New cell phone driving law, wolf killed by mountain lion, and new affordable housing development in North Boulder

Boulder breaks ground on new affordable housing development 

Boulder Housing Partners began building a new affordable housing development in North Boulder Tuesday morning. Hawthorn Court will consist of close to 70 new units for people making between 30% and 60% of Boulder’s medium income. 

According to the Daily Camera, the city is reserving five of the three-bedroom units for those at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The Emergency Family Assistance Association, the Boulder Valley School District, and the Family Resource Center will refer low-income families who are eligible for those units.

Additionally, the all-electric building will use solar energy and be wheelchair accessible. RTD will provide Eco passes to residents. 

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Colorado lawmakers push for new cell phone driving law

Colorado legislatures approved a new bill last week to criminalize drivers using their cellphone while driving.
Cell Phone use while driving is already illegal in Colorado for those under 18. However, until recently efforts to expand distracted driving laws have failed according to CPR News.
If Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs the new law, drivers will only be able to make calls using hands-free accessories. Those reporting emergencies or parked first responders will not apply. Fines for usage will begin at $75, but drivers can get their first fee waived by purchasing a hands-free device.

Although the bill would address safety concerns, some are worried the bill could lead to over-policing of drivers of color. If signed, the law will take effect in January 2025.

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CU study finds social distancing made a big difference 

All that social distancing during the height of COVID-19 saved hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States. That’s the conclusion of a new study by researchers at CU-Boulder and UCLA.

The study, according to 9News, says that without pre-vaccine safeguards like social distancing, lockdowns, and school closures, another 800,000 people in the U.S. would have died from COVID and COVID complications.

Study

Worldwide deaths 

Wolf killed by mountain lion

A wolf that was found dead in Larimer County last month was probably killed by a mountain lion.

That conclusion follows an examination of the wolf’s body conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service said in a statement that the cause of death was not definitive, but the wounds were consistent with those inflicted by mountain lions. The wolf was one of ten gray wolves reintroduced to Colorado at the end of 2023, according to 9News.

An examination of the remains was required, because wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

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