Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn about the new statewide mandate that Coloradans wear face coverings while in public spaces. Plus, we’ll take a look at some districts’ back-to-school plans, learn about the latest campaign finance numbers, and hear about local efforts to repatriate culturally important artifacts.
Colorado Issues Mask Mandate
At a Thursday press conference, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a statewide mandate that requires all Coloradans over the age of 10 to wear face coverings while in public. The order goes into effect at midnight.
The announcement comes as cities, counties and businesses have required face coverings, but the governor, while encouraging Coloradans for months to wear masks while out in public, has been reluctant to make it a statewide requirement.
Rae Ellen Bichelljoined us to discuss her reporting on mask mandates across the region for the Mountain West News Bureau.
Back-To-School Plans
We’re less than a month from when classes are scheduled to begin for some school districts in our state. And, with a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases making back-to-school plans more difficult, we get the latest from Chalkbeat Colorado’s Bureau Chief, Erica Meltzer.
Campaign Finance
The latest campaign finance numbers are in for the Senate race for incumbent Republican Sen. Cory Gardner’s seat. Gardner will face former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, who is the Democratic nominee, in November.
The latest fundraising numbers for the quarter have Hickenlooper ahead for money raised, with Gardner still holding more cash on hand. Sandra Fish reported on the filings for The Colorado Sun, as part of #FollowTheMoneyCO, a project of the Colorado News Collaborative, edited by The Colorado Sun with support from the Colorado Media Project. She joined us with the highlights.
Local Efforts To Repatriate Artifacts
For more than a decade, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has been a leader in Colorado and the country in the repatriation of sacred objects as part of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA. But that effort doesn’t end with Native American artifacts. We spoke with KUNC arts and culture reporter Stacy Nick about another recent effort to return items to tribes in Kenya.
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:
- “Le Marais" by The Sweet Hots
- “Astrisx” by Bodytonic
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. We get production help from Rae Solomon.
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., with a rebroadcast of the previous evening's show Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.