Good morning, Denver.

Today, the Elevate Prize program announced 10 winners who will receive $300,000 in funding + training to boost their nonprofit work in telling important community stories.

Winners include Mónica Ramírez of Justice for Migrant Women and Boulder-based Mara Fleishman of Chef Ann Foundation.

Denver's Ski Noir 5280, led by Quincy 'Q' Shannon, is easing access barriers to skiing by offering affordable transportation, lessons, gear, and lift tickets for first-time skiers like native Amanael Alemseged — helping build community and expand outdoor access.

United Flight 296 landed safely at DIA Monday night after widespread cancellations stranded tourists in Puerto Vallarta—where cartel violence blocked roads and disrupted travel.

After several cancellations over the weekend due to cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta, flights from Denver resumed Monday when United Airlines started departures, with one flight returning around 7 p.m. Travelers faced delays because few inbound flights ran and travel advisors urged caution & suggested enrollment in STEP for updates.

CSU horticulturist Alison O’Connor (from Fort Collins) advised gardeners to water new trees, shrubs and perennials in a warm, dry winter as plants show early growth and risk cold snaps.

Experts recommend a simple hose method and adding mulch to keep roots protected.

Aurora officials are preparing for a potential drought this summer as low snowpack has left Spinney Reservoir at 40% even though the main reservoir remains full; the Water Supply Watch Team now meets biweekly to update the Water Shortage Response Plan & plan for possible water restrictions.

Colorado recorded 5,299 bear conflicts last year, a 5.5% increase from 2024, with over half (57%) linked to unsecured trash bins; state wildlife officials urge residents to secure food sources to reduce encounters.

After zebra mussels were found last year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) inspected over 438,000 boats and cleaned 30,039 high-risk vessels to stop further spread; officials plan more sampling and targeted treatments at sites like Highline Lake to protect local water supplies.

Colorado regulators are reviewing new rules to bar imposter rideshare drivers as the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) gathers public feedback to boost safety measures across the state.

Denver International Airport’s $14.5M LED welcome sign, built with nearly 1,000 colored rods, has malfunctioned nearly every day since its installation a decade ago.

The airport has yet to fix the issues & faces disappointing ad sales.

On Monday, Feb. 23, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved Laura Clellan as the new director after her nearly three-month tenure as acting director - the unanimous vote occurred during a special virtual meeting with CPW Commission Chair Richard Reading.