Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn about why so many Colorado students will be going to school online this fall. Plus, the impact of a new safe lots program in Northern Colorado. And, while major wildfires continue across our state, we’ll hear about how firefighting resources are allocated, and how to keep firefighters safe from COVID-19.
Why So Many Districts Are Using Online Learning
This week some of the largest school districts across the state – including Boulder Valley, Denver Public Schools, and the Poudre School District – are all starting classes for the year online.
This is despite support from the governor for in-person learning, low COVID-19 cases and positivity rates in our state, and concerns over students not learning as well online — which has many people asking “why?”
That’s the subject of Erica Meltzer’s recent reporting for Chalkbeat Colorado. She joined us to explain what is going on.
New Safe Lots Program
The coronavirus pandemic has led to record unemployment rates across the country and in Colorado. As state and federal benefits begin to run out, and evictions pick up, experts are predicting an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness. But as KUNC’s Stephanie Daniel reports, a new program in Northern Colorado is now providing a safe space for those who don’t have a place to live.
How Firefighting Resources Are Allocated
The Grizzly Creek Fire is more than 32,000 acres and still growing. A wildfire that size requires a lot of people, power and equipment, but with dozens of fires burning across the West, how do national fire agencies divvy up resources to those who need them? Aspen Public Radio’s Alex Hager went to find out.
Firefighters And COVID-19
Thousands of firefighters are currently working on the major blazes burning across our state.
And, when stationed on a fire, they're often living in close quarters with limited ability to stay clean — conditions that could be ideal for the spread of COVID-19.
A new epidemic model shows how the coronavirus could potentially spread through these fire camps, and what conditions reduce the spread. The model was co-authored by Jude Bayham, an assistant professor in the department of agricultural and resource economics at Colorado State University, who joined us to explain what he found.
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, and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. KUNC news director Brian Larson is our executive producer. 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.
