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Colorado Edition: Traveling Alone

Today on Colorado Edition: we'll learn how to survive avalanches in Colorado. Plus, we will learn about the Colorado Ballet's efforts to raise money for new Nutcracker costumes and sets, why one woman is making sure immigrants learn their rights, and take a look at unaccompanied minors in Colorado. 

News of the Day:

  • Sen. Kamala Harris Drops Out - Sen. Kamala Harris has dropped out of the Democratic Primary, but Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet remains in the race. Despite low polling numbers and low campaign funds, Bennet continues to campaign, even though he has failed to qualify for the last two televised debates. Bennet recently launched a five-day tour in New Hampshire and continues to tout his appeal to moderate Democratic voters.
     
  • Solar Gardens - Colorado regulators may fast-track proposed rules for solar gardens, a move that would provide a boost to the industry. The Denver Post reports that the State Public Utilities Commission is taking public comment on the proposal through Friday. The move to increase solar farms is the result of a recently passed state bill that increases the size of an installation from 2 megawatts to 5. 
     
  • Boulder Beer - Colorado's oldest craft brewery, Boulder Beer, will continue distribution. The news comes after an October announcement that the company would downsize and only sell beer in its Boulder-based brewpub. Now, through a partnership with Denver-based Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, the brewery will produce beers for distribution there. Boulder Beer owner Gina Day said in a press release that they are "thrilled to have the brand continue its legacy."

Transportation Announcement

Credit Jared Tarbell / Flickr-Creative Commons
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Flickr-Creative Commons

Across Colorado, public bus routes are expanding, but available funding for maintenance and upgrades is tight. That's why several communities are celebrating a new package of federal grants announced in Denver today. KUNC's Matt Bloom was there and joins us to break it down. 

Avalanche Advice

Credit Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Recent storms have brought a lot of snow to Colorado. And with snow, comes the danger of avalanches. Since last week's winter storm, over 80 avalanches have been observed in our state.

Ethan Greene is the Director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. He joined us to give us tips on avalanche preparedness and the season ahead. 

New 'Nutcracker'

Credit Mike Watson / Colorado Ballet
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Colorado Ballet

Colorado Ballet wants to replace its beloved "Nutcracker" — or at least parts of it. The organization hopes to raise $2.5 million to commission new sets, props and costumes in time for the ballet's 60th anniversary next year. 

KUNC Arts Reporter Stacy Nick spoke to the ballet's artistic director, Gill Boggs, about the toll hundreds of performances has taken.  

Immigrant Rights

There are small pockets of undocumented communities across rural America and right here in Colorado. Isolated from the resources of larger cities, many of these individuals are unaware of their rights, should federal immigration agents knock on their door. But one woman has taken it upon herself to change that. 

KUNC's Esther Honig reports

Unaccompanied Minors in Colorado

Back in September, the Colorado Media Project and the University of Denver launched a project to focus on the data behind immigration to our state. As a part of that project, Yesenia Robles looked at the data surrounding unaccompanied minors, children who cross the border into the U.S. without a parent or guardian. 

She joins us to discuss the project and her reporting on solo immigration. 

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 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 iTunesGoogle PlayStitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Stories written by KUNC newsroom staff.