Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn about the governor’s efforts to sell lawmakers on a coronavirus relief package. Plus, we’ll look at the latest impacts of the pandemic on education, and learn about a non-police response program in Denver. Finally, we’ll hear from the University of Denver's Prison Arts Initiative.
State Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic
Gov. Jared Polis is trying to sell lawmakers on a $35 billion budget being headlined by a coronavirus relief package. It would send tens of millions of dollars to restaurants and businesses that have been hard hit by restrictions. But it still is not clear when the money would be distributed. And there are some negotiations to get through. KUNC’s Capitol Coverage reporter Scott Franz joined us to help break down the complexity of the state budget.
Schools and COVID-19
Over the last few weeks, Colorado has been seeing steady increase in some concerning COVID-19 metrics like hospitalizations, and as a result, more schools have had to shift back to remote learning.
Erica Meltzer, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Colorado, joined us for our weekly look at education.
Non-Police Response in Denver
For months, people have been gathering in communities across the country, calling for racial justice and an end to police brutality. At the same time, Denver has been experimenting with removing police from some emergency situations — and sending in unarmed mental health professionals instead. KUNC’s Leigh Paterson has more on how this non-police response has been going.
University of Denver's Prison Arts Initiative
Last year, the University of Denver’s new Prison Arts Initiative debuted its first performances — including live productions of “A Christmas Carol” — to audiences. The program, aimed at giving those incarcerated in Colorado a place to find creative expression, is now preparing for its second event in a much different format, for a much different time. KUNC arts reporter Stacy Nick spoke with program’s co-founder and executive director, Ashley Hamilton.
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.
