Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn what the declaration of a state of emergency means for Colorado. We also take a look at the new Office of Just Transition. Plus, what private, and public prisons, mean for employment. And we learn about how Colorado’s hospitals are treating opioid-exposed babies.
Colorado Governor Declares State of Emergency
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency Tuesday morning over the coronavirus outbreak.
KUNC’s Scott Franz attended the governor’s announcement, and joined us to explain what it means for Coloradans.
Office Of Just Transition
As our state begins to shift its focus to align with Gov. Polis’ long-term vision of 100% renewable energy, the people working at coal-fired power plants and coal mines across the state are left wondering what the future has in store for them.
To address these concerns, the state formed the Office of Just Transition to help the communities and workers impacted by Colorado’s move away from coal power. The office recently named a director – Wade Buchanan, who joined us to talk about the office, its mandate and the work ahead.
Private Prisons
Private prisons are often touted as a good source of jobs and economic prosperity for the communities where they’re located. But how do those jobs compare to ones in government-run facilities? Turns out, there’s no good answer. With support from the Pulitzer Center, Noah Glick reports.
New Treatment For Babies Born With Opioids In Their System
Colorado hospitals are working to change the way they treat babies who are born with opioids in their system. A new collaborative has been making strides that make it less likely for a newborn to receive methadone. Instead, the collaborative is working towards a treatment system called “Eat, Sleep, Console.” To learn more about this treatment and the group behind it, we spoke with Jennifer Brown, a writer for the Colorado Sun. You can read her reporting on this 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.
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.