Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Friday morning.
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Colorado preps to move into next vaccination phase, monitors possible spring surge of COVID-19 variant
As Colorado officials continue planning for an increase in vaccinations following the expected emergency use authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, they’re also carefully monitoring the COVID-19 variant in the state.
Colorado has seen a plateau in its number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations after falling for about three months since a peak in November. The state reported the positivity rate was just over 3% on Tuesday.
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House Dems to vote on stimulus Friday, still poised to include minimum wage hike in stimulus
House Democrats are still poised to pass President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus bill on Friday after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that a proposed increase to the minimum wage cannot be included in the stimulus bill. CNN and Politico first reported the news.
Despite the ruling, and after questions on whether the bill would have to go back into committees and go through the markup process all over again, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House is still set to vote on the stimulus bill on Friday.
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Self-representation for Letecia Stauch big topic at next advisement
While it's unknown exactly what was said during a closed-door conflict hearing for Letecia Stauch last Friday afternoon, she will next head to an Arguello advisement scheduled for this morning. Those are typically used when a defendant plans on representing themselves.
Stauch is the woman accused of murdering her 11-year-old stepson, Gannon Stauch, in January 2020. She has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial, twice. News5 will bring you the latest information and updates following this hearing today.
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Romantic texts, on-camera interview presented in Donthe Lucas murder trial Thursday
The Pueblo murder trial in the disappearance of 21-year-old Kelsie Schelling continues Thursday with more text messages presented in court between Donthe Lucas, the man accused of her murder, and another woman as well as an on-camera police interview.
The court returned Wednesday to resume the murder trial after being delayed for two weeks due to a positive COVID-19 case. The trial continues this morning with testimony expected from Sara Lucas, Donthe Lucas' mother. News5's Colette Bordelon will be in the courtroom and we'll bring you the latest updates as we receive them.
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FDA determines Pfizer vaccine can be stored in standard pharmaceutical freezers
The FDA said on Thursday that the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine can be stored at normal pharmaceutical freezer temperatures, making it easier to transport and store the shot. Previously, the vaccine needed to be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
The new guidance says that the vaccine can remain at freezer temperatures for up to two weeks before being administered.
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