Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll discuss a bill in the state legislature that would change the way firearms are removed from domestic abusers. Plus, a look at racism and the narrative around the coronavirus. We also explore what happens to a town’s water supply after a power plant closes. And we'll discuss the state’s dairy industry amid declining milk sales.
Coronavirus and Racism
There have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, or COVID 19 in Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says the risk to most people in our state is still low.
But as the outbreak continues to spread in other parts of the world, we saw the stock market dip sharply earlier this week as anxiety about the virus ramps up.
Today we look at how this anxietycould fuel racism, and how that can be prevented. Two local professors have been studying this and joined us with more.
Faye Caronan is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Ethnic Studies department at the University of Colorado Denver.
And Lisa Keranen is Associate Professor and Chair of the CU Denver Department of Communication. Her most recent book is the co-edited Imagining China: Rhetorics of Nationalism in an Age of Globalization.
Coal Power Plants and Water
Coal fired power plants are closing across the country. In western states like Colorado, these facilities use a significant amount of the region’s scarce water supplies. With closure dates looming, communities are starting the contentious debate about how to use this newly freed up water after coal. KUNC's Luke Runyontraveled to Craig in northwest Colorado for more.
Removing Firearms from Domestic Abusers
In Colorado, as in other states, domestic abusers are not allowed to have guns, but some still do anyway. A bill under discussion at the state house aims to address that problem with new procedures for how these offenders give up their firearms.
Our Guns And America reporter Leigh Paterson joined us with more.
Colorado’s Dairy Industry
The dairy industry has been declining in the past few years, and we’re seeing that trend affect jobs in our area.
Recently, Texas-based Dean Foods Company announced they were declaring bankruptcy, and that they would close a Greeley-based dairy plant and lay off over 80 employees in northern Colorado. But Dairy Farmers of America is offering to buy the plant.
BizWest's Dan Mika joined us with more.
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:
- “Scraper” by Grey River
- "Come As You Are” by Cauldron
- "Palms Down" by Confectionary
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.