Good morning, Denver.

Stefani Hoery has led a volunteer back-to-school drive in Highlands Ranch, packing backpacks and school supplies for kids in need—her effort now partners with A Precious Child, corporate sponsors, and neighborhood volunteers to equip students for the upcoming school year.

Arapahoe County deputies reported that Miguel Angel Vasquez-Morales—a 30-year-old man with disabilities functioning at a 12-year-old level—went missing after not returning from his break at Sonic Drive-In on E.

Iliff Avenue on Thursday around 7 p.m., and they noted he often takes public transportation with past sightings in Thornton, Boulder, and Brighton.

Denver hairstylist Jax Gratton, missing for two months, was found decomposed under a second-story window in Lakewood and her autopsy listed her cause of death as undetermined, noting injuries that could be consistent with a fall, assault or drug complications + police continue to investigate her case.

RiNo Art District is starting a pop-up program that gives local artists a $1,500 stipend and free rent for several months to use empty commercial spaces.

The first pop-up is at 2601 Walnut Street Unit 210, owned by EDENS, and will host open studio hours on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m.—an artist talk is set for August 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. as the program grows.

A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Jose Barco, now detained at Aurora ICE Processing Center, awaits a decision on his immigration status following his conviction (he was found guilty on violent felony charges).

His next hearing (set for Monday, August 11) will decide if his service-connected injuries and delayed citizenship process grant him relief from deportation.

Today, Denver residents face hazardous air quality as wildfire smoke from fires on the Western Slope combines with high ozone and extreme heat amid dry conditions.

Health experts warn that these conditions may worsen respiratory issues and advise residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities — taking steps like keeping windows closed and using recirculating air on their ACs.