🌱 Feds Help Marshall Fire Survivors + Human Remains Found

Get on up, Denver! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in town today. Here's the latest on the Marshall Fire, the U.S. Capitol riot anniversary, a new local public safety nominee and the embattled Beta Nightclub.

First, today's weather:

A winter weather advisory ended at 3 a.m., but be careful on the snowy roadways! You can expect a mainly cloudy and colder day. High: 30 Low: 24.

Here are the top stories today in Denver:

1. Investigators found partial human remains during the search for one of two missing people after the Marshall Fire, officials said. Despite the possible casualties, a professor who teaches emergency management called the evacuation "miraculous." (Boulder Patch)
2. The federal government is offering disaster unemployment assistance and mental health resources for survivors of the Marshall Fire. Those who are out of work because of the fire can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits. (Colorado Newsline)
3. Today marks the one year anniversary of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and President Joe Biden is set to deliver a speech in Washington. Five people died and hundreds were injured in the insurrection. (Colorado Newsline)
4. Mayor Michael Hancock has announced his nominee for public safety executive director — Armando Saldate is the Performance Improvement Manager for the Denver Department of Public Safety. (FOX 31 Denver)
5. Well it finally happened — Denver city officials shut down the Beta Nightclub. The venue is accused of a string of violations, including allowing gang activity, guns and drinking after hours, officials said. (Westword)

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Today in Denver:

• Open House (Virtual) - Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (8:30 a.m.)
• Library for All: Interactive Program for Adults with Disabilities (1 p.m.)
• Brad Williams at Comedy Works Downtown (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Around 44 percent of children ages 5 to 11 in Denver have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine, the latest local data shows. Vaccines are safe and effective for children over 5 years old, public health officials said. (Facebook)
• In light of recent events, this Saturday's Denver Broncos 50/50 Raffle will benefit the Boulder County Wildfire Fund, which is operated by Community Foundation Boulder County, the Broncos announced. The funds raised will help provide assistance to those affected by the Marshall Fire. (Facebook)
• With snow in the forecast and temperatures expected to drop, it is dangerous to stay outside. If you need shelter or support services, or if you know someone who does, please call 211, city officials said. (Facebook)
• Dierks Whiskey Row-Denver is officially open, featuring southern-inspired food and culinary cocktails on Market Street in LoDo. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for 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.