🌱 Unusual Weather, Explained + Flavored Tobacco Ban Approved

Good morning, Denver! Let's get you started this Tuesday with everything you need to know going on today in town. I have an update on what's behind our unusual weather, the latest on the flavored tobacco ban, news about an officer praised for heroism and info about how you can celebrate Colorado Gives Day.

First, today's weather:

You can expect a clearer sky and milder temperatures: High: 52; Low: 30.

Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. A halted jet stream and a La Nina weather pattern are causing Denver's record-breaking dry spell, meteorologists said. We're not alone — many cities across the U.S. are also recording unusual weather. (Patch)
2. The controversial flavored tobacco ban passed in City Council yesterday evening. Proponents of the ban say it will curb youth tobacco use, but opponents say it will hurt small businesses. The council approved the ban 8-3. (CBS Denver)
3. Denver police officer Tyler Carroll was praised for heroism after he spent 45 minutes speaking with a man who was holding a gun to his own head, CBS reports. The man fled from a traffic stop before threatening his own life, police said. Carroll was able to convince the man to put the gun down and he taken into custody, authorities said. (CBS Denver)
4. Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags lowered on all public buildings from sunrise to sunset until Thursday to honor the life and legacy of Senator Bob Dole, who died in his sleep Sunday, his family said. He was 98. Grievous injuries sustained at the tail end of World War II left Dole with a disability, but also a perspective he leveraged in what he considered to be a crowning legislative achievement, the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Patch)
5. Tuesday marks Colorado Gives Day! That means Coloradans will be supporting many local nonprofits that make a difference for those who need it most in our state. Here's how you can join the movement and make a contribution. (FOX31 Denver)

Today's Denver Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Denver!

Today in metro Denver:

• Colorado Gives Day 2021 - Supporting IFCS (All day)
• Colorado Gives Day - International Hearing Dog, Inc. (All day)
• Together Again, Live! An Evening of Songs, Storytelling, and Support for Anti-Trafficking (6 p.m.)
• Buffalo Rose Tuesday Team Trivia (6:30 p.m.)
• Vocal Music Concert - Denver School of the Arts HS (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure: "Did you hear? DOTI is announcing new trash and recycling routes beginning Jan. 3 to make operations more efficient and collection services more reliable and consistent. This means a new trash day for most of our customers." (Facebook)
• Denver Police Department: "Denver, can you help investigators locate Luis Blanco? Blanco is wanted for ASSAULT & FELONY MENACING. His criminal history includes assault and domestic battery." (Facebook)
• City and County of Denver Government: "We have thousands of toys ready to be given out at the annual Denver Santa Claus Shop. This organization serves 13,000 children each year, making sure there's a toy for every girl and boy." (Facebook)
• Denver Preschool Program: "When given opportunities to solve problems that are meaningful to them, preschoolers can increase their creativity and critical thinking skills, both of which can help pave the way for a lifetime of success in and out of the classroom." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Get in the Game! IRA Retirement Investing (Dec. 7)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (Dec. 8)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Full Time Overnight Remodel Merchandiser (Details)
• Add your job listing

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. See you all tomorrow morning for 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? I'm all ears. You can reach me at amber.fisher@patch.com.