🌱 Businesses Defying Mask Order + Staying Home Becomes Lifestyle

Hey, Denver! Let's get you started this Thursday with everything you need to know going on today in town. I have the latest on mask mandates, a big drug ring bust, a beautiful new mural on Colfax and Coloradans now opting to stay home as a lifestyle choice.

First, today's weather:

Another warm, sunny day is in store, with a high of 71 and a low of 41.

Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. Most metro Denver counties now have indoor mask mandates, but reports of violations are rolling in to public health agencies, CBS 4 reports. There have been 60 reports so far in Denver, 70 in Arapahoe and Adams counties, and several in Jefferson County. (CBS4)
2. Twenty-one people were charged in connection with a drug distribution ring that operated in Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver and Jefferson counties, the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday. The group distributed large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl, officials said. (Denver Patch)
3. The artist Detour has painted a powerful mural of Trina Fernandes, a Denver Health nurse, on Colfax. The artist is known for his murals of people like George Floyd, Elijah McClain, Breonna Taylor and John Lewis. (Sentinel Colorado)
4. Many Denver kids are set to write letters to Santa, asking for their dream gifts, and you can help! The letters are posted online for people to "adopt" a child and grant their wish. Here's how it works. (Denver Patch)
5. Around 27 percent of Coloradans have turned staying at home into a lifestyle choice, a study shows. Working from home, dining at home, ordering deliveries, etc. (FOX31 Denver)

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Today in metro Denver:

• Virtual Hiring Event - The Denver Office of Economic Development (10 a.m.)
• Disney's The Lion King - Denver Center for the Performing Arts (2 p.m.)
• Noodles & Co (Arvada) Fundraiser for DDRC (4 p.m.)
• 2021 Holiday Party at Elitch Gardens (6 p.m.)
• Monty Franklin at Comedy Works Downtown (7:30 p.m.)

Denver Patch Notebook

• VISIT DENVER: "The Polar Express Train Ride is sure to rekindle the Christmas spirit in True Believers! Join the Colorado Railroad Museum and experience this classic tale and holiday magic in real life." (Facebook)
• Denver Botanic Gardens: "Stroll through a Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms. The holiday event features LED lights on trees, plants, tunnels, historic farm buildings and more." (Facebook)
• Denver Art Museum: "We are thrilled to announce the first community art showcase, 'Youth Artists on the Spectrum: A Celebration of Neurodiversity at the Denver Art Museum,' featuring artworks from the Blue Ribbon Arts Initiative organization..." (Facebook)
• City and County of Denver Government: "Denver’s shelters are now available 24/7. This model provides more security and stability for those experiencing homelessness. It also means better access to case managers, medical, dental, and mental health services." (Facebook)
• Denver Police Department: "Hanukkah started this week! In honor of the eight-day celebration, we are reminiscing about the time Rabbi Mendi Sirota joined officers at District 3 to kick-off the celebration and to bless the officers..." (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update. If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors into the fold. 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? Reach out anytime to amber.fisher@patch.com.