Today on Colorado Edition: what the coronavirus means for Colorado. Plus, what happens when a private prison closes. We'll also discuss census data on students in Colorado, and the history of the Colorado National Guard.
How Colorado Is Approaching The Coronavirus
Over the last week, we’ve seen plenty of media coverage on the coronavirus and how its spreading outward from China. This has created a lot of concern in Colorado, which has seen zero confirmed cases of the virus.
To get a better handle on the proper level of caution to take, and to better understand how the state is prepared to handle an outbreak, Rachel Herlihy joined us. She is the communicable diseases state epidemiologist for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
What Happens When A Private Prison Closes
Gov. Jared Polis has been talking about reducing the state’s private prison population as far back as his election campaign. And late last year, he said he hoped to close one of Colorado’s three privately run prisons when its contract ran out this summer. But the company that runs the prison fired back, saying it would end its services early. For the Mountain West News Bureau, Ali Budnerreported.
Colorado Student Census
Each year, Colorado collects census data on a group of Coloradans that make up about a sixth of the state’s population: students. Erica Meltzer, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Colorado, joined us to discuss the takeaways from the most recent results.
The History Of The Colorado National Guard
Last week marked the 160th anniversary of the creation of Colorado’s National Guard.
Brey Hopkins, deputy executive director of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, joined us to talk about the history of the organization.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs.
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.