Colorado Edition

Today on Colorado Edition: Because of the pandemic, an annual survey of people experiencing homelessness has been called off. We get a closer look at what that means for advocates who rely on the data. We'll also hear from former members of law enforcement about how they are approaching the issue of police violence. We dig into the recent trade of Rockies star player Nolan Arenado, and what it means for fans of the team. And we get a glimpse into life in the Yampa Valley from our My Colorado essay collection.

On today’s Colorado Edition: We look at the long, bumpy road to getting essential workers, such as those in grocery stores, factories and food production plants vaccinated against COVID-19. We explore data that shows Indigenous people in the Mountain West are much more likely than whites to be killed in encounters with police. We analyze current drought conditions in the Colorado River basin, and we’ll hear how the pandemic may be spurring school districts across the state to finally update their aging ventilation systems.

Today on Colorado Edition: Coronavirus vaccine efforts are underway, but data suggests the doses aren’t quite reaching rural communities and people of color. We’ll hear from the head of a large community health provider about how they’re working to change that. And as Republican congresswoman Lauren Boebert wraps up her first few weeks in office, we’ll explore whether there’s a place in the post-Trump era for her divisive political style. We’ll also check in on how the return to in-person learning is going for students in the Greeley-Evans school district, and for Denver Public Schools.

On today’s Colorado Edition: We explore why our politics are so polarized, and what can be done to bridge the divide. We examine how the state’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law has been used in its first year. We look into what’s driving the recent surge in home prices across the state. And, we listen back to a conversation with a former state lawmaker about her work to make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a recognized holiday in Colorado.

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore newly released climate data that shows the last seven years have been the seven warmest years on record. We learn about the unexpected bond some people have formed with their pets – of the feathered kind. We talk with the hosts of NPR’s narrative history show Throughline about how we can understand today’s news by journeying back in time. And our film critic reviews a new movie about a young woman coping with grief.

Today on Colorado Edition: As schools begin their spring semester, essential workers in education have been moved higher on the state’s vaccine priority list. We’ll have more on that, plus a conversation with the 2021 Colorado teacher of the year. We learn about the role of the state Supreme Court, which welcomed its newest justice this week. And we examine the communication barriers that can keep Latino communities from getting vital information about COVID-19 – and those working to close that gap.

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear about one of the most controversial birds in the American West: the endangered sage grouse and the fight over the bird’s future. We look at how the desert tortoise is adapting to climate change. We talk with a local author about her book featuring a veterinary student who also happens to be an animal empath. And we explore how fine art models — whose work relies on being in the three-dimensional world — are making their way during the virtual Zoom world of the pandemic.

Today on Colorado Edition: Larimer County is working to help restaurants and businesses that meet COVID-19 safety guidelines open safely. We learn more about the county’s application for a special “Level Up” status with the state. We hear about efforts to save fish species on the brink of extinction in the Colorado River. And we delve into an investigation of serious bicycle crashes, and how communities can take action to help reduce them.

Today on Colorado Edition: New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland is poised to become the nation’s first Indigenous cabinet secretary. We explore why her historic nomination may signal a shift in the relationship between tribes and the federal government. We look at the impact of recent deaths among young people in several Eastern Plains communities, and how they are responding with calls for action. We hear how farmers along the Colorado River are working to help downstream neighbors by modernizing their irrigation methods. And we discuss how ski areas in our state are adapting to climate change — and why it’s so important.

The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn will be visible this Monday night, when the two planets will appear closest together in the night sky. KUNC’s Rae Solomon spoke with Carla Johns, who teaches astronomy at Aims Community College and works at the Fiske planetarium in Boulder, about the event.