Lauren Barnas
KRDO NewsChannel 13
Colorado Springs, CO, United States
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Past articles by Lauren:
Colorado AG plans crackdown on fake COVID vaccine cards
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The state’s top attorney is warning there could be serious consequences for anyone who creates or presents a forged COVID-19 vaccine card. “You’re committing a crime. We need people to know about that,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “There are prosecutions already starting in parts of the U.S. on this. → Read More
Critical cancer screenings drop 39% at Centura Health during pandemic
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A local surgeon is warning patients to reschedule any postponed screenings delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Screenings are down 39% at Centura Health compared to pre-COVID numbers. Officials say patients either didn’t schedule screenings or postponed the appointments they did have over the past year. While it may not → Read More
Almost 8,000 Coloradans take cash incentive to return to work as labor shortage continues
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — In the two weeks since the state of Colorado launched its Colorado Jumpstart Initiative, thousands of people have taken the $1,200 to $1,600 offer to return to the workforce amid a nationwide labor shortage. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, 7,953 people have been enticed to return → Read More
Colorado considering cash sweepstakes to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations
DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) — New correspondence from the governor’s office suggests the state of Colorado may be considering a monetary vaccine lottery program similar to other states. “Colorado is currently considering a variety of options to encourage more people to get vaccinated,” said spokesperson Shelby Wieman. “Additionally, Colorado is closely following what other states are → Read More
Hundreds of free Lyft rides available to COVID-19 vaccine appointments
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — A new initiative hopes to reach people interested in getting COVID-19 vaccines in El Paso County who don’t have transportation to get to an appointment on their own. Lyft is offering 400 free rides to any COVID-19 vaccination clinic in the county. There are more than 100 to choose from. → Read More
New report shows significant increase in El Paso County drug-related deaths
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — A new report from the El Paso County Coroner's Office reveals disturbing trends in drug-related deaths, domestic violence, and youth suicides. Overall, there was a 43% increase in people dying from drugs in El Paso County in 2020 compared to 2019, a jump from 130 to 186 people. “It’s → Read More
Only 21% of appointments at Colorado Springs mass vaccination site filled last week
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Hundreds of COVID-19 vaccine appointments were not filled at the Broadmoor World Arena mass vaccination clinic in Colorado Springs from April 19 to April 26. “We originally saw a lot of uptake, those early adopters who were excited to get their vaccine,” said Medical Director for El Paso County Public → Read More
State vaccine supply outpaces demand as hospitalizations rise
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says Colorado is moving into a phase of vaccine hesitancy, and with it, a surge in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. “Over the last three weeks, hospitalizations have risen by 75%,” said CDPHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric France. “There’s over 560 → Read More
Cyber Mountain branding aims to showcase Colorado Springs as leader in space cybersecurity
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A new city-wide branding initiative called Cyber Mountain hopes to prove that Colorado Springs is the nation’s home to cybersecurity businesses actively protecting U.S. space operations. “It’s focused on protecting our space enterprise,” said Vincent Persichetti, cybersecurity programs director for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “It’s meant to position → Read More
Colorado Springs eye care company offers free glasses to anyone on Medicaid
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A new, free eyewear program operating inside Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is available to community members, even if they aren’t veterans. Keegan Meyer owns Eye Love Care Inc. Up until recently, his work has focused on getting veterans the eye care they need. Now he’s expanding to offer help → Read More
Diocese of Colorado Springs lifts excusal for missing Sunday Mass
An exemption allowing local Catholics to miss mass during the COVID-19 pandemic will expire on May 23, Pentecost Sunday, according to Bishop Michael Sheridan. → Read More
Wait is likely over for Social Security recipients awaiting stimulus payment
The Internal Revenue Service announced that payments have started going out to Social Security recipients and other federal beneficiaries who do not normally file tax returns. → Read More
Five candidates face off for Colorado Springs City Council District 5 seat
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — With just five days to go until polls close in the city’s April 6 municipal election, city council candidates are out knocking on neighbors’ doors. Speaking with constituents could be especially important in City Council District 5, which covers the central part of the Springs, including the Citadel Mall and → Read More
Colorado mass vaccine clinics ran out of doses for people with appointments
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Some people with COVID-19 vaccine appointments at the Broadmoor World Arena on Sunday were turned away after the clinic ran out of doses. A spokesperson for Centura Health said it’s because the site administered more vaccines to people without appointments than expected. "Centura Health is committed to vaccinating as many members → Read More
Some local nursing homes slow to implement new state guidance allowing close contact visits
Just this week, the state health department released updated guidance allowing vaccinated residents to have close contact with visitors as long as both parties wear masks. → Read More
Vandalism and deterioration responsible for removal of historic stagecoach at Thorndale Park
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Thorndale park-goers this week have noticed the old stagecoach is missing. Several viewers reached out to KRDO Newschannel 13 wondering where it went and if it will be reinstalled one day. Courtesy: City of Colorado Springs Parks Department Kurt Schroeder, parks maintenance and operations manager for the City of Colorado → Read More
Drivers flock to Colorado Springs gas stations before snowfall
With snow on the way to Southern Colorado Saturday and Sunday, drivers Friday scrambled to make sure they had a full tank of gas to weather the storm. → Read More
City council president hopes to defend seat in District 3
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Colorado Springs City Council District 3 covers the Southwest part of the Springs including downtown, Old Colorado City, west to Gold Camp Road, and south to border Fort Carson. Richard Skorman Colorado Springs City Council President Richard Skorman is looking to fend off three opponents in District 3 as he → Read More
Colorado health officials prepare for possible new vaccine next week
DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is preparing for the possibility of Johnson & Johnson's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in Colorado as soon as early next week. “I would expect that on Saturday, we’ll hear about the emergency use authorization," said CDPHE's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric France. → Read More
Three opponents hope to unseat incumbent in Colorado Springs City Council District 2
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — In Colorado Springs’ northernmost City Council District 2, three candidates are challenging incumbent councilman Dave Geislinger. Dave Geislinger Geislinger has a background in law. He worked as a deputy district attorney for ten years before spending 17 as a practicing attorney. Most recently, Geislinger works as a hospital chaplain. He → Read More