Today on Colorado Edition: We break down the statewide questions that will show up on ballots this November. We also hear about a deal between Xcel Energy and the city of Boulder that could spell the end of the city’s quest for a municipal utility. Plus, we hear about mental health services for students in the Adams 14 school district being moved online, and we travel to the US-Canada border to hear how the border shutdown is affecting local communities.
Statewide Ballot Questions
Colorado voters could see up to 11 statewide ballot questions in the November election, in addition to other state and national races. Seven initiatives have already earned a place on that ballot, and supporters of another five measures submitted signatures before a Monday deadline. KUNC’s Scott Franz joined us to tell us more about these questions that may be up for a vote in just a few months.
Boulder’s Quest For A Municipal Utility Continues
For a decade, the city of Boulder has been working to form a municipal power utility. Now, Boulder officials and Xcel Energy have reached a settlement that would create a franchise agreement between the company and the city — a move that essentially abandons the city’s work to create its own utility. Lucas High from BizWest joined us to explain the impact of the deal and what lies ahead for the city of Boulder.
Online Mental Health Services
The Adams 14 school district is planning to start school remotely this year. And in that district, mental health services are also moving online. But there are drawbacks to the online sessions and that's leaving some parents concerned, especially at a time of heightened mental health needs. Yesenia Robles has been covering this move to online mental health services for Chalkbeat Colorado and she joined us to discuss.
The Effects Of A Border Shutdown
The longest international border in the world has been closed for four months with no reopening in sight. That’s affecting communities on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border who rely on travel and tourism from their international neighbors. For KUNC, Bob Keating from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has this story from Fernie, British Columbia.
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:
- “Waltz for Zacaria” by Cholate
- "Color Country" by The Balloonist
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.