🌱 CO Property Crime Compared To Other States + Omicron Update

Up and at 'em, Denver! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know around Denver today, including info about property crime in our state, the growth of the omicron variant nationally and an explosion in Littleton that left six people hospitalized.

First, today's weather:

A blend of sun and clouds can be expected today, with a high of 54 and a low of 38.

Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. Between 2010 and 2020, Colorado's property crime rate went up more than most other states, according to a new report. Our state's motor vehicle theft rate more than doubled, the data shows. How much did crime cost Colorado in 2020? Around $8.5 billion, according to the report. (Colorado Newsline)
2. More than two dozen states, including Colorado, have reported omicron cases, the latest federal data shows. Around a third of the cases were among people who had recently traveled internationally, and more than half were among people under age 39. Around 80 percent of those who tested positive were vaccinated, so most cases have been mild, health officials said. (Colorado Newsline)
3. Six people were hospitalized Sunday after an explosion and house fire in Littleton, South Metro Fire Rescue said. All are in stable condition, according to fire officials. The explosion, which knocked out the windows of the home, was likely caused by a gas leak, the agency said.
4. For some, the holidays simply aren't the same without a blanket of fresh, white snow on the ground. But what are the odds of actually experiencing this simple pleasure on Christmas Day in Denver's metro area? Both the Farmers' Almanac and Accuweather say that snow isn't likely on Christmas Day. But there's still a chance! (Denver Patch)
5. VIDEO: Broncos fans and players held tributes to Demaryius Thomas inside and outside Empower Field at Mile High over the past few days. Many community members remembered not only his talent, but his actions outside the stadium — giving back to the community.

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From my notebook:

• The Denver Police Department has welcomed 36 more officers to its ranks after they successfully completed the 26-week academy phase of their training. (Facebook)
• Denver’s public health order requires people ages 2 and older to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, city officials said in a reminder. Alternatively, businesses can check people's vaccine verification for entry. (Facebook)
• A missing dog was found near corner of Linley Court and 8th Avenue. (Nextdoor)
• Cops! A Denverite in Green Valley Ranch is asking neighbors to ease up on the red and blue flashing Christmas lights. (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— 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.