🌱 COVID-19 Patient Beats 2% Chance Of Survival + Top Restaurants

Happy Thursday, Denver! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note. Learn about a COVID-19 patient who dramatically beat the odds, retailers' new caps on at-home COVID-19 tests, the latest on the Aguilera-Mederos case and the Union Station cleanup.

First, today's weather:

Wow, our precipitation really doesn't vary, does it — you can expect another mostly cloudy and mild day. High: 64 Low: 43.

Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. A celebration was held in Aurora for a 39-year-old COVID-19 patient who beat the odds after he was given a 2 percent chance of survival. Jason Strong spent three months in the hospital before he was discharged Tuesday. (CBS Denver)
2. Several retailers are putting caps on the number of at-home COVID-19 tests customers can purchase amid very high demand, the companies said. Here are some of the caps: Walgreens - 4; CVS - 5; Walmart - 8 per online customer; Amazon - 10 per customer. (Patch)
3. The truck driver who caused a deadly pileup on I-70 is set to have his 110-year sentence reconsidered, the Jefferson County DA said. Rogel Aguilera-Mederos' mother said she's thankful for the millions who signed a petition in support of her son. Meanwhile, those impacted and survivors will also have their voices heard, the DA said. (FOX 31 Denver)
4. Thousands are expected to pass through Union Station over the holidays, and they can expect a safer experience, the Regional Transportation District told Fox 31. The news comes after a cleanup effort to rid the station of drug use, crime and garbage. (FOX 31 Denver)
5. Westword released earlier this month its 100 Favorite Restaurants for 2022, and the list covers some pretty darn great spots throughout our metro area. Check it out! (Westword)

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Today in metro Denver:

• Louis Johnson at Comedy Works South (7:30 p.m.)
• Improv for a Claus at Bug Theatre (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Denver Botanic Gardens is highlighting the tradition of oranges in stockings — the tradition may have started in the Great Depression when oranges were considered a luxury. (Facebook)
• Under Denver's public health order, businesses must require face coverings or proof of vaccination in public, indoor spaces. Now you can check to see if a business has attested to being a fully vaccinated facility before you visit. (Facebook)
• In recognition of 'Wreaths Across America - Official Page Day,' the Denver Broncos sponsored 325 wreaths that were placed by 30+ full- and part-time Denver Broncos employees during a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday at Fort Logan National Cemetery. (Facebook)
• Most city offices will be closed this Friday to observe Christmas, but of course emergency services such as police and fire will be available, the city said. (Facebook)
• You can check out the 9NEWS Parade of Lights floats on display in downtown Denver through Dec. 26 as you shop and eat downtown. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. 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.