Today on Colorado Edition: We examine the first month under Colorado's new Extreme Risk Protection Order law, also known as ERPO, or the red flag law. We also talk about the lastest campaign finance numbers as they relate to Colorado's senate race. Plus, we learn more about where our state stands when it comes to cybersecurity and what it's planning to do with the millions it received from the Equifax settlement in 2017. Finally, we hear about a real estate business that's helping conservatives move to states that are more red than blue.
One Month Of ERPO
On Jan. 1, 2020, a new law went into effect here in Colorado: the Extreme Risk Protection Order Law, also known as ERPO, or the red flag law. It’s been controversial from the start. Sheriffs, gun rights advocates, and gun control supporters are all watching closely to see how it’s being used. Our Guns & America reporter Leigh Paterson has been watching, too. She joined us to talk about the first month under the new law.
The State Of Cybersecurity In Colorado
In 2017, hackers attacked the credit bureau Equifax and exposed the data of nearly 150 million people. In July of this year, a settlement was reached and we learned Equifax would be paying out $700 million in fines and monetary relief to customers. As a part of that settlement, the state of Colorado received $3.6 million and some of that money is now being used to beef up cybersecurity operations in the state.
Tamara Chuang has been reporting on this topic for the Colorado Sun and joined us to talk about the state of cybersecurity in Colorado and what the state is planning to do with that settlement.
Campaign Finances
The latest campaign fundraising totals for the fourth quarter of 2019 were announced on Friday. Today, we dig into those numbers with Kyle Saunders, a professor of political science at Colorado State University.
How A Real Estate Business Is Helping Conservatives Move To Redder States
We often hear of a state’s political make-up changing because of an influx of newcomers. Like here in Colorado, where people moving in are turning our state from purple to more of a blue-ish hue. And while some of us consider location or cost of living when making a move, some people think of politics when deciding where to live.
For KUNC, Maggie Mullen has more on how one real estate company has made a business model out of helping conservatives in blue states find redder pastures. You can find her original story here.
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. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions:
- “The Consulate” by Holyoke
- "Georgia Overdrive" by Truck Stop
- "Brass Buttons" by Nursery
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.