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Erin O'Toole
Host & Senior Producer, In the NoCoEmail: erin.otoole@kunc.org
As the host of KUNC’s new program and podcast In the NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and fast-growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation spots. It’s a privilege to find and share the stories and voices that reflect why NoCo is such an extraordinary place to live.
One of the things I love most about public radio is that it embodies and encourages many of the values I hold dear: integrity, civility and curiosity. I’ve been with KUNC since 2009, minus a brief break where I focused exclusively on a Denver-based podcast. I’ve served in a number of roles here: Morning Edition Host, Assistant News Director, and as host and senior producer for Colorado Edition. My work has been recognized by the Associated Press, the Colorado Broadcasters Association, PRNDI, RTNDA, and the Society for Professional Journalists.
I began my career at a country radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I was a traffic reporter, newscaster, sidekick, and finally a morning show host (yes, it’s true that my name was Coyote Kim!). I later relocated to southern California where I served as Morning Edition host and reporter for KVCR in San Bernardino. I was selected as a USC/Annenberg Health Journalism fellow in 2008.
When I'm not at work, you can usually find me hiking with my two dogs, noodling around on my bass, cooking, or enjoying the sunshine and a cold brew on a patio somewhere.
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Japanese beetles are a nasty pest that have plagued the Front Range in recent decades. And they have recently shown up on the Western Slope – a worrisome development for the region’s agriculture. We hear about the latest efforts to beat the beetle – and what you can do in your own garden – on today’s episode of In The NoCo.
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The Denver Museum of Nature and Science recently announced the discovery of a new, tiny scorpion-like species in a cave near Boulder. On today's In The NoCo, we hear from the man who identified it, and learn why his family hobby has led to him discovering dozens of other cave-dwelling creatures.
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You may have noticed the haze that has settled over the Front Range in the last few days. And you might have gotten a push notification alerting you to the poor air quality. But what should you do with that? We’ll hear about what these notifications mean for your health on today’s In the NoCo.
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Pregnant people on Medicaid now have coverage for doula services. Evidence shows that increased doula care improves maternal and infant health. On today’s In the NoCo hear why Medicaid recipients stand to gain the most from having access to doulas.
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Preventing wildfires seems like a never-ending battle in Colorado. Now cities across the Front Range have a secret weapon – herds of goats that graze on dense brush before it becomes fuel for fires. We hear more about this innovative approach on today’s episode of In The NoCo.
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Rural Northwest Colorado will soon lose its coal-fired power plant. It could be disastrous for Craig and Moffat County, but a $70 million deal between the community and the utility company could reduce the impact on the local economy -- and help Craig prepare for the future. In The NoCo asks how a groundbreaking agreement came together.
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In 1955, a man planted a bomb in luggage aboard a United Airlines flight shortly before it took off from Denver. The plane exploded over beet fields in Weld County, killing everyone on board. We hear the story of Flight 629, and the work to create a memorial, on In The NoCo.
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Boulder has an ongoing shortage of affordable homes for middle-class families. One local group has proposed an unconventional solution: They want to get rid of the city's airport and build affordable homes on that land. We hear from one of the campaign’s organizers on today’s episode of In The NoCo.
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Fort Collins used to be home to a network of trolleys that would take people to work and school. These days, a trip on the restored Fort Collins trolley is a treasured part of summer. Today on In The NoCo, we take a ride and revisit some of the trolley's fascinating - and sometimes quirky - history.
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The town of Grand Lake is taking steps toward becoming an official Dark Sky community. If certified, they would join 15 other parks and communities across Colorado designated as official Dark Sky places. On In The NoCo, we learn why more places are making efforts to protect the night sky.