Denver’s citywide minimum wage increased to $15.87/hour starting January 1, 2022. The tip credit for the food and beverage industry remains $3.02/hour. $12.85 from January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020;

Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is implementing new trash, recycling, and compost collection routes to operate and deliver services more efficiently. As a result, starting January 3, 2022, collection days will change for many customers.

It's almost Christmas, and you know what that means, it's time for Operation Santa Paws!. Operation Santa Paws is an annual rescue campaign that makes sure sheltered pets are well cared for during the festive season. This year, they are bringing back their charity collection drive to help collect and donate pet supplies to local pet shelters. The campaign runs thru Dec. 24. If you want to do your part in making sure that our furry friends are well cared for during the festive season, now is the perfect time.

Denver Parks and Recreation‘s Active Older Adults (AOA) programs engage adults ages 50+ in wellness, exercise & leisure activities that support healthy aging. AOA programming includes: Aquatics; Fitness; Outdoor day trips; Luncheons and lunch trips; Drop-in activities; Clubs; Arts and crafts; Dance; SilverSneakers; Pickleball; Clubs; Bingo and other games; Special Olympics. Winter Registration is now open. Explore the numerous options and get involved.

Looking for ways to keep your kids active and engaged? Then check out Denver's Youth Program Locator. It enabled Denver families to easily find afterschool programs that fit their needs. You can search virtual and in-person programs to keep your kids safe, active and enegaged.

Ghost guns are used to reference unregistered, non-traceable firearms. They are typically made at home with individual gun parts purchased online or using a 3D printer. Ghost guns have become more popular across the nation, and are currently legal in the state of Colorado. But the City of Denver is considering banning ghost guns on a municipal level, citing the nationwide increase of unserialized firearms. If passed, anyone convicted of possessing a ghost gun that does not have serial numbers or markings would have to forfeit the firearm. They could also be subjected to a fine of up to $999 and up to 300 days in jail.

Donate hats, gloves and scarves to help a Denver family in need through Mayor Hancock's Virtual Giving Tree campaign. Donations will be distributed through Denver Human Service’s GIVE Center to individuals of all ages. Donations are accepted through the end of December. Shop and donate online at https://bit.ly/AmznGT2021 and https://bit.ly/YGG2021.

Beginning January 1, 2022, Denver’s citywide minimum wage will increase to $15.87 per hour, according to Denver Labor. The increase from $14.77 to $15.87 per hour is expected to boost pay for tens of thousands of workers in Denver. The scheduled increase comes from a local minimum wage increase adopted by Denver City Council in 2019. It increased the minimum wage from $12.85 to $14.77 on Jan. 1, 2021, and then will increase again to $15 on July 1, 2021, and to $15.87 in 2022. After that, it will be adjusted based on inflation.

It's Colorado Gives Day - one of the largest giving days in the nation! On this day we rally support and give back to our most meaningful nonprofits. Find a Colorado nonprofit organization you'd like to support using the online giving tool. You can search for local nonprofits by location or keyword, or learn about an amazing organization by searching for a specific case. Who will you support on the biggest day of giving in Colorado?

Dr. Sharon Bailey, longtime leader in Denver Public Schools, passed away. The district said Dr. Sharon Bailey, 68, died in her home on Friday night. Dr. Sharon Bailey was remembered as DPS leader who made a deep impact in Colorado education. The DPS Community released a statement, saying they were “heartbroken at the loss", "Dr. Bailey touched the lives and inspired the work of so many in our community, and her contributions will be felt for generations to come," the statement read.

It's December and we're nearing the end of the year. New restaurants and bars continue to open in Denver. Restaurateur Juan Padró's Culinary Creative group added a fourth Tap & Burger in Westminster, Lon Symensma's ChoLon Restaurant Concepts introduced YumCha, a noodle and dumpling-focused concept. Here's the complete list of Restaurants and bars newly opened in November.

Mixing & matching COVID19 booster vaccines have been officially approved, which means you can get a different COVID-19 booster than the type of vaccine you received for your primary series. Millions of people are newly eligible to receive a booster shot. Learn more here.

What if giving to charity is as easy as buying a candy bar? Charity vending machines are back at the 16th Street Mall for the holiday season. Shoppers can support local nonprofits by purchasing items ranging from blankets and clothing to chickens and goats. There are 30 items to choose from ranging in cost from $5 to $175.

Denver Black Friday 2021 is officially here! Most major retailers have kicked off their big sales. In light of COVID-19, many stores go live with their best online sales. Looking to find the best deals for this Black Friday? Here is your guide.

Good morning! Today is Thursday, November 25. Happy Thanksgiving!. It snowed in Denver yesterday? Well, those tiny little flakes didn't officially count. Yes, the record for the latest snow is still extending. According to Denver Weather, Thanksgiving Day will be comfortable with mostly sunny skies, and we won't see our first snow of the season over the next week-plus.

(Kevin Dietsch /Getty Images) Starting today, Mayor Hancock's new indoor mask order goes into effect. This order will continue through Jan. 3, 2022 when it will be re-evaluated. According to the new mandate, all individuals age 2+ must wear a face-covering mask in any public indoor space, unless they choose to require proof of vaccination. Individuals under age 2 and those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering are exempts.

Beginning Wednesday, masks will be required in indoor public spaces in three metro Denver counties: Jefferson, Adams and Arapahoe. The mask orders require adults and most children to wear masks in indoor public spaces. More details here.

Good morning, Denver! Here's your daily roundup Monday, Nov.22. Denver is expanding the number of Safe Outdoor Spaces, as the city's alternative to homeless camps. The program provides shelter for people who need temporary or emergency housing. Residents will have access to shelter, cots, hygiene needs, electricity, food and supportive services to help them find permanent housing.

Good morning, everyone! It's Friday, Nov.19. Here's your Friday morning reading;) Beginning on November 19, the Mile High Tree, a seven-story tall, 39-foot diameter conical structure, will feature nightly free public light shows. Entry to see the tree is free and open to the public from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every evening. Visit the giant tree in downtown Denver and get ready to WOW;)

( Dobrila Vignjevic /Getty Images) Managing your bills can be challenging – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. LEAP, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, helps qualifying households pay a portion of their heating costs. Apply for assistance here.