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Colorado Edition: The Third Wave

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Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll hear from a local doctor about an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Plus, we’ll look at the spread of COVID-19 in fire camps. We’ll also discuss how election results will impact education in our state, and learn about an unusual method to control erosion.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations

The state’s health department has released a new modeling report that shows we could surpass ICU capacity in late December, if COVID-19 case numbers do not begin to go down.

Dr. Diana Breyer joined us to discuss the increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, and how hospital care has changed for these patients since the pandemic begin. She is chief quality officer in Northern Colorado for UC Health, and a physician who specializes in pulmonology.

COVID-19 At Fire Camps

According to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there have been 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Cameron Peak Fire.

Now, as the fire inches closer to full containment, we’re going to talk with Jude Bayham about the spread of the virus at fire camps. Bayham is an assistant professor in the department of agricultural and resource economics at Colorado State University, and he co-authored a model earlier this year that shows how COVID-19 could spread in fire camps.

How The Election Impacts Education

In a year filled with financial uncertainty, budgets across the state have taken a big hit. After last week’s election though, many education budgets around the state will see a bit of reprieve from that financial uncertainty.

At a statewide level, Colorado voters approved two ballot measures that will help education budgets. And at a local level, 93% of local school tax measures were approved by voters.

To discuss the financial impact of these measures, and to take a look at some other education news from election week, Erica Meltzer, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Colorado, joined us.

The Legacy Of Detroit Riprap

Traveling along Western rivers can give a glimpse into the power of erosion. The region’s deepest canyons were formed by moving water. But if you look closer, you can also see the ways humans have tried to control that process for their benefit. From KSJD in Cortez, Colorado, Daniel Rayzel reports on how some unconventional methods from long ago are still affecting waterways today.

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.

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.

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  • Today on Colorado Edition: We learn what’s next after Coloradans voted this year to reintroduce gray wolves to our state. We’ll also explore why it was such a close race. Plus, we’ll take a look at what environmental policy could look like under the incoming Biden-Harris administration. Lastly, we’ll hear about one man’s work to keep Estes Park online during the recent wildfires.
  • Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn about telehealth during the pandemic. Plus, we’ll talk with a local teacher, and get some tips for how to listen better.
  • Today on Colorado Edition: We take a look a number of local municipal ballot questions, and with Colorado voters determining the state’s part in the National Popular Vote Compact, we explore what that means for the future of campaigns in the state. Plus, we’ll hear from a poll worker who’s been working to keep voting smooth since early voting began a few weeks ago. We’ll also take a look at what’s ahead for the U.S. Supreme Court and what that could ultimately mean for our state.