Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll hear about a mascot change at two local schools. Plus, what an aluminum can shortage means for breweries. We’ll also hear from a Coloradan who recently finished a thru hike of the Colorado Trail, get the latest on Colorado’s sports teams, and learn about efforts to create the perfect hemp seed.
Loveland High School And Bill Reed Middle School To Change Mascots
For years, there have been calls to change the names of sports mascots that are seen as racist or offensive to Native Americans. In Northern Colorado, the Loveland High School “Indians” and Bill Reed Middle School “Warriors” are no stranger to that.
On Wednesday evening, the Thompson School District decided to retire both mascots. The school board’s vote was unanimous. This came after a community petition supporting the change gathered over 6,000 signatures.
The school board’s president, Lori Hvizda Ward, joined us to talk about the decision.
Beer Can Shortage Impacts Local Breweries
So far this year we’ve heard a lot about product shortages. First PPE, then toilet paper. And now, beer cans. A surge in to-go drink orders has left Colorado craft brewers rationing their aluminum. As KUNC’s Matt Bloom reports, some are worried about having to close.
Thru Hiking The Colorado Trail
Last week Patricia Cameron finished a 485-mile thru hike of the Colorado Trail.
Cameron is the Executive Director and Founder of Blackpackers, a non-profit dedicated to increasing representation in the outdoors, and she joined us to discuss her experience on the trail.
The Quest For The Perfect Hemp Seed
THC is the psychoactive chemical compound in marijuana. It’s what gets you “high” when it’s smoked or consumed. THC is just one cannabinoid, but there are many others in the cannabis plant – like CBD and CBG – that hemp growers are after for medicinal uses.
Unfortunately, THC is produced alongside them. Too much THC in a hemp crop, and it has to be destroyed. So, as KUNC’s Sere Williams reports, plant breeders are trying to develop the perfect seed.
Denver Nuggets And Colorado Avalanche Make Playoffs
Three of Colorado’s major sports teams have resumed play, after postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic. Two of those sports, basketball and hockey have been playing inside respective “bubbles” so players aren’t exposed to the coronavirus.
KUNC’s All Things Considered Host Desmond O’Boyle joined us to break down how the playoffs are going for the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche.
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:
- "Turning On The Lights" by Speakeasy
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman, and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital manager Ashley Jefcoat. 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.
