🚩 Concerning images from inside Aurora shelter

🦠 Health Officials Investigate Claims of ‘Medical Neglect’ at ICE Facility

Adams County health officials are looking into “multiple reports” of an illness outbreak at the ICE detention center in Aurora. Detainees inside the facility claim they’re being denied face masks and COVID-19 and flu tests. Immigrant advocacy groups are alleging “deliberate medical neglect.” Staff at the facility have denied all reports of an outbreak. [Denver Post 🔒]

🚩 Concerning Conditions Pictured Inside New Aurora Shelter

When the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus opened last November, city officials touted ambitions of creating a new “national model” with their tiered lodging approach. But two months later, images taken of the inside of the building by an apparent guest depict allegedly dangerous and unsanitary living conditions. The organization’s leaders say the campus is still working through “natural growing pains” and some construction is still underway, but overall they have nothing to hide and things are “going well.” [CPR; CBS Colorado]

📦 Are More People Moving Out of Colorado Than Moving In?

Is Denver’s population growing or shrinking? What’s actually contributing to our changing demographics? Colorado state demographer Kate Watkins gives the lowdown on how housing, aging, international migration, and dwindling birth rates are impacting the current and future makeup of the Mile High City and beyond. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

📈 Fentanyl Overdoses Remain On the Rise in Denver

Contrary to a national downtrend in fatal fentanyl overdoses last year, Denver saw a 24% jump from 2024 to 2025, according to recent data from the city’s medical examiner’s office. Mayor Mike Johnston’s new Roads to Recovery program — which aims to divert individuals away from the criminal justice system and toward support services — is the city’s latest effort to combat drug use. [Axios Denver]

• How to help: The city provides access to free naloxone and fentanyl testing strips to anyone who needs it. Colorado’s Good Samaritan law is in place to protect people from criminal penalties when aiding someone experiencing an overdose.

Did you know there are sensory-friendly offerings available during the National Western Stock Show? Every year, the 16-day event draws nearly 700,000 attendees. In fact, the opening weekend this year saw a record-breaking 119,000 visitors. That’s a lot of people. But if you or your little ones get overwhelmed in high activity spaces like this, there are accessible options for you!

1. Sensory-friendly room: Located in the Hydro building on the CSU Spur campus, this new amenity is free and available for anyone with sensory processing needs and is equipped with dimmed lighting, blankets, noise cancelling headphones, a blackout tent, and other calming items and activities. Just check-in at the front desk of the Hydro building for a key.
   
   
2. Sensory-friendly backpacks: Visitors to the CSU Spur campus can also check-out backpacks filled with sensory calming tools and gadgets, from sunglasses and ear plugs to fidget cubes and feeling charts. You can request a backpack for free from the front desks in Hydro, Terra, and Vida buildings.