🌱 What To Know About Denver's New Mask Order

Happy Wednesday, people of Denver! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note. I've brought you an overview of Denver's new mask mandate, an investigation that revealed an animal neglect case, and news about a local Christmas tree shortage.

First, today's weather:

Temperatures will drop to a high of 44 and a low of 24, and a cloudy day is predicted.

Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. Denver's new mask order takes effect today. Everyone ages 2 and older is required to wear a mask in most public spaces. If a business or venue doesn't want to implement mask rules, they must verify that those who enter are vaccinated. (Denver Patch)
2. A Problem Solvers investigation revealed that an assistant superintendent with the Cherry Creek School District is being forced out of her position after she left her Yorkshire terrier in a dumpster, Fox 31 reports. The little dog was found the next day "clinging to life," according to the outlet. (Fox 31 Denver)
3. Two decades after Thad Tigges was shot to death, his family is still searching for answers. The family has increased the reward for information up to $100,000. Tigges, 33, was shot multiple times on Jan. 25, 2001, at 2951 North Newton Street in northeast Denver, officials said. (Denver Patch)
4. The Grinch and Scrooge would be delighted: Denver is facing a Christmas tree shortage, which may leave some with more of a Charlie Brown tree. The most popular trees are in high demand, so you'll want to get to lots early. (Westword)
5. The Broncos and the Denver Rescue Mission hosted a Thanksgiving event for families at Empower Field At Mile High this week. Organizers said the event was especially important after the deadly stabbing at the 48th Avenue shelter. (CBS Denver)

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Today in metro Denver:

• Kiddie Academy and Be Wide Fitness present Turkey Day Virtual 5K (9 a.m.)
• Thanksgiving Eve @ New Terrain in Golden (6 p.m.)
• This is a Clue Trivia- Free Weekly Bar Trivia in Englewood (7 p.m.)
• Funny Stuff(ing) Stand-Up Show in Denver (7 p.m.)
• Almost Famous at Comedy Works South (7:30 p.m.)

Denver Patch Notebook

• Denver Botanic Gardens: You can visit the Gardens' York St. location for free this Black Friday. Experience the Gardens inside and out from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance. (Facebook)
• VISIT DENVER: Welcome the holiday season today at 6 p.m. with Mayor Michael Hancock as he flips the switch, illuminating the city and county building. Catch the light show from now to January. (Facebook)
• Denver Center for the Performing Arts: Looking for something to do with your family over the long holiday weekend? Performances of The Lion King start next week, so the center has you covered with fun, family-friendly activities from the show. (Facebook)
• Denver Broncos Community Development: Starting your holiday shopping early? Check out the team's one-of-a-kind Denver Broncos memorabilia. (Facebook)
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science: If you like NPR-style storytelling, check out "Coal at Sunset: A Colorado Town in Transition," the museum's brand new narrative podcast series, which explores energy, identity, and change in a rural Colorado community. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors into the fold. 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.