Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll hear from the superintendent of the Greeley-Evans School District about how the first few weeks of the school year have gone. Plus, why so many Colorado students don’t have internet access, what the Northern Integrated Supply Project would mean for the Poudre River, and how the demand for hemp has changed over the past few years. We’ll also hear the tale of the two Erin O’Tooles.
The Greeley-Evans School District
The Greeley-Evans School District is now in its third week of classes, with many students learning in-person.
When the district first opened, we spoke with its superintendent, Deirdre Pilch, about the district’s plans for protecting students, faculty and staff from COVID-19. Today, Pilch joined us again with more on how the year is going.
Internet Access In Colorado
According to recent reporting from Chalkbeat Colorado, despite state efforts to increase internet access across our state, tens of thousands of students still don’t have access. This is as many schools districts are starting the year online.
Melanie Asmar, who reported on this issue, joined us to explain.
The Poudre River And NISP
The Poudre River in Northern Colorado is often referred to as a “working river.” It provides drinking water for cities and irrigation water for farms. It’s also home to fish, birds and other wildlife. A reservoir proposal facing an important vote this week would give it one more big task. KUNC’s Luke Runyon has more on those who think it can handle the work, and those who don’t.
The Erin O’Tooles
On Twitter last week, Colorado Edition host Erin O’Toole started getting a ton of mentions and follows – and realized they weren’t for her, exactly. A quick search of the news revealed there is another Erin O’Toole who was just elected leader of the Conservative Party.
The newly elected conservative leader, the Honourable Erin O’Toole, spoke with Colorado’s own Erin O’Toole about the mix-up.
The Demand For Hemp
After the 2018 Farm Bill passed, nationwide hemp production increased dramatically. More than a third of all transactions occurred right here in Colorado. Crop markets rely on supply and demand. But what is the demand for a plant that has been illegal for 80 years? In part two of our series on hemp, KUNC’s Sere Williams reports.
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.
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.
