Today on Colorado Edition: We bring you an update from the caucuses held in our state over the weekend. And we break down two new pieces of gun legislation that were proposed on Friday. Plus, we begin a series that explores the private prison industry — today's story looks at whether prisons are good or bad for local economies.
The Latest On Coronavirus In Colorado
On Monday, we learned about first case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the Coronavirus, to hit Larimer County. Between new cases, closures, cancellations and quarantines, there’s a lot happening, including how leaders and health officials are reacting. KUNC’s Michael de Yoanna has been spearheading KUNC’s coverage of the virus and joined us with the latest. For up-to-date information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, head to their website.
Colorado Caucus Results
Both the Colorado Republican Party and the Colorado Democratic Party held caucuses for state offices on Saturday. KUNC’s Scott Franz joined us from the state Capitol to talk through the results of the weekend and what it all means as we move ahead in the election season.
A Look At Two Newly Proposed Gun Bills
On Friday, House Democrats introduced two new gun bills in the state legislature. One requires gun storage. The other requires gun owners to report if their guns are lost or stolen. The sponsors say they are expecting a tough fight on both. Our Guns & America reporter Leigh Paterson joined us to talk through these bills.
Private Prisons: Locking Down The Facts - Part 1
This week we’re exploring the private prison industry. Across the country, about 8% of inmates are held in private prisons and more than 60% of detainees are in for-profit immigration detention centers. But is that good or bad for a community? That question has sparked a bitter debate in Evanston, Wyoming. Nate Hegyi brings KUNC the story.
Tomorrow on Colorado Edition, we look at the role of private prisons in the workforce within the communities that they are located in. Support for Private Prisons, Locking Down the Facts, comes from The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting — a nonprofit news organization that partners with journalists and newsrooms to support in-depth reporting and education around the globe.
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:
- “Plaque” by Darby
- "Hundred Mile" by K2
- "Great Is The Contessa" by The Contessa
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.
