🌱 Demaryius Thomas, Remembered + Flavored Tobacco Ban Vetoed

Happy Saturday, Denver! Here's everything you need to know going on in Denver today, including the latest news about the death of former Bronco Demaryius Thomas, our mayor's veto of the flavored tobacco ban, a DIA cost update and the celebration of precipitation.

First, today's weather:

You can expect clouds and sunshine this Saturday, with a high of 47 and a low of 34.

Here are the top stories today in Denver:

1. Players and fans are mourning the death of the former Broncos star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, 33. Police said they found Thomas in a shower at his home. His cousin said she believes he died from a seizure. "We are devastated and completely heartbroken," the Broncos said in a statement. "Demaryius' humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him." (CBS Denver)
2. Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed Friday the flavored tobacco ban, which was approved by City Council Monday in an 8-3 vote. In a letter to the council, Hancock said he believes the ban should be more targeted. (Denver Patch)
3. Denver International Airport officials are set to ask for more than $1 billion in funding and an additional four years to the Great Hall Project contract, CBS reports. Airport officials said the improvements are necessary as the airport recovers from the pandemic. Under the new proposal, the project would be completed in 2028. (CBS Denver)
4. After 232 days of no measurable snow, Denver finally got 0.3 inches on Friday, weather officials confirmed. Our city's previous latest first snow on record was in 1934. (9News)
5. Can't seem to get a COVID-19 booster appointment at a local pharmacy? Some of Colorado's largest community vaccination sites are offering up to 1,000 vaccines per day, public health officials said. Here's everything you need to know about getting your shot at one of the sites. (Denver Patch)

Today in Denver:

• Holiday Mini Market In Englewood (9 a.m.)
• Holiday Art Market - Denver Art Society (11 a.m.)
• MaxFund Holiday Open House - MaxFund Dog Shelter (1 p.m.)
• The 4th Annual Christmas Bar Crawl In Denver (4 p.m.)
• Kayla Ruby Presents 'A Country Christmas That Gives Back' In Golden (7 p.m.)
• Ben Roy (HBO, TruTV) at Denver Comedy Underground (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is reminding everyone that thirteen new shows are on sale, from Broadway entertaiment, to locally-produced plays. (Facebook)
• When it snows, drivers need to give themselves extra stopping distance and time when near the city's plow drivers, city transportation officials said in a reminder. (Facebook)
• There is still assistance available for hospitality employees facing hardship due to the pandemic, city officials said. Denver restaurant or hotel workers who are unemployed or underemployed can qualify for cash grants. (Facebook)
• New trash days are coming Jan. 3 for many residents, city officials said. Residents can also check their mailboxes for the WasteWise newsletter with the new schedule. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• GMM and its fans will rock BOCO Cider LIVE 6-8 pm! (Dec. 11)
• Women's Real Estate Investment Hour (Dec. 14)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Dec. 16)
• Add your event

Loving the Denver Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at amber.fisher@patch.com

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— 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.