🌱 Homicide Rate Spiked In 2020 + New Protected Bike Lanes

Happy Monday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today. I've rounded up new homicide data for our state, art museum and bike lane upgrades, and info about how to get your flu shot.

First, today's weather:

You can expect a partly sunny day with warmer temperatures: High: 78; Low: 52.

Here are the top stories today in Denver:

1. A rise in homicides in Colorado contributed to a staggering nationwide spike in 2020, marking the biggest one-year increase in more than a century, according to new federal data. Federal analysts called the nationwide spike "remarkable," but not "unexpected." (Patch)
2. Cyclists now have a few more options for getting around the city safely — new protected bike lanes were unveiled by transportation officials Saturday. (The Denver Channel)
3. The Denver Art Museum hosted a free admission entry day to show its new $175 million renovation. The museum has a new welcome center, and all galleries have been revamped. (The Denver Channel)
4. Residents of multiple states, including Colorado, are now required to dial a few extra numbers when calling their next-door neighbor or a friend on the other side of town. The new dialing, which began Sunday, doesn't impact the Denver area — it's the 719 and 970 area codes in northern and southeast Colorado. (Patch)
5. Ready or not, flu season has hit Denver's metro area. The 2020-21 flu season is the second Coloradans have faced while also fighting the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Here's how you can find your nearest flu shot clinic in our city. (Denver Patch)

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Today in metro Denver:

• Colorado Behavioral Health & Wellness Summit (9 a.m.)
• Anderson Farms Fall Festival (10 a.m.)
• Comedy Showcase at the Denver Comedy Lounge (7 p.m.)
• The Johnnyswim show at the Ogden Theatre (8 p.m.)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow 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? Contact me at amber.fisher@patch.com.