AM
Denver
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
Good morning, Denver. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At American Legion Post 178 in Lakewood, Denver7 honored everyday hero Ranya Kelly for 32 years of supporting veterans and military families through her nonprofit, The Redistribution Center (which has provided over $100 million in donations) during community dinners. Denver7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Denver's former Blake Street Tavern reopens as Tavern on Blake Street under the management of Jeff and Ashley Moerke, with plans to add a live entertainment venue on the lower level and move the arcade upstairs; the bar is set to open in the first week of June. Denver7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform with the Colorado Symphony at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Wednesday, June 3 and at Ford Amphitheater on Friday, June 5 as part of a summer concert series. A ticket giveaway ends Monday, May 25 at 11:59 p.m. for a chance to win admission. Colorado Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Colorado lawmakers avoided cutting core education funding in session and referred a November ballot measure (asking voters whether part of their tax refunds should fund schools and key services). Several education bills were also approved, with many awaiting the governor’s signature. Sentinel Colorado
- ➤ An independent report found that former Cherry Creek Schools officials misused district funds for travel and vendor contracts; HR director Brenda Smith was terminated for cause while Superintendent Chris Smith resigned earlier. Investigators found no evidence of improper gift acceptance (report dated May 12). Denver7
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Generation Z in Colorado is seeking debt counseling as rising costs drive unsecured debt to record levels (about $34K on average). Kaleb Knoll of Westminster cut his interest rates through nonprofit Money Management International and plans to pay off his balance by spring. Denver7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Douglas County health officials reported an adult died from a hantavirus infection likely linked to local rodent exposure, not to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, and they said the investigation is still ongoing + the public risk remains low. Colorado Public Radio
- ➤ Aimee Ward of Denver joined a clinical trial for CAR T cell treatment for systemic sclerosis in 2022 and now reports improved symptoms after weeks of treatment. Dr. Richard Nash from HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s said the trial is advancing to Phase 3 and could lead to an FDA-approved therapy. Denver7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fort Collins driver Scotty Milan will make his NASCAR ARCA debut at Colorado National Speedway in Dacono on Saturday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. Local fans will cheer him on as he takes a big step in his racing career, plus his childhood around cars fuels his passion. Denver7
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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Reveal the authorAbout AM Denver
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