In this week's Colorado Edition, we explore what a recent rise in farm bankruptcies means for the health of the agriculture economy, talk with the new leader of the state's Department of Higher Education about a changing workforce and check in on the progress of a paid family leave bill at the Capitol.
Democrats at the Capitol are hoping to create a new, paid family leave program. It would allow up to 12 weeks off each year for an employee to bond with a newborn, care for a sick parent or recover from domestic violence. But the bill has stalled in the Senate because of concerns over how it would impact businesses. Scott Franz has been following its progress and brings us the story.
Jobs in Colorado are changing. As early as next year, nearly three out of four will require some type of advanced degree. That's prompted the state’s Department of Higher Education to create a plan for helping residents attend – and graduate from — a postsecondary institution. Stephanie Daniel spoke to Angie Paccione, the department's new executive director, about the plan and her vision for Colorado.
Go anywhere in Colorado and you're likely to come upon a piece of public art. And if it is representative of a man, it's often one from state history. But if the subject is female, it's typically a generic woman. As Stacy Nick reports, one Colorado artist is looking to change that by honoring more noteworthy women from the state's history.
If you're not scared of getting your hiking shoes a little muddy, spring is one of the best times to get out and explore the amazing Colorado outdoors. The Larimer County Natural Resource Department's education specialist Angela Borland knows about some fun activities going on through April — Karlie Huckels talked with her about a few of them.
An increasing number of farmers filed for bankruptcy in 2018, but economists say if you go by all the numbers, the ag sector at large is getting by. Chapter 12 bankruptcy allows U.S. family farms to restructure their debt and go back to producing food, but there's a catch. In a two-part series from Harvest Public Media, Grant Gerlock and Esther Honig tell us more.
New movie Hotel Mumbai recounts the terrorist attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai. For KUNC film critic Howie Movshovitz, who teaches film and television at CU-Denver, the film left him drained and uncertain.
In the headlines:
It's been a busy week at the state Capitol — in case you've lost track, here are some highlights:
- The Colorado Senate narrowly approved the extreme risk order protection gun bill allowing police to take guns away from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. The bill now goes back to the House for lawmakers there to consider amendments.
- After several failed attempts in previous years, lawmakers passed a bill this week to ban a type of therapy that aims to change a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill passed with bipartisan support and now heads to Gov. Jared Polis, who has said he'll sign it into law.
- Also this week, the governor unveiled a new logo that's more colorful than the old green-and-white triangle. Polis says the new logo won’t cost taxpayers because it was developed internally using existing state funds.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our intro music is "Remember Me" by Colorado musician Kalatana. The midshow break is "Bling Bong" by Robbie Reverb. Other music this week by Blue Dot Sessions:
- "Lamplist"
- "Bridgewalker"
- "Daymaze"
- "A Rush of Clear Water"
- "Junca"
- "True Blue Skies"
This episode was hosted and produced by assistant news director Erin O'Toole and Karlie Huckels. Digital editor Jackie Hai handled the web. News director Catherine Welch and managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a weekly look at the top stories from our newsroom. It's available every Friday on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or wherever (RSS) you get your podcasts. You can hear it on the air every Sunday at 9 p.m. on KUNC.