.m.	Rode shuttle at 5 a.m.
Denver International Airport 8500 Peña Blvd. Denver, CO 80249	Wednesday, May 14 5:30 – 10 a.m.	Main terminal, train to gates,  and concourse B. Flight departed from Gate B-86.

What to do if you may have been exposed and aren’t feeling well:

People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads.

If you were at these locations during the exposure window and develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures.

Please contact Denver Department of Public Health and Environment for questions as they are the lead investigatory agency.

Today, Governor Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from 12:01 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, May 26, 2025, in celebration of Memorial Day, honoring the brave service members who have died in service of their country.

“This day honors the incredible Americans who have sacrificed their lives for our country. As we remember these brave men and women, let us remember what they fought to achieve for our country: freedom, independence, security, and hope. I wish my fellow Coloradans  a safe Memorial Day weekend,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Memorial Day was Troopers Top Holiday for DUI Arrests in 2024 (COLORADO)—Long holiday weekends are a time to relax, connect with loved ones and even take a short trip. While we enjoy an extra day of recreation, don’t throw safety rules out the window if alcohol, marijuana or other impairing substances are involved in your plans. According to the National Safety Council, holiday weekends are associated with an uptick in serious injury and fatal car crashes, many of which are related to impaired drivers. “Last year, troopers arrested more impaired drivers on Memorial Day weekend than on any other holiday,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Being responsible should be engrained as a step in making your holiday plans. There are rideshares, public transportation and folks who might be happy to serve as designated drivers.” In 2024, Colorado State Troopers arrested 63 drivers for DUI on Memorial Day, a 117% increase over 2023 (29 arrests). Many Coloradoans consume intoxicated products as part of their holiday festivities, but people need all their senses when driving. Holiday weekends can also be impacted by heavy congestion, unfamiliar routes and other changing weather conditions. The last holiday weekend (which included Valentine’s Day and President’s Day) was particularly violent on Colorado roadways. In addition to difficult driving conditions presented by a multi-day winter storm, congested mountain corridors and traffic delays due to road closures from crashes, troopers responded to seven fatal crashes with eight deaths and four additional individuals sustaining serious injuries. Troopers also had four patrol cruisers struck. “One of those cruisers was hit by an impaired driver that was being pulled over for a traffic stop and at least one of the fatality crashes troopers investigated that weekend involved an impaired driver,” explained Col. Packard. “Please do your part this coming holiday to plan ahead for a sober ride. No one wants to spend their holiday weekend in a hospital or a jail cell.”   In addition to a no-tolerance approach to enforcement with impaired drivers, the Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences an average Colorado driver experiences after being arrested for DUI as part of their “Don’t Underestimate Impairment” campaign during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Making a good decision “in the moment” while already intoxicated is unlikely. Don’t underestimate the consequences of this choice, and plan ahead for a sober ride.

New residential program helps break cycles of homelessness and chronic unemployment

In a collaborative effort to help those who are unhoused, Arapahoe County, the City of Englewood, the City of Littleton and the City of Sheridan have opened a new Bridge House Ready to Work Tri-Cities location, offering a comprehensive solution to homelessness, unemployment, and community reintegration.

The state-of-the-art facility, located at 4675 S. Windermere St. in Englewood, represents a significant investment in human potential. Spanning 13,150 square feet, the center can accommodate up to 50 participants in a transformative 9-month to one-year program that boasts an 80% success rate.

“Addressing homelessness and harm reduction are top priorities for the residents of Arapahoe County,” said Board Chair Leslie Summey. “Our $1.5 million ARPA investment demonstrates our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for our most vulnerable community members.”

Bridge House’s Ready to Work program provides a holistic approach to breaking cycles of poverty and marginalization through three critical components:

– Paid work in social enterprise settings

– Supportive dormitory housing

– Comprehensive case management support

“This project reflects what’s possible when local governments and nonprofits come together with a shared purpose,” said Englewood Mayor Othoniel Sierra. “We’re proud to support a program that offers not just shelter, but a real path forward for people who are ready to rebuild their lives. This is about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity in our community.”

“Littleton is grateful to be a partner in such important work. Bridge House, Ready to Work and the Navigation Center will offer support and hope, transforming the lives of people facing hardship. I’m thankful for the hard work of everyone who brought this project to life,” said Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter

The project’s funding represents a significant multi-jurisdictional commitment:

– Arapahoe County: $1 million (American Rescue Plan Act Funds)

– Arapahoe County: $577,000 (Community Development Block Grants)

– City of Englewood: $850,000

– City of Littleton: $175,000 (American Rescue Plan Funds)

– City of Littleton: $1.5 million Housing & Urban Development grant

– City of Sheridan: $250,000

– Additional support from foundation and operational grants

“By expanding our basic needs and work-first model services and increasing our resources, we are turning the dial on homelessness, creating waves of positive change, and flipping the script on homelessness in our communities,” said Bridge House CEO Melissa Arguello-Green. “Together, we can empower lives, foster hope, and transform challenges into opportunities for those who need it most.”

Housed also in the same facility is the Tri-Cities Homelessness Navigation Center which offers walk-in services for those looking to escape homelessness and establish stability in their lives. The Navigation Center provides a variety of resources, including housing assistance, employment services, medical and mental health care, counseling, showers, laundry facilities, hot meals, and 20 short-term beds. The Navigation Center is not an emergency weather shelter or drop-off overnight shelter.

The Bridge House represents a major step in the Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan. Learn more at TriCitiesHomeless.com.

Saturday, May 10, 2025, marks the 33rd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving – The National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Throughout its history, the NALC has collected over 1.9 billion pounds of food nationally, thanks to a postal delivery network that spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Attached is the proclamation from the Aurora mayor designating May 10th as Letter Carriers’ Food Drive Day.

Participating in this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple: leave a non-perishable food donation (glass is not suggested) in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Your letter carrier will collect the item, and we will get the food to a local food bank or pantry. With your help, letter carriers in the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers can help fight hunger.

This year, and every year, they are seeking volunteers to assist at post offices. Carriers always need assistance with unloading their vehicles at the end of the day when they return from their collections. Food banks may also require assistance loading food onto their trucks. Have a vehicle? You can help unload carriers’ vehicles of food during the day when their vehicles become too full. Bags and boxes need to be broken down, and food weights must be documented. Anyone who needs a volunteer certificate, they would also be happy to mail or email the completion certificate to you or directly to any organization.

Please contact NALC to express your interest in volunteering your time this year to help feed our community. Many area post offices need volunteers. The attached list includes the presidents of the branches in Colorado. They would be the best people to reach out to.

We appreciate your time and willingness. With your help, we can help STAMP OUT HUNGER!

Colorado Branch President contacts

Durango, Colo — Next week, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will convene for a hybrid meeting in Durango. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wed., May 7, and recess at 4:10 p.m. The commission will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on Thu., May 8, and adjourn at 3 p.m. A complete agenda along with all materials for this meeting is available on CPW’s website for public review. The meeting will be streamed live on CPW’s YouTube page. The Parks and Wildlife Commission will open for consideration of the adoption of all limited license numbers for black bear, deer, elk, pronghorn and moose for all game management units in the state that have limited licenses for these species for the 2025 big game seasons. The commission will also open for necessary changes to implement SB 24-161, relating to denials, suspensions, or revocations of river outfitter license. Additional agenda items include: Department of Natural Resources update Department of Agriculture update Financial update GOCO update Wolf Program Update Wolf Damage Claim 2026 OHV Trail Grant Funding Recommendations CPW’s Habitat Conservation and Connectivity Plan Navajo/Mancos State Park Presentation Project 7 Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program Citizen Petition to petition to allow the use of non-Migratory Bird Treaty Act corvids for conservation education The Consent Agenda includes: Wildlife Damage Claims Citizen petition for rulemaking related to using crossbows during the archery season License Suspension Appeals Real Estate Projects The public is encouraged to email written comments to the commission at . Details on providing oral public comments for hybrid meetings are available on CPW’s website. The commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. This opportunity keeps constituents informed about the development of regulations and how the commission works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to manage the parks, wildlife and outdoor recreation programs administered by the agency. Learn more about the Parks and Wildlife Commission on CPW’s website.

DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to jumpstart early identification, support, and clear communication with parents or guardians for elementary school students with dyslexia.

“Dyslexia is the most commonly diagnosed learning disability, yet Colorado schools do not have a universal screening process,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “As a former teacher, I know early intervention is key to setting our students on a pathway to success. This bill would require Colorado schools to implement a universal dyslexia screening to ensure our elementary students receive the support, resources and tools they need to thrive.”

SB25-200 is also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta. This bill would require schools to either adopt a universal dyslexia screening tool or develop a process to identify students in early elementary grades who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia. The bill would add an extra layer of reading interventions in the Colorado READ Act.

According to the Colorado Department of Education, dyslexia affects about 15 to 20 percent of the population, making it the most commonly diagnosed learning disability. Early intervention for dyslexia significantly improves educational outcomes. Colorado is one of seven states that does not mandate screenings for dyslexia.

DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick to better support military families by expanding driver license extensions to dependents of active duty members. HB25-1083 unanimously passed by a vote of 63-0.

“As a former military spouse, I understand the importance of supporting and honoring military members and their families,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Current law allows service members outside of Colorado to extend their expired license for up to three years, and this legislation would expand this benefit to dependents of military service members. I’m proud to sponsor this bill to better support Colorado military families and recognize the sacrifices they make for our state and country.”

If a Coloradan’s driver license expires while they are on active duty outside of Colorado, current state law allows the expiration date to be extended for three years. Beginning January 1, 2027, HB25-1083 would also allow dependents of these service members to benefit from this three-year extension.