Today on Colorado Edition: We hear about the state education department’s guidance for reopening schools. We’ll go to Fort Morgan for an Eid al-Adha prayer service and learn about wastewater testing for coronavirus. Plus, we hear about the psychologists working to change the way we view our individual role within the pandemic, and we dive into the senate candidates taking credit for the state’s strong pre-pandemic economy.
Guidance For Reopening Schools
As we move into August, school districts in Colorado are continuing to announce and update their plans for the start of the school year. The state has issued guidance to help districts sort out their plans and Rhonda Haniford joined us to discuss that guidance. She is the associate commissioner of school quality and support for the Colorado Department of Education.
Wastewater Testing For Coronavirus
Right now there is no good way to predict where the next potential coronavirus outbreak will be. So far, testing is reliant on nasal swabs and, in some cases, a long wait for the results. But many states in the west are looking to get a handle on the disease by diving into the sewer. KUNC’s Luke Runyon has the story.
What is My Role In The Pandemic?
While scientists work on a vaccine for COVID-19, psychologists are working on changing the way we view our individual role within the pandemic. We’re familiar with treating risk as being our own choice, but infectious diseases impact people on the community level. And as KUNC’s Sere Williams reports, that’s where they need to be fought too.
Taking Credit For A Strong Economy
Up until the pandemic, Colorado’s economy was considered by many to be strong. And now, with the 2020 election fast approaching, both former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper and Sen. Cory Gardner are claiming credit. Evan Ochsner recently reported on Colorado’s economic strength and the two men trying to take credit for it for the Colorado Sun. He joined us to discuss his reporting. You can read his piece for the Sun here.
Gathering For Eid al-Adha
Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Adha last Friday. And as with most of life these days, the important holy celebration was different because of COVID-19. KUNC’s Adam Rayes brings us to Fort Morgan, where Muslims gathered outside to pray.
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:
- "Fifteen Street" by Little Rock
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@kombuchacowboy), 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.