🌱 $15M Settlement For Elijah McClain's Family + CVS Closures

Good morning, people of Denver! It's me again, Amber Fisher, your host of the Denver Daily. I have news about the Elijah McClain case, a new minimum wage for our state's direct care workers, CVS closures and a local mother who is mourning the loss of her son.

First, today's weather:

You can expect increasing clouds throughout the day, but slightly warmer temperatures: High: 63 Low: 37.

Here are the top stories today in Denver:

1. The City of Aurora has reached a $15 million settlement with family of Elijah McClain, CBS reports. The city agreed to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed over the 23-year-old's death. (CBS Denver)
2. VIDEO: Gov. Jared Polis has rolled out a new minimum wage of $15 for state direct care workers. The governor discussed a deal with unions and outlined a plan on Thursday for the raise. (FOX31 Denver)
3. CVS Health is set to close 900 stores in the U.S. over the next several years, the company announced Thursday. CVS said it made the decision in response to changes in shopping habits, population shifts and changing healthcare needs. The company did not say which stores will be targeted when it begins closures next year. (Denver Patch)
4. A Colorado mother said she lost her "truest love" when her 18-year-old son was shot and killed in what her family said was a tragic accident. Her son's friend mishandled a gun, the grieving mother said. (CBS Denver)
5. If you traveled last Thanksgiving during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, traffic is going to look a lot different in Denver's metro area this year, especially if you plan to make the trip by car. It's also likely to cost you more to get to your destination. Here are the peak Thanksgiving travel times in Denver's metro area. (Denver Patch)

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Today in metro Denver:

• CWCC Women of Influence & Impact Leadership Program (8:30 a.m.)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Sheridan High School (3 p.m.)
• Friends Trivia Night - Colorado Uplift (6 p.m.)
• Red Not Chili Peppers perform in Golden (7 p.m.)
• Bob Saget performs at Comedy Works South (7:15 p.m.)

Denver Patch Notebook

• VISIT DENVER: This holiday season, Denver will positively sparkle! With millions of twinkling lights all across the city from Zoo Lights and Blossoms of Light to Luminova and Winter Wanderland, there’s a light display for every type of holiday outing. (Facebook)
• Denver Public Schools: "It feels nice to give to others, to know that I took part in that," said Isaac Burgos, a junior in the Vista Academy Culinary Arts program. Every month, Isaac and his classmates prepare 40 food boxes for local families. (Facebook)
• Denver Broncos Community Development: Kareem Jackson kicked off the "bye week" by distributing Thanksgiving turkeys and food boxes to those in need with Food Bank of the Rockies. (Facebook)
• Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure: The Federal Boulevard Transit Reliability Project is designing street improvements to help buses stay on schedule. Participate in a self-guided virtual meeting here. (Facebook)
• Downtown Denver Partnership: You, your organizations, friends and family, are invited to serve as Parade volunteers to help bring the 9NEWS Parade of Lights to life. Volunteers needed on Dec. 4. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Amber Fisher

About me: I'm a Patch editor covering news in Denver's metro area and Boulder. I've spent the past nine years working for various news outlets across North America, including Chicago Patch, Global News and WBEZ. I've covered high-profile court cases, civil rights abuses, mass shootings, natural disasters and major crimes — but also countless happy news stories about kindness, innovation and resilience. When I'm not writing articles, I can be found hiking, snowboarding, debating politics with my husband and attempting to be a sci-fi and astronomy geek.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Denver Daily? You can reach me at amber.fisher@patch.com.