Good morning, Denver.

A fast-burning grass fire damaged a model glamping dome at Harmony Domes in Thornton yesterday, forcing evacuations, closing I-25, and injuring four firefighters and one resident (firefighters contained the 10-acre blaze near Elati Street).

Inside the Colorado State Capitol, a stained glass portrait of civil rights leader Barney Ford (who escaped slavery and became a successful entrepreneur and advocate for Black suffrage) highlights his legacy of inclusion.

Sen. President James Coleman says the portrait reminds visitors that everyone belongs.

Aurora Public Schools shared lessons learned from repurposing eight closed schools — part of its Blueprint APS plan — to manage declining enrollments as Westminster Public Schools moves ahead with a consolidation plan affecting 10 schools through 2030 and plans new eastside schools.

MSU Denver launched The Den fellowship today to support Black male educators in Denver Public and Aurora Public Schools by offering professional development and networking (a step to lessen isolation in districts with few diverse teachers).

Denver Public Schools has raised Black student reading levels from 20% to 65% over the two years at Joe Shoemaker School as part of its Black Student Success initiative (serving K-2 students) and aims for 80% by year-end.

The district plans to expand the initiative to nine schools next year.

The Interior Department rescinded over 80% of its NEPA guidelines last year to cut delays on public lands projects, shifting most rules into a non-binding handbook.

Critics say the change, which affects local projects like Denver International Airport’s Peña Boulevard Expansion, limits public input.