Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about the state’s plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available. We’ll also travel to Wyoming to learn about invasive plants and how they play into the threat of wildfires. Plus, we’ll take an investigative look at why the state is paying journalists to write stories about tourism, and we’ll get a better understanding of how the state used tax incentives to lure businesses to Colorado.
Colorado’s Plan To Distribute A COVID-19 Vaccine
The idea of a vaccine raises some interesting practical and ethical questions about who should get one first, especially if limited supplies may be available. State health officials have sent a new plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that details how Colorado would make those decisions. Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment joined us to explain what’s included in that plan.
Fire And Water: Sheridan, Wyoming
Wildfires and drought are hitting the Mountain West especially hard this year. And fires don’t just burn in forests. Grasslands full of invasive plants can burn just as big. Our look at where water and fire intersect in the West continues today in Wyoming. Catherine Wheeler of Wyoming Public Radio has more on the researchers looking at solutions to keep grassland fires in check.
Investigation: Why Colorado Is Paying Journalists To Visit
In so much of life these days, you have to read the fine print. That’s also the case in journalism. Conscientious reporters take great care to disclose any possible conflicts of interest, like whether someone paid to make a story possible. It turns out that officials in Colorado have been spending money to make stories happen — in this case, stories about tourism. It's a practice that raises questions for one media ethicist and, as KUNC's Scott Franz discovered, some journalists aren't disclosing to their readers where the money came from.
How The State Uses Tax Incentives To Encourage Business To Move Here
Last week, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade approved tax incentive packages for two different companies considering a move to the state, tax incentives to the tune of over $1 million each. Lucas High, a reporter with BizWest, has been reporting on these incentives and joined us to help us better understand how they work and how they’re used.
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:
- “Camp Fermin” by Zander
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.