Headlines — November 8, 2022

November 8, 2022

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CU Boulder Receives A $2 Million Grant To Help Schools Prevent Gun Violence

The University of Colorado Boulder Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence has received a $2 million federal grant to help Colorado schools address gun violence by tackling the social and cultural roots of violence. According to a university press release, 2022 has already been a record year for gun violence in school settings with 40 school shootings registered nationwide, killing 34 people and injuring 88. CU Boulder indicates the new funding will go towards developing a system for managing mental health referrals within K-12 schools.

The new grant is the latest in $100 million [dollars] the university’s violence research center has received in its 30-year history. 

Man Who Died In A Boulder County Jail Identified

Boulder County Sheriff’s Office released the identity of a man who died in police custody at Boulder County jail last week. 

Adams county officials say 22-year-old Avery Borkovec apparently had a medical condition that caused him to lose consciousness in his cell, as he spoke with deputies. Life-saving efforts began immediately, and Borkovec was quickly taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

He was being held on charges of criminal possession of documents and illegal financial transaction devices. Authorities say foul play is not suspected in the death, and circumstances are not considered suspicious. An investigation will continue. 

RTD Train Derailment Investigation Filed

RTD will begin repairs on a  4 mile stretch of Denver’s light rail where a train car drove off the tracks in September. The R-line derailment caused three passenger injuries. Recently RTD filed a confidential investigation report to state regulators with information regarding the incident and their plans for repair. Crews began work on the damaged rail on Friday.  According to a press release, as they work on repairs, they will also maintain the train power lines. 

RTD has not publicly released its investigation reports, but Debra Johnson, RTD’s general manager and CEO, said in a press release that “RTD has been working as expeditiously as possible to restore full service to the impacted four-mile stretch of the R Line corridor…”

Aurora Police are still investigating the incident.

Health Officials Urge Caution As Pediatric Respiratory Infections Rise

Boulder County Public Health is urging families to take extra caution as respiratory virus infections increase hospitalizations among infants in the Denver metro area. This high surge in respiratory sin-eh-sigh-tall [syncytial] virus infections (RSV) is straining limited-capacity hospitals in Denver, already burdened by COVID-19 hospitalizations. RSV is a common illness that can cause mild cold symptoms, but can also lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis. RSV can cause severe health risks among infants.

A press release by BCPH recommends families with children showing cold-like symptoms keep them at home, even if they have tested negative for COVID-19. Parents should contact a healthcare professional if their child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids or experiences worsening symptoms.

Voters Express Concerns Ahead of Election

Today is election day, and voting centers around the state have seen a steady flow of people voting in-person and dropping off their ballots.

There was a steady stream of voters dropping off ballots at the Clerk and Recorder’s office in Boulder on Monday. No problems have been reported here, but for Randy Lis, who was dropping off his ballot, election security was still a concern.

“I’m frightened to be honest with you about seeing people, there’s nobody here, but it’s on the news that people are standing by ballots with guns and cameras and things like that, voter intimidation.” Lis says he has full confidence in the local election system but maintaining the integrity of elections here and around the country was front of mind as he cast his vote.

“Making sure I do what I can, that no election deniers are elected to office.” said Lis.

Another voter, Stephan Steiner, was also concerned about election integrity, but his concerns lay with the election officials.

“There are going to be anomalies throughout the election process, but here I feel secure.” said Steiner

In a city where registered Democrats far outnumber Republicans, Steiner feels like an anomaly but hopes his ballot will make a difference.

“I hate discussing my conservative views because nobody in Boulder thinks like I do, but I’m a conservative, I’m an old guy and I don’t think what’s going on at the moment is working very well and I would like to see some changes made.”

For voter Kelly Ware, there’s a lot at stake in this election.

“I have a trans son and I’m concerned about his rights and the way they’re disappearing and also just to maintain our freedom to vote and freedom over our bodies.”

Voters have until 7pm this evening to drop off their ballots or to vote in person.

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