Today on Colorado Edition: we learn about the selection process behind the appointment of the University of Colorado's new president. Plus, a look at the new bus service that connects Fort Collins to Greeley. We'll also discuss changes at a mall in Fort Collins, and we'll hear about a young reporter out on the campaign trail.
How the New CU President Was Chosen
In May of 2019, former Minnesota congressman Mark Kennedy was appointed president of the University of Colorado. A new investigation out by Susan Greene from The Colorado Independent illuminates the selection process for the role, and raises questions about whether candidates with more relevant experience were passed over in the hiring process. Susan Greene joined us to walk us through her reporting.
A Young Reporter On The Campaign Trail
Now that 2020 is here, it’s officially an election year. That means debates, rallies and town halls full of politicians and reporters alike.
But as the Mountain West News Bureau’s Noah Glick reports, there’s one face that might stand out in the crowd this election season.
The Promise And Practice Of A Fort Collins Mall
After a shot to the arm in the form of renovations, The Shops at Foothills in midtown Fort Collins was expected to do a lot of good for a lot of different stakeholders. The city would get millions in tax revenue. Businesses would get a fresh façade and a new stream of shoppers. And residents would enjoy a revitalized midtown.
But in the time since Foothills reopened in 2014, expectations haven’t exactly been met. Some businesses have remained successful throughout the last five years, but several have closed for a variety of reasons – the latest being Smashburger, which shuttered its doors earlier this week due to back rent. The city, meanwhile, hasn’t collected as much in tax revenue as originally projected and few would describe midtown as successfully revitalized.
Pat Ferrier from The Coloradoan has been reporting on the development of the shopping center over the years and joined us to talk about the challenges surrounding the project.
New Bus Service Connects Fort Collins To Greeley
If you’re tired of navigating traffic during your commute to Greeley or Fort Collins, there’s a new option. A bus route between the two cities is welcoming its first passengers today. It’s called the Poudre Express — and KUNC’s Matt Bloom joined us to tell us more about it.
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 daily 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.