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Paramedics Elijah McClain
A judge dismissed two counts of second degree assault with a deadly weapon against each paramedic involved in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain on Thursday.
This came after a forensic pathologist testified in the trial of Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec yesterday. The two paramedics injected 23-year-old McClain with the sedative ketamine after a person called Aurora Police saying he was “sketchy.”
The forensic pathologist told the court he doesn’t believe ketamine had an effect on the situation and that McClain’s death was accidental.
He says McClain’s death was caused by inhaling an excess of liquid, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain.
This contradicts the opinion of two other medical experts who have testified in the trial, according to 9NEWS.
Previously, two of the three officers involved in the death of Elijah McClain were acquitted, including Nathan Woodyard, who put McClain in a neck hold.
The paramedics continue to face charges of reckless manslaughter and assault.
Boulder County Coroner Steps Down
Boulder County Coroner Emma Hall announced her resignation yesterday. She served as Boulder’s coroner for 13 years.
Hall was part of an internal investigation, in which employees claimed she showed favoritism with employees, antagonism and micromanagement, according to The Denver Post. She took time off after the investigation confirmed the employee complaints.
Hall addressed the challenges she’s faced regarding staff morale, saying she’s hopeful the incoming coroner will foster a positive and professional work environment. Her last day is Jan. 11.
Colorado Public Utilities Pushes Pause on Xcel’s Energy Resource Plan
Colorado Public Utilities Commission slowed Xcel’s energy resource plan, cutting it back from $15 billion to $12 billion.
In the the original plan, Xcel proposed creating over 7,000 watts in new energy generation and transmission lines. According to the Colorado Sun, most of the new build would be wind, solar and storage.
The new, scaled back plan proposed the creation of around 5,800 watts in new energy generation and far fewer energy lines.
Members of the commissions say the slow-down is necessary to make sure the commission and Xcel understand the time and monetary commitment.
Commissioner Tom Plant says they were “taken aback” by the price tag proposed by Xcel.
Xcel will propose the plan again in summer of 2024.
Boulder To Increase Parking Rates
With the arrival of the year, parking rates will increase in high demand areas of downtown Boulder. Beginning Jan. 2, on-street parking will increase by $0.50.
Currently rates in downtown Boulder range from 1.50 to 2.50 an hour, dependent on popularity of parking.
The city recommends residents park in a BoulderPark Garage for the most cost-effective parking, with a rate of $1.75 for the first hour and a daily rate of $15.99. Parking in the garages is also free on weekends.
Boulder Library District To Close Temporarily
Boulder Public Library will temporarily close from Dec 19 to Jan. 2.
The Boulder Library district is transitioning from being a municipal system to a new property tax-funded system.
According to the Daily Camera, the library will also implement new technology that will require cable switches and change in equipment.
Residents cannot place physical books on hold until the reopening but will have full access to the online library.
Boulder Public Library card holders can check out books from Broomfield, Lafayette, Longmont and Loveland public libraries through the closure.
Denver’s Most Popular Google Searches
Google released top search data from 2023 for every state in the U.S.
People in Denver and surrounding areas searched “Coach Prime” more than any things else this year.
“Gas station near me” and “air quality near me” were the top “near me” searches and the most popular animal searched was the osprey bird.
Denverites searched electronic music more than people in any other city or state, as well as the search term “green goddess salad”.
Red Rocks ranked as one of the most top searched national parks in the US. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour took the top spot for most searched touring artist.
