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🌱 Patch AM: Why Denver just paid another six-figure bill for jail misconduct

Make time for Bonsai Workshop at Woods Boss Brewing on the Denver Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
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What's up Denver! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Denver just paid another six-figure bill for jail misconduct
  • How a Denver family finally saw justice after a 2016 train killing
  • How Denver’s “Santa’s Elves” are transforming holiday shopping for struggling families

Also on today's calendar: Bonsai Workshop at Woods Boss Brewing and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Denverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Denver? Post it to Denver photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Denverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 66 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 68, low: 31.
  • Thursday: Cooler with sun and clouds, with a high of 50 and low of 38 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Denver settles $150,000 settlement over sheriff department misconduct (denverite.com) — Denver City Council has approved a $150,000 settlement with former inmate Justin Skaggs over alleged misconduct by Denver Sheriff Department deputies at the city jail. The payout adds to more than $8.5 million Denver has spent on law-enforcement misconduct cases this year, drawing scrutiny because the money ultimately comes from the city’s general budget.
   

2. 'Sis, we did it': Brother believes justice was served almost a decade after sister's murder on Amtrak train (denver7.com) — A Denver family has finally seen a guilty verdict in the 2016 killing of Marina Placensia, who was found dead on an Amtrak train at Union Station after trying to flee an abusive relationship. Denver prosecutors secured a first-degree murder conviction, and sentencing is set for Jan. 9, while local experts highlight the city’s domestic-violence resources and warning signs for those at risk.
   

3. 'Santa's Elves Shopping Day' brings holiday joy to Denver families (9news.com) — A long-running “Santa’s Elves Shopping Day” in Denver is giving hundreds of local families the chance to choose free holiday gifts with dignity, from toys to Broncos gear. Run through Denver’s Empowerment Program and funded by community donations, the event especially supports single mothers, easing financial strain while offering emotional encouragement and a sense of shared celebration.
   

4. Coors Field cat spotted after going missing for 4 weeks (9news.com) — A familiar feral cat named Socks, long cared for outside Coors Field in Denver, has finally been spotted after vanishing for more than a month, worrying her volunteer caretakers. Neighbors and fans had followed her story online as they searched, and her reappearance brings relief to the small crew that has fed her daily for about a decade.
   

5. Colorado's unaffiliated voters, who make up half of the electorate, hold dim view of both major parties, poll finds (postindependent.com) — Colorado’s growing bloc of unaffiliated voters, nearly half the electorate, is deeply dissatisfied with both major parties and wants more moderate candidates, according to a new statewide poll. Denver figures into the story through DaVita’s former CEO and a Denver forum on open primaries and ranked-choice voting, as reform advocates weigh another push after a narrow 2024 ballot loss.
   

📸 Around Denver

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Denver

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Kitten found a home!
    Thanks for all the help neighbors! Hey neighbors! Our backyard has been home to a stray kitten for about six weeks now. We finally managed to catch… (Nextdoor Chaffee Park)
  • I put food at the self-serve food pantry at E.
    Iowa between S. Clarkson and S. Washington, NW corner of the church property, and encourage others to do so. I try and give away 8 $5 bills a month… (Nextdoor Platt Park)
  • Marriott International posted a job opening for Night Auditor and Hotel Operations in Denver. Apply here.
  • Phenom People posted a job opening for Activities Assistant in Denver. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Denver here.

Ok Denver! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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