In The NOCO

Dry conditions make life harder for the trees in your yard. Here’s how to keep them healthy this year

KUNC — Fri, 15 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

After this tough winter and dry spring we've been having, the trees around your home may be taking things especially hard.

In fact, some of the strain that your trees feel when there's a lack of moisture runs so deeply that it may not even be visible to you until a few years from now. So, it’s important to protect your trees from drought conditions now to prevent damage and illness later.

To help get ahead of these problems, we spoke with John Murgel, a horticulture expert from CSU Extension who advises the public on how to care for trees. John shared some of his best tips with Erin O’Toole during a live episode taping a few weeks back in Fort Collins.

If you’re thinking of planting new trees this spring, John mentioned that birches and maples are especially thirsty varieties that he doesn’t recommend for our increasingly dry climate. For more, check out this list of tree recommendations from CSU Extension.

Missed our earlier conversations from the In The NoCo live event? Find them here:

How to make your landscape more drought-tolerant with sustainable landscape expert Deryn Davidson.
How to help your yard through a dry spring and summer with grass and turf expert Alison O’Connor.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why fireflies shine their lights at the same time – and why it might lead to new technologies

KUNC — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Fireflies lighting up the sky on a summer night can feel magical – especially if you happen to catch them as they light up at the same time.

Which brings up one of the mysteries of the insect world: How do fireflies shine their lights in sync with one another?

A pair of computer science researchers with the University of Colorado Boulder set out to better understand how fireflies do this – and why.

Orit Peleg is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and the BioFrontiers Institute at CU Boulder. She and fellow CU research scientist Owen Martin spent time in a South Carolina swamp to study what causes the phenomenon known as firefly synchrony.

They spoke with Erin O’Toole about what they learned about how fireflies communicate, and how that understanding might help develop new technologies.

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Do immigration arrests and deportations help American workers? A CU economist says no

KUNC — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

In the second Trump administration, we've seen deportations surge, along with some very visible operations by ICE agents — nationally and in Colorado.

One argument — maybe an assumption — for deportations goes something like this: They will help American workers. Arresting and deporting workers who are in the country without legal status clears up space on the payroll for jobs that can go to American citizens instead.

A new study by a University of Colorado economist calls that assumption into question. It looked at what happens to companies who lose workers without legal status due to immigration enforcement.

The study found that not only did those companies lose the workers targeted by ICE, but they also had fewer jobs available for workers who are citizens. Because those companies affected by raids tended to contract, which actually means fewer job opportunities for US-born workers.

Chloe East, the economist who led the study at CU Joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the research.

The CU study has generated national interest — including pushback from the White House, which dismissed the research in a Washington Post story last week.

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How a unique foster care program for pets is helping Coloradans in recovery

KUNC — Tue, 12 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

When someone decides they need help with a drug or alcohol addiction, or to leave an unsafe living situation, one obstacle they often face is this: While I’m getting help, who will take care of my pets?

For many people, the bond with a dog or cat is a lifeline. But most in-patient treatment programs or domestic violence shelters can’t allow animals – which can force people to have to choose between recovery or their furry family members.

This didn't sit well with a former veterinary technician named Serena Saunders. In 2021, she started an unusual nonprofit from her home in Denver called PAWsitive Recovery. She offered foster care for a few pets of people recovering from mental health issues, addiction, or abuse.

The program has grown so popular, and the need is so great, that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International is now working to expand it across the U.S.

Serena spoke with Erin O'Toole earlier this year about what pushed her to create the PAWsitive Recovery program – and what it’s like to help people working to get their lives back. We’re listening back to their conversation today.

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Drought-tolerant plants can help keep your garden beautiful when moisture is scarce. Here’s where to begin

KUNC — Fri, 08 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Unless you have nothing but cacti in your yard, your plants and garden are going to need extra help this summer.

In addition to the heat, your plants will have to cope with less moisture than usual. While this week’s snowstorm brought a bit of relief, it won’t be enough to compensate for a very dry winter. So, our guest today offers tips to help – and explains the science behind keeping plants healthy in a dry year.

Deryn Davidson is a sustainable landscape specialist with CSU Extension. She often answers questions from the public about native and drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping. And she sees this moment as an opportunity to rethink how we choose to landscape in our arid climate.

Deryn spoke with Erin O’Toole in an onstage interview last month at In The NoCo’s first live episode taping.

Planning a more drought-tolerant garden this year? Check out CSU Extension’s recommendations for perennials and other plants.

And get expert advice on lawn care in this live conversation with Alison O’Connor, a turf grass specialist with CSU Extension.

Will rain from El Niño save Colorado from severe drought? We asked a climatologist

KUNC — Thu, 07 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

The promise of the weather phenomenon known as El Niño.

Don’t let this week’s spring snowstorm fool you: Mountain snowpack across Colorado's high country is dismal, and much of the state is in a persistent drought. Which means less water in reservoirs and dry conditions that are ripe for wildfire this summer.

But there’s one potential bright spot: Forecasters are predicting an especially strong El Niño in the months ahead.

El Niño is a climate pattern that can reshape weather across the West – and potentially bring badly needed rainstorms. But how soon will it get here? And are we pinning too many hopes on El Niño?

To learn more, we reached out to Colorado’s State Climatologist and Professor of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University Russ Schumacher. He told Erin O'Toole that an El Niño could bring some needed relief to the parched Front Range by early fall.

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A look at the inner workings of data centers, as Colorado leaders grapple with whether to build more of them

KUNC — Wed, 06 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

These days, artificial intelligence does a lot for us. AI gives us personalized shopping recommendations. It writes emails for us. It helps us run businesses.

And all those tasks require lightning-fast computing and huge amounts of data. Which is why tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Meta are building massive data centers around the country.

Some state lawmakers have proposed incentives for companies that want to build data centers in Colorado. They say the facilities will create jobs and tax revenue – and that Colorado is competing with other states for that economic boost.

But skeptics point out that data centers use enormous amounts of electricity and water, which strains power grids and water supplies.

To sort through the economic benefits and the environmental costs, a while back we reached out to Vijay Gadepally. He's a senior scientist at MIT who researches high performance computing and artificial intelligence. He’s also the chief technology officer of an AI cloud computing company that hopes to build a data center in Colorado.

He talked last year with Erin O'Toole about how data centers work, and why some people think Colorado’s a good place to build more of them.

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How games that used ancient dice shaped trade and diplomacy across North America, according to a CSU archaeologist

KUNC — Tue, 05 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

An ancient collection of dice discovered by archaeologists might rewrite the history of how humans have understood mathematical concepts like probability.

A new Colorado State University study examined the earliest known dice in human history. Native American hunter-gatherers across the western U.S. first used the dice as early as 12,000 years ago.

Robert Madden, the CSU researcher behind the finding, says these dice weren't just for entertainment. They were tools of commerce. They helped people barter and trade goods – and also helped shape early thinking about probability and other math concepts.

Robert spoke with Erin O’Toole about the discovery and what it reveals about humanity’s long-running fascination with games of chance.

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In a warm, dry springtime, your lawn may need extra care. Here’s where to start – and what not to do

KUNC — Fri, 01 May 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Last week, the In The NoCo team gathered some plant experts from CSU Extension and interviewed them about caring for the plants in our lives as we move from a warm, dry winter into what looks to be a hot, dry summer. It was part of In The NoCo’s first live episode, taped in front of an audience in Fort Collins.

Today, we share one of the conversations from that night, about lawn and turf triage. Alison O’Connor, a horticulture specialist with CSU Extension, shared tips with Erin O’Toole about why you may want to skip aeration and fertilization this spring, and why it’s OK to let your yard look a little browner this year.

We’ll share excerpts from these timely interviews in the coming weeks.

If you’re considering planting new turf to withstand a warmer, drier Colorado climate, check out this list of recommended turf grasses from CSU Extension.

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A unique mission to save coral from a devastating disease – and the Coloradans helping to make it happen

KUNC — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

It's one of the more unusual exhibits on display at the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster.

Stroll past the colorful butterflies and other insects, and you'll find a 250-gallon saltwater tank. It houses part of a nationwide collaboration to save a badly damaged coral reef found off the coast of Florida.

The rescue project began in 2020 after a coalition of zoos and aquariums teamed up to house and grow coral in response to a disease that spread across the underwater habitat off Florida.

The Butterfly Pavilion stepped up to be part of the project. Six years in, we wanted to hear how a coral colony ended up in Colorado and what challenges its handlers overcame along the way.

Sara Stevens is a marine biologist who manages the coral ark project for the Butterfly Pavilion. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about this unusual rescue mission.

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This CU professor looked into how political news on TikTok shapes young voters’ views. Here’s what he found

KUNC — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

TikTok has become a go-to source for news, especially for younger audiences.

But short-form videos on the social network don’t look or sound much like traditional journalism. Users see a stream of bite-size videos that favor strong opinions and controversy over nuance and depth.

So, how does consuming political content on TikTok actually affect young people?

Michaelangelo Landgrave is a political scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder, and co-author of a new study that looked into that question. He and his fellow researchers found that TikTok may not change young voters' political views – but it does tend to make them feel more angry, sad or anxious about the world.

They recently published their findings in the journal Political Studies Review.

Michaelangelo spoke with Erin O’Toole about the study, which he said was partly inspired by seeing his students use TikTok and other social media far more than traditional news outlets.

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State lawmakers scaled back rules for paying overtime to Colorado farm workers. Here’s why

KUNC — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Democrats tend to position themselves as champions of workers: pro-union, pro-labor. But a bill that passed recently at the Colorado statehouse called some of that into question – and caused a split among Democratic state legislators.

Earlier this month, lawmakers voted to scale back overtime rules for farm workers. The vote followed several days of intense debate before 11 Democrats ultimately sided with Republicans to pass the bill.

Supporters argue that existing overtime laws in Colorado hurt farmers by forcing them to pay steep overtime wages for farm labor. Supporters also say the rules often have the effect of reducing how much work seasonal farm laborers can get.

But opponents of the bill say this move weakens protections designed to prevent the exploitation of farm laborers.

So why did 11 Democrats split from their caucus to support the bill?

Rae Solomon covers the state capitol for the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about how the bill will affect people who work in Colorado's farming industry – and what the vote reveals about labor issues at the statehouse this year.

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What Rocky Flats meant to the workers who helped create nuclear weapons there during the Cold War

KUNC — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

If you visit the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Denver, you see different types of wildlife, miles of hiking and biking trails and acres of rolling prairie.

But you don’t see any trace of the astonishing history of what happened there during the Cold War: Rocky Flats was the site of a plant that made plutonium triggers for nuclear weapons until it was shuttered in the early 1990s.

Officials removed later removed the buildings used in processing plutonium and cleaned up the area. And after a series of sometimes contentious public hearings, the wildlife refuge opened to the public in 2018.

Filmmaker Jeff Gipe explores that history in a recent documentary, Half-Life of Memory: America’s Forgotten Atomic Bomb Factory. Gipe grew up in nearby Arvada. His father worked at the plant in the 1980s.

Gipe says he made the film to remind people of the hazards buried beneath the wide-open spaces of the wildlife refuge, and to share the voices of workers whose lives were affected by the dangerous materials processed at Rocky Flats.

Today we’re listening back to Gipe’s conversation with Erin O’Toole, recorded ahead of the film’s premiere in late 2024.

The documentary is available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video, and will be screened this Sunday, April 26 at the Arvada Center - along with a new art exhibit running through May 10.

You can watch the film’s trailer here.

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This proposed state law could make it easier for Colorado artists to support themselves. Here’s how

KUNC — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

A bill being discussed at the state capitol has lawmakers sounding like a bunch of Swifties – or at least has them talking about Taylor Swift’s music.

State Sen. Jeff Bridges referenced the pop superstar’s album 1989 when he threw his support behind a proposed law that would make it easier for artists in Colorado to do business and help protect the rights to their creative work.

Bridges told the Colorado Sun that the bill would avoid situations like what happened to Swift when her former record company sold away the rights to 1989 and other albums she’d created.

Parker Yamasaki covers arts and culture and wrote about the bill for the Colorado Sun. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about the idea behind it, and how it could help Colorado artists trying to support themselves through their creative work.

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Why hundreds of bird lovers will head to eastern Colorado this weekend to spot the elusive Mountain Plover

KUNC — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Mountain Plovers are a celebrated bird species in parts of Colorado. But if you’ve never seen one, you’re in the majority.

Mountain Plovers nest on Colorado’s eastern plains and are sometimes referred to as the “prairie ghost” because their sandy-colored plumage makes them hard to spot.

The annual Mountain Plover Festival in Karval – which begins this Friday – celebrates this bird.

The festival draws hundreds of visitors each year, and owes much of its success to support from local ranchers, who have gotten involved in preserving Mountain Plover habitat.

Angela Dwyer is a manager for the stewardship program of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. She joined Erin O’Toole last year to talk about the ranchers, the festival and the plovers — including why this prairie-loving bird has “mountain” in its name. We’re revisiting their conversation today.

The sound of Mountain Plovers used in this episode can be found in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Macaulay Library.

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How kids quietly lend a hand after a wildfire or flood – and how it helps their neighbors

KUNC — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

When a natural disaster strikes, we often think of children as the most vulnerable of victims. Picture families forced to evacuate during a wildfire, or kids forced to take remote classes for months during the pandemic.

A University of Colorado researcher says this thinking may be too simplistic – that it overlooks the ways children help out during and after a disaster, and the importance of letting kids help respond to a chaotic world.

Lori Peek is a sociology professor and director of the Natural Hazards Center at CU Boulder. She studies how communities respond to natural disasters, and she's particularly focused on how children help out.

She’s giving a talk on the topic Wednesday in Boulder. Ahead of that, she spoke with Erin O’Toole about her research.

If you enjoyed this interview, check out our previous In The NoCo conversation with Lori about how surviving a wildfire can make a community more resilient.

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Why some tech leaders are sounding the alarm about Colorado’s ‘deteriorating’ business climate

KUNC — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has been a magnet for businesses over the past two decades. In the past seven years, the state attracted dozens of companies and more than 40,000 jobs, according to the governor’s office.

But that trend appears to be shifting.

Nearly a hundred companies are thinking about leaving Colorado – or have already done so. That’s according to a recent report from the Colorado Chamber Foundation.

And earlier this month, a group of business and tech leaders signed an open letter to Gov. Jared Polis and other state officials.

The letter warned that Colorado’s business climate is heading in the wrong direction. They pointed to too many regulations on businesses – and especially companies that use AI to do things like set prices.

Axios Denver reporter John Frank recently wrote about what’s driving the departures. He joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the details, and what business leaders think might help reverse the trend.

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How youth mentoring inspired a Colorado author’s new science fiction novel

KUNC — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado author Collin Irish writes science fiction and fantasy. And while his new book includes imaginative storylines set in space, its inspiration came from a more personal place: Collin’s writing drew from his work as a volunteer youth mentor.

Collin works with some young men to help them better understand themselves through the use of storytelling and fairy tales. It’s part of a program based in Boulder called Rocky Mountain Rites .

His new novel Messenger grew out of that mentoring work. It blends fairy tale, fantasy, and science fiction to explore the challenges of growing up in a modern world filled with uncertainty.

Collin, who lives in Lakewood, spoke with Erin O’Toole about how his experience as a mentor shaped Messenger, and his approach to writing.

Read an excerpt from Messenger that appeared in the Colorado Sun.

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How a CU researcher’s team is hunting for water in craters on the moon – and what they’ve found so far

KUNC — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Just days after the Artemis II astronauts returned to Earth, we’ve got a different lunar exploration story today – one that hasn’t gotten as much attention.

Scientists have known for years that the moon holds traces of water. That water could be invaluable for future space exploration, as ingredients for rocket fuel, or perhaps by providing water for a colony on the moon one day.

But exactly where that water is remains something of a mystery.

A new study led by University of Colorado researchers is helping to solve part of that mystery, by pinpointing where frozen water might be.

Paul Hayne is a planetary scientist at CU Boulder's Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics. He’s part of the research team, which published their findings earlier this month in the journal Nature Astronomy.

Paul joined Erin O'Toole to help explain what we know about the moon’s hidden water, how his work ties into NASA’s Artemis program, and how the research might one day help establish a base on the moon.

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How a CU professor is helping to preserve the Arapaho language

KUNC — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

For centuries, the Arapaho have called Colorado and Wyoming home. The tribe gave names to places like the Kawuneeche Valley, the Never Summer Mountains, and Mount Blue Sky.

But the language the Arapaho have spoken for centuries is at risk of disappearing, as fewer members of the tribe have learned the language.

A team of language experts at the University of Colorado Boulder is working to change that. They’re compiling an online database that includes recordings of the Arapaho language and can be used as a learning and teaching tool.

Andrew Cowell is a linguistics professor at CU, and faculty director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous studies. He helped launch this project more than two decades ago.

He spoke with Erin O’Toole in January about how he hopes the digital database helps future generations learn and continue to speak the Arapaho language. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

You can access the Arapaho Language Project here.

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How Colorado mountain town residents coped during a historically dismal ski season

KUNC — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

It’s been a tough winter for skiers and snowboarders in Colorado. And that’s also rippling through the local economy of nearby resort towns.

Workers in bars and restaurants, backcountry gear shops, and hotels that depend on busy ski seasons are feeling the pinch. Many businesses are coping by cutting employee hours, not hiring some seasonal workers, or cutting back on overall spending.

Journalist Steve Knopper wrote in 5280 Magazine about the economic ripple effects this low-snow season is creating beyond the ski resorts. His article is a snapshot of how a historically dry year is affecting the lives of the people who live and work in Colorado’s mountain towns.

Steve talked with Erin O'Toole about what he learned, and why he wanted to write this particular story now.

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A ski patrol job at a Colorado resort comes with serious challenges. A new program helps address them

KUNC — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

A position on the ski patrol at a Colorado resort is a dream job for many people – even in a dry winter like this one. They get paid to spend their days on some of the best terrain in the U.S. And they help thousands of skiers and snowboarders have a great time in the High Country.

But that work can also take a toll. Aside from the physical demands of skiing as a full-time job, there are downright traumatic moments -- like when a patrol team responds to a skier who's badly injured or gone missing.

Winter Park's ski patrol set out in recent years to make sure its patrol members are properly equipped to handle the toughest incidents. Working with a nonprofit called Responder Alliance, they got their patrol team talking about stress and resilience. The story was featured in a recent Colorado Sun article.

Zachary Akselrad is in his 16th season as a ski patrol employee, and he's assistant director of Winter Park’s ski patrol. He talked with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner in January about how the new approach has made the patrol team better. As a particularly tough ski season winds down in Colorado, we’re listening back to that conversation today.

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A new documentary examines how one Colorado mountain town navigates neighborly disagreements

KUNC — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Creede is a small, former silver mining town in the heart of a canyon in the San Juan mountains. It has about 300 full-time residents. Just about everywhere you look, you see reminders of the area's mining heritage – including the abandoned mines that surround the town.

One thing sets Creede apart from other mining towns in Colorado: It has a thriving local theater scene.

In the 1960s, as the silver mining industry began to die out, The Creede Repertory Theatre opened with a handful of theater students. Sixty years later – there's still some tension between the free-spirited thespians who visit each summer, and the locals who work as ranchers or outfitters.

Yet, somehow, they coexist. That dynamic – and how everyone gets along with one another – drew filmmakers Kahane Corn Cooperman and Innbo Shim to make the new documentary Creede, USA.

The film will be screened this Saturday as part of Colorado State University's ACT Human Rights Film Festival in Fort Collins. Ahead of the film festival’s opening, Kahane and Innbo joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the film, and what they think other communities could learn from Creede about civility and kindness.

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Venomous snakes kill thousands worldwide each year. A UNC professor’s search for a better antivenom could help save lives

KUNC — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

For people in much of the world, snakebite is a life-threatening condition.

We don't think about it much in Colorado — though it may be more top of mind this spring, since the warm winter is prompting rattlesnakes to emerge from their dens a little earlier than usual. Here, a nasty rattlesnake bite might send the occasional hiker to the emergency room.

But the World Health Organization estimates that, around the globe, as many as 138,000 people die from venomous snakebites each year. And while antivenom can be used to treat snakebite, it’s often costly and difficult to produce.

An expert at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley hopes to change that.

Biology professor Stephen Mackessy is part of an international team that recently announced a breakthrough in the production of antivenom. The new technology could save lives by making antivenom cheaper to manufacture — and available in larger quantities.

Mackessy and his team recently published their findings in the journal Nature. He spoke with Erin O’Toole in November about the important research happening at his lab in Greeley that led to the breakthrough. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

If you enjoyed this interview, check out this In The NoCo conversation with the retiring director of the Rocky Mountain Poison Center, whose work helped develop a better antivenom to treat rattlesnake bites.

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How a Fort Collins writer found hope and healing on the Colorado Trail

KUNC — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Just a note - today's episode touches on themes of depression and suicide.

Ten years ago, Colorado writer Becky Jensen’s life seemed great. She was raising two sons and engaged to be married. Yet, she was struggling quietly with depression and thoughts of suicide – although she didn't know why.

Hoping to find clarity, Becky decided to take a bold step: She shouldered a backpack and set out to hike all 500 miles of the Colorado Trail on her own. Along the way, she confronted dangers in the wilderness – and her own feelings of low self-worth and repressed trauma.

What began for her as an escape turned into a journey toward healing and, ultimately, a newly published memoir called No Man’s Land: Unpacking One Woman’s Worth on the Colorado Trail.

Becky joined Erin O'Toole to talk about her experience, and what led to her taking this unusual step toward self-discovery.

Becky will present a book talk and slide show at Wolverine Farm Publick House in Fort Collins on Thursday, April 9. And she’ll join Colorado Trail legend David Fanning at Old Firehouse Books (Fort Collins) for conversation on May 14. Find more upcoming author events at her website.

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Steam power isn’t as clean as it could be. This CSU professor developed new technology to change that

KUNC — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Steam powers much of the modern world. It drove the Industrial Revolution, and is still widely used to generate electricity, to sterilize equipment used in food production and medicine, and to heat and cool large buildings.

However, the traditional method of making steam hasn’t changed in more than 150 years. It involves burning fossil fuels like coal or natural gas to heat water in a boiler – a process which creates harmful emissions.

Which is why Todd Bandhauer felt that the old way was long overdue for an upgrade. He's a professor of mechanical engineering at Colorado State University, and co-founder and chief technical officer of a CSU spinoff company called AtmosZero.

He recently helped develop a method that uses heat from the air, rather than from burning gas or fossil fuels, to make steam generation cleaner. And Bandhauer thinks it could be transformative for manufacturing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, heating college campuses, and brewing beer.

Bandhauer was recently named to the Time 100 Climate list, which recognizes innovations in clean energy.

He joined Erin O’Toole last November to talk about why making cleaner steam could be transformative for manufacturing around the world – and how it’s already being used at New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Some effects of climate change are already here in Colorado. Here’s what experts are seeing

KUNC — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Climate change in Colorado isn’t just an abstract idea. We can see the effects now.

Cities have already imposed summer watering limits. Snowpack is at record lows, and some ski resorts are closing early this season. Governor Jared Polis recently activated the state's drought task force with a warning that Colorado is in the middle of its warmest year on record.

Colorado Sun environment reporter Michael Booth recently wrote a piece exploring ten visible signs that climate change is happening now in Colorado – including the challenges farmers are facing, and how drought is affecting Colorado’s iconic Ponderosa pine forests.

Michael spoke with Erin O'Toole about why he set out to write the story, and why some experts are hopeful about possible solutions.

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Could baseballs with thicker seams help the Colorado Rockies find success this season?

KUNC — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

The Colorado Rockies play their first home game of the season on Friday. It’s a fresh start for the team after last season, which was the worst in franchise history.

Today, we’re talking about a rather bold idea that might hold potential to change the team’s fortunes moving forward.

A routine part of the Rockies’ misfortunes is the fact that Coors Field sits a mile above sea level. Baseballs fly further here, which means more home runs. It also means pitches like curveballs have less curve to them, which makes life harder for the pitchers.

Colorado Sun reporter John Ingold looked into one possible solution: using baseballs with raised seams to increase the air resistance on fly balls – and make playing at Coors Field similar to what players experience at other ballparks.

John joined In The NoCo’s Brad Turner last September to talk about how it might work – and the science of playing baseball at this altitude. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Fewer new moms are dying in Colorado from accidental overdoses. This doctor thinks she knows why

KUNC — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

It’s a positive development in a grim trend we rarely talk about.

Across Colorado, fewer pregnant women and new moms are dying from accidental overdoses. The number of maternal overdose deaths dropped from 20 in the year 2020 to 8 deaths just three years later. That's a 60% reduction in the most recent years for which data is available.

Why that's happening isn’t totally clear. But a doctor who specializes in addiction treatment during pregnancy has a theory that involves Naloxone. That’s an over-the-counter medication that can stop or reverse the symptoms of an overdose by people who use opioids, including heroin or some painkillers.

Naloxone has become more widely distributed in recent years, but it's not without controversy. Proponents say it saves lives, while some feel it enables or perpetuates drug abuse.

Dr. Kaylin Klie, an associate professor of family medicine at CU Anschutz Medical Campus, thinks Naloxone may be behind the decline in maternal overdoses. She wrote about that in a recent piece for The Conversation. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about her hypothesis – and what it says about how we address addiction.

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Who owns a story? This Colorado author’s latest novel explores a tough question

KUNC — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

A stolen idea for a novel, an angry social media post – and an online backlash that engulfs the main characters. These are the elements of an intriguing novel by Colorado author R.L. Maizes.

The writer says it draws on some of her own experiences. And the novel raises thorny questions about who gets to own an idea, who has the right to tell a particular story, and the tension of writing a novel in an age of social media tirades.

A Complete Fiction was released in November. Maizes, who lives near Boulder, joined Erin O’Toole to share the real-life challenges of being a writer in our chronically online society. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

* * * * *

This doctor spent decades tracking what kills or poisons Coloradans. Here’s what he learned

KUNC — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

A poison control center is the place to call if your child accidentally swallows something dangerous, like paint or a detergent pod.

But the Rocky Mountain Poison Center based in Denver also tracks the things that poison Coloradans. It monitors prescription drug misuse, tracks new substances Coloradans might ingest, and helps hospitals treat venomous snake bites.

Dr. Richard Dart has led the center, which serves Colorado and three other western states, since 1992. In that time, he's seen a lot of changes, from how the center handles phone calls to how it trains the next generation of toxicologists.

Dart recently announced he’s retiring. Ahead of that, he joined Erin O’Toole to share more about how the things that sicken or kill Coloradans have changed in recent decades – and what drew him to this unusual line of work.

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out our recent interview with Stephen Mackessy, a researcher at the University of Northern Colorado who’s part of an international team developing more effective, less costly antivenom to treat venomous snake bites.

* * * * *

These tiny, fossilized teeth found near Colorado Springs may rewrite our understanding of early mammal life

KUNC — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

A recent discovery by paleontologists working in Colorado is giving scientists a slightly revised history of primates. That’s the group of mammals that includes apes – and humans.

Scientists working at Corral Bluffs near Colorado Springs recently discovered tiny teeth and bone fragments belonging to a species called Purgatorius.

Purgatorius was an early and distant cousin of humans. It thrived 65 million years ago – not long after an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.

Purgatorius fossils had never been found as far south as Colorado before this recent dig. And scientists say the discovery suggests that, once dinosaurs were out of the picture, mammals may have thrived more quickly – and over a wider swath of the planet – than previously understood.

Jordan Crowell is a postdoctoral fellow with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, who worked with dozens of volunteers and other scientists on the dig near Colorado Springs. He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about what they found, and why scientists are excited by the discovery.

* * * * *

No, you shouldn’t plant a packet of unidentified seeds that show up in the mail. Yes, it’s a real concern

KUNC — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Mysterious, unsolicited packages are showing up in people's mailboxes in Colorado and several other states.

They appear to be sent from another country, often China. Labels on the packages suggest there’s a small piece of merchandise inside, like jewelry or some kind of wire connector.

Instead, recipients find packets of seeds inside – with no indication of what the seeds are, who sent them, or why. They may look similar to sunflower or pumpkin seeds. But state and federal agriculture officials recently warned people not to plant these mystery items.

Laura Pottorff is the Director of Colorado Seed Programs with Colorado State University. She joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the mystery of these odd packages, and what to do in case one arrives in your mailbox.

Laura mentioned that - if that does happen - you should mail the unopened packet to the USDA office in Colorado at this address:

USDA APHIS PPQ
3950 North Lewiston Street, Suite 104
Aurora, CO 80011-1561

* * * * *

Fort Collins and Boulder may stop using Flock surveillance cameras. Here’s why they’re controversial

KUNC — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Drive through some communities in Colorado, and your movements may be monitored by a network of cameras that track your license plate.

A company called Flock Safety operates dozens of these cameras in Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins. They’ve quietly photographed millions of cars over the last year. And right now, these cities are grappling with the question of whether these cameras help fight crime – or are an abuse of privacy and civil liberties.

Denver leaders announced in February they would not renew the city’s contract with Flock. Officials in Boulder and Fort Collins are also considering dropping their use of Flock cameras after public opposition.

To better understand the debate over the cameras, we reached out to Steven Keener. He’s an assistant professor of criminology at Christopher Newport University in Virginia. Keener studies the use of Flock cameras across the U.S., including their effect on crime reduction and concerns over how the data is shared.

He joined Erin O’Toole to discuss how Flock data has been used by law enforcement, as well as some of the philosophical objections to the cameras.

* * * * *

Female athletes face different health challenges than their male counterparts. This new program focuses on their needs

KUNC — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Young women are more active in sports than ever – and more visible. Think Naomi Osaka on the tennis court or Caitlin Clark playing hoops. Colorado’s first-ever women’s professional soccer team, Denver Summit FC, just played its inaugural match on Saturday. And overall, young women’s participation in sports continues to increase.

But female athletes face different health challenges than their male counterparts. They may grapple with painful periods, and experience body image issues or eating disorders at a higher rate than male athletes.

A newly formed team of doctors at Children's Hospital Colorado hopes to change that. The hospital’s Female Athlete Program transforms the way middle and high school girls train, compete, and manage their physical and mental health. That often means talking honestly about hormones.

Dr. Lauryn Roth, one of the program’s founding physicians, specializes in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. She works alongside sports medicine physician Dr. Aubrey Armento.

They joined Erin O’Toole last November to discuss how the program works – and how their own experience as teenage athletes shaped how they now treat young women. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

* * * * *

Colorado officials are taking an unusual step to prepare for a future public health crisis. Here’s why

KUNC — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Back in 1948, the U.S and other countries created a unique coalition: The World Health Organization was established to address global health challenges including disease outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the start of this year, the Trump administration formally withdrew the U.S. from the WHO. That withdrawal creates uncertainty over how the U.S., and individual states like Colorado, will track and respond to future outbreaks.

So, Colorado is trying a new tactic. Health officials have applied to join the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network – or GOARN – as an individual state.

Scientists and health officials say the move will put Colorado in a better position to respond to emerging diseases and will foster stronger public health policies across the state.

Reporter John Ingold has been following this story for The Colorado Sun. He joined Erin O'Toole to talk about the decision to join this global health network, and how it might help Coloradans prepare for the next health crisis.

* * * * *

How a childcare shortage forces parents with babies to make tough choices in parts of rural Colorado

KUNC — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has a childcare shortage. Many childcare centers see more applications from families who need care than there are spaces available.

And for parents of infants, it’s worse: Ten rural Colorado counties don't have a single licensed childcare provider for babies under the age of 18 months.

That lack of licensed care options for infants in places like Leadville and Salida has forced some tough decisions for families. Some find neighbors or family members to watch their young kids. Some cut back on work hours or even drop out of the workforce entirely. Other parents rely on unlicensed, in-home providers to care for their babies.

So, what's causing the shortage – and how does that add to the housing and food costs that make life unaffordable for many rural and mountain town residents?

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown recently wrote about Colorado’s infant-care deserts. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about what’s causing it, and what it might take to fix the problem.

* * * * *

Why a Colorado author set out to retell 'The Great Gatsby' from a different perspective

KUNC — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

The Great Gatsby is classic American literature. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel about wealth and longing has generally been celebrated ever since it was published in 1925.

But a Colorado author’s latest book asks you to consider the story from a different vantage point.

Writer Allyson Reedy recently published Mrs. Wilson’s Affair. It's told from the perspective of Myrtle Wilson – a tragic character who appears in just a handful of scenes in The Great Gatsby, and whom Fitzgerald presents in an unflattering light.

Reedy says she loves the original Gatsby – she's read it numerous times -- but she thought Myrtle deserved more of a backstory and a little more empathy.

Reedy, who lives in Broomfield and also serves as restaurant critic for 5280, spoke with Erin O’Toole in November about the novel. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Check out an excerpt from Mrs. Wilson’s Affair.

* * * * *

Allergy season started early this year. Here’s why – and how to find relief

KUNC — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

Runny noses. Red eyes. Sneezing and itching and grogginess. If it feels like your seasonal allergies have flared up earlier than usual, it's not your imagination.

This year’s warm, dry winter means some plants and trees are flowering – and producing pollen – even earlier than usual. That’s happening on top of what allergy experts say is a larger trend in which pollen season starts earlier and lasts longer each year than it did two or three decades ago.

So, how is allergy season evolving? And what are the best ways to find relief from the annoyance of watering eyes, itchy throat, or constant sneezing?

Dr. Levi Keller is an assistant professor in allergy and clinical immunology with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about what’s uniquely difficult for allergy sufferers this year.

* * * * *

This CU researcher says there can be positive side benefits to mood disorders. Here’s what she found

KUNC — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0600

A diagnosis of chronic depression or bipolar disorder can be daunting. These conditions can come with feelings of sadness or despair, or intense mood swings.

But a researcher at the University of Colorado says we might be thinking too simplistically about these disorders.

June Gruber is a professor of psychology and neuroscience who runs the Positive Emotion and Psychopathology Lab at CU Boulder. She specializes in research around happiness.

She recently looked into silver linings — or side benefits — of some common mood disorders. And what she found is encouraging — both for folks with these conditions, and those close to them.

June and her research team found those potential advantages can include a greater ability to cope with life's stresses, a tendency toward creativity and a richer social life.

June joined Erin O’Toole in December to talk about her research, which was partly inspired by watching her father deal with life with bipolar disorder. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out this previous interview with June on her tips for living a happier life.

* * * * *

Can’t install solar panels on your roof? Smaller ‘balcony’ solar devices may be coming to Colorado

KUNC — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Colorado could soon see a new wave of home solar power — but not in the form of the large solar panels you may see on rooftops around your neighborhood. Instead: Imagine slim, portable panels that you can attach to a porch or balcony and then plug into your wall.

Small-scale solar units like these are already popular in Europe. But they’re almost unheard of in the U.S., partly because of regulatory restrictions by power utilities but also because there aren’t many of these plug-in solar products on the market.

Not yet, at least.

A bill at the Colorado statehouse could clear the way for renters, condo owners and people who can’t afford a full rooftop system to buy these plug-in panels.

State lawmakers hope to see these systems available by the end of this year.

Reporter Michael Booth covers the environment for The Colorado Sun. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about how these tiny solar power units work, and how this might look in Colorado.

* * * * *

Why a proposed Colorado law may ban the practice of garnishing patients’ paychecks to repay medical debt

KUNC — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0700

In most states, if someone repeatedly hasn't paid a medical bill, collectors can eventually go to that person's employer and garnish their paycheck – which means that they withhold a portion of that person's earnings to pay off the debt.

Critics of wage garnishment say the practice disproportionately affects lower income patients.

Now a bill under consideration at the state capitol would effectively prevent debt collectors from doing this – and would make Colorado one of the few states in the U.S. to ban wage garnishment for medical debt.

But some opponents say that would ultimately drive up the cost of healthcare for everyone.

Rae Ellen Bichell is Colorado correspondent for KFF Health News, which covers healthcare policy. She spoke with Erin O'Toole about why the practice is controversial, and how this proposal might affect it.

* * * * *

Why is the lesser prairie-chicken in decline – and why were its federal protections removed?

KUNC — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0700

A bit of regional science news may have slipped past you last week.

You could be forgiven if you missed the Trump administration's announcement that it's removing federal protections from a bird species known as the lesser prairie-chicken.

It roams the southern Great Plains, including southeast Colorado. It makes a sound known as “booming” when it dances as part of its distinctive mating ritual.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s decision to remove threatened and endangered species protections for the bird comes after farming and oil and gas trade groups complained about those restrictions.

Sometimes it can feel a little abstract when you hear about a threatened species having its protections downgraded. But today, we thought we'd offer a primer on what’s special about this unusual bird, and why its numbers have declined in recent decades.

David Pavlacky is a senior research scientist with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies who studies and works to preserve lesser prairie-chicken populations. He joined Erin O'Toole to talk about the bird, and why many find it fascinating.

This episode includes lesser prairie-chicken audio by Andrew Spencer, courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Macaulay Library.

* * * * *

What pushback against an ambitious Greeley development project says about growth along the Front Range

KUNC — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Greeley has been one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country in recent years, according to U.S. Census data. Since 2000, the city has grown from around 76,000 residents to nearly 114,000.

An ambitious, nearly billion-dollar plan to develop 800 acres on the west side of the city would have continued that growth streak.

The project, known as Catalyst, would include homes, a luxury hotel, an indoor water park, and a new arena for the Colorado Eagles hockey team. City leaders pointed to new jobs and sales tax revenue the development would create – and also promised it would not raise taxes.

But a group called Greeley Demands Better opposed the project and collected enough signatures to put it before voters. In a special election on Feb. 24, Greeley voters repealed the zoning for Catalyst. That stalled the project – and calls into question the city’s reputation for being friendly to developers.

Reporter Dan England has covered the ups and downs of the project for the Colorado Sun. He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about how Greeley got to this point – and what it might say about growth along the northern Front Range.

* * * * *

What ski companies in Colorado are saying, or not saying, about efforts to curb climate change

KUNC — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Climate change is a threat to the state's ski industry. Warmer winters mean shorter seasons and less snow at resorts around Colorado – and presumably, less revenue for the companies that run them.

But those companies take different approaches to advocating for measures that could slow climate change, or offset it.

As Colorado’s ski industry limps through one of the driest winters in decades, today's guest recently reported on the different stances these companies have taken.

Elise Schmelzer of the Denver Post wrote about businesses like Aspen Skiing Company that openly lobby for climate change legislation – and several ski companies who simply wouldn't talk about climate change on the record.

Erin O’Toole talked with Elise about her reporting, which was part of a Denver Post series on climate change and the ski industry.

Who should we interview next? We always like hearing suggestions and news tips from our listeners. If you have an idea for us, email noco@kunc.org.

* * * * *

'Fast fires' are more destructive than typical wildfires. Researchers say they’re becoming more common

KUNC — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

We often think of destructive wildfires in terms of their size and the damage they cause: the number of acres burned or buildings destroyed.

But emerging research says not all major wildfires belong in the same category.

Some wildfires ignite and spread explosively. They move so swiftly that firefighting crews simply can’t keep up. The 2021 Marshall Fire, which scorched about a thousand homes in Boulder County, is one recent example of what experts call a “fast fire.”

And this more destructive type of wildfire is becoming more common in a hotter, drier and more densely populated American West.

Virginia Iglesias is an environmental scientist and director of Earth Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder. She studies fast fires. She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about what makes fast fires especially dangerous – and how we might respond differently to them.

* * * * *

Hail damage is driving up the cost of insurance for homeowners across Colorado. Can lawmakers offer relief?

KUNC — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

If you're a homeowner in Colorado, there are a few types of natural disaster that might threaten your home. One is wildfire. Another is a severe hailstorm.

Hazards like these are the reason people buy homeowners insurance. But a new analysis released this month says that hailstorms and wildfires have very different impacts on what Coloradans pay for insurance. As you might expect, the threat of wildfires drives up premiums in areas prone to wildfire. The threat of hail, however, increases insurance costs just about everywhere in the state. And as real estate prices climb, the cost of insuring homes against hail damage is also soaring.

The report by the Colorado Division of Insurance, which is a state agency, looks at what shapes your monthly premiums if you own a home – and it raises questions about what might help lower those costs.

Rachel Cohen is KUNC’s Mountain West News Bureau correspondent. She joined Erin O’Toole to walk through the report, and some potential relief for homeowners that state lawmakers are working on.

Homeowners’ insurance is just one element of life in Colorado that’s seeing rising costs. For more, check out the KUNC News series The Price of Paradise.

* * * * *

Colorado’s craft breweries hit a rough patch in recent years. Here’s why a brighter future may lie ahead

KUNC — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Listeners of a certain age: Do you remember how great Colorado’s craft beer scene used to be?

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw hundreds of small breweries and taprooms spring up in communities across the state. But in the last five years, around 140 breweries, taprooms and brewpubs have closed -- including 40 that shuttered in 2025 alone.

And while that still leaves more than 400 breweries across Colorado, the trend has many wondering if the market for craft beer is going flat.

Our guest today views this as a sign of an industry maturing and settling into its next phase. Jeff York is a professor of entrepreneurship at CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business, and he co-hosts a podcast about craft beer called Creative Distillation.

He joined Erin O'Toole to talk about how Colorado's local brewers can adapt to the changing landscape – and why it ultimately could be a good thing for beer lovers.

* * * * *

Why a nature journal might help cure the winter blues – and how to start your own

KUNC — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Even in a milder Colorado winter like this one, short days and cooler temperatures leave many people with the winter blues. In fact, it’s a medical condition. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression some people feel during the fall and winter months.

Our guest today offers a form of relief for the winter blues – if we’re willing to step outside, give our phones a rest, and tune into our surroundings.

Rachel Juritsch is a 4-H health and wellbeing specialist with Colorado State University extension in Adams County. In a recent article, she explores how sketching and writing in a “nature journal” can help us appreciate the coldest months a bit more.

Rachel joined Erin O'Toole to talk about the benefits of a nature journal – and shared some tips on how to get started.

For more advice on how to slow down and connect with nature, check out our recent conversation about the practice of forest bathing.

* * * * *

How funk music resonated in a time of change, according to CU’s resident funk scholar

KUNC — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

In the late 1960s, a new movement of Black music grew out of the end of the civil rights era. Black artists proudly declared their Black power and rocked the airwaves with the sound of funk.

Funk music was more than just a genre with excellent grooves. It had a deeper social and political meaning. Funk began as a reaction to tumultuous times and would ultimately lay the foundation for the hip hop and R&B we listen to today.

That’s the argument Reiland Rabaka makes in his recently published book The Funk Movement: Music, Culture, and Politics.

Rabaka is a professor of African, African American, and Caribbean studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is also the founder and director of the Center for African American Studies at CU, and hosts a podcast called The Cause.

He spoke with Erin O'Toole last year about the importance of funk, and why it deserves respect for its singular impact on music and culture. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

* * * * *

Colorado’s home prices make it hard for school districts to hire educators. A new proposal might help

KUNC — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

It’s a crisis that's quietly putting pressure on Colorado public school systems: The state's tight housing market has made it increasingly difficult in recent years for districts to hire teachers and other school employees.

US News recently reported that Colorado ranks 48th in housing affordability – which means many teachers find it difficult to find a place to live if they accept a job in a Colorado school district with high real estate prices.

Meanwhile, another trend has emerged for Colorado schools – and this one might help solve the housing crunch for educators. School districts have traditionally acquired more land than they need to address how their local population might grow in the future. But enrollment is dropping in many districts, and some districts are even closing schools.

A state lawmaker has a proposal to address both of these trends. It would build housing for school employees on unused school property and rent it to the staff at affordable rates. State Sen. Jeff Bridges hopes to introduce the bill during the current legislative session.

Colorado Sun education reporter Erica Bruenlin wrote about how school employees are feeling squeezed, and how this solution could help.

For more on challenges making life in Colorado increasingly unaffordable, check out The Price of Paradise, a new series of stories from KUNC News.

* * * * *

Machine-made snow is now commonplace in winter sports. Experts say it makes ski races faster – and riskier

KUNC — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

The 2026 Winter Olympics are beginning their final week in Italy. And it might surprise you to learn that some of those snowy race courses in the Italian Alps aren’t necessarily a product of natural snowfall.

At lower elevations, where cross-country and many other events take place, what we’re seeing is large swaths of artificial snow.

Warmer winters and less-predictable snowfall mean that winter sports must increasingly rely on machine-made snow. And while that makes it possible for the winter games to go on, the density and the feel of artificial snow is quite different from that of natural snow.

That makes competing in events like downhill or cross-country skiing faster and – oftentimes – more dangerous.

Keith Musselman is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who studies mountain snow and the impact of warming winters. And Agnes Macy is a graduate student at CU Boulder and a former competitive skier.

They wrote about how artificial snow is changing winter sports in a recent article for The Conversation. They joined Erin O’Toole to explain what makes machine-made snow different from natural snow, and how athletes and coaches are adapting.

For more on Colorado and the Winter Games, check out our recent conversation about Steamboat Springs’ reputation for producing Olympic athletes; or our interview with Nikki LaRochelle, a skimo racer who’s providing commentary as the sport makes its Olympic debut.

* * * * *

CSU has a laboratory devoted to the study of chocolate. Here’s why it’s so irresistible, according to science

KUNC — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Researcher Caitlin Clark has a job a lot of people would envy. Clark is a food scientist who oversees a laboratory devoted entirely to the study of chocolate – how it’s made, what makes it taste so good, and how to make new and better varieties of it.

She and her team, based at the Colorado State University Food Innovation Center in Denver, work to dream up new confections that hopefully will end up on grocery store shelves or, maybe, in your box of Valentine’s Day chocolates.

Clark talked with Erin O’Toole last year about her work in the laboratory, and how her expertise in fermentation helped pave the way for her to become a chocolate researcher. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

* * * * *

How scientists reversed a quarter-century of decline in a Rocky Mountain National Park ecosystem

KUNC — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

A landscape in decline – and a surprisingly fast rebound. It’s a story that played out in the Kawuneeche Valley recently on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The willow groves and wetlands in that area had become so badly depleted that a park ecologist used the term “ecosystem collapse” to describe the surrounding environment.

That collapse reversed itself quickly after crews installed an unusual feature – a series of artificial beaver dams along what’s known as Beaver Creek, near the headwaters of the Colorado River. And those artificial dams helped create flooding in early 2025 that appears to have had huge benefits for the surrounding area.

Michael Booth of the Colorado Sun recently reported on the impressive rebound. He spoke with Erin O’Toole to explore how it came together and what it can teach scientists about repairing a habitat.

Those artificial dams in the Kawuneeche Valley mirror a similar project on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Check out this recent episode about how manmade beaver dams could help repair an area damaged by wildfire.

* * * * *

Olympic Town, USA: Steamboat Springs has sent dozens of athletes to the Winter Games

KUNC — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Colorado has sent more athletes to the 2026 Winter Games in Italy than any other state. And nearly a third of those 32 Coloradans competing in events like snowboarding, slalom, or ski jumping hail from Steamboat Springs.

About 100 Olympic athletes live or have lived in Steamboat Springs – more than any other town in the U.S. Which got us wondering: How did Steamboat foster an environment where young athletes are encouraged and equipped to pursue Olympic gold?

Candice Bannister is executive director of the Tread of Pioneers Museum in Steamboat Springs, which has several history exhibits that highlight the town’s legacy of Olympians.

She points to a century of skiing culture and tradition, as well as some modern-day programs that nurture young athletes. Candice joined Erin O'Toole to talk about Steamboat’s reputation as an Olympic powerhouse and why it’s a training ground for many of those American athletes in Italy right now.

Listen to our previous conversation with Candice about Howelsen Hill and its role in shaping ski culture in Steamboat and around the state.

For more on this year’s Winter Games, check out our conversation about ski mountaineering (or “skimo”) making its Olympic debut with Nikki LaRochelle, a longtime skimo racer who will provide commentary for the events from Italy.

* * * * *

A strike is looming at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley. Here’s why

KUNC — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

The first sanctioned walkout at a major American meatpacking plant in decades appears to be unfolding in Northern Colorado. It’s happening during a particularly tense moment for U.S. immigration policies.

The workers at Greeley’s JBS meatpacking plant voted overwhelmingly last week to move forward with the strike. The workforce there, which is made up of a large number of Haitian refugees, are pushing for safer working conditions. The strike could begin in the next few days.

The vote took place within days of a ruling by a U.S. District Court judge last week that halted plans to revoke the Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, for thousands of Haitian refugees in the United States.

Reporter Ted Genoways covered the situation for Mother Jones and the Food & Environment Reporting Network. He joined Erin O’Toole to discuss his reporting on the strike vote and the tenuous status of many of the refugee workers involved.

After this interview was recorded, KUNC News received a statement from JBS, saying the company “has presented a comprehensive offer that reflects the national agreement reached with [the union] UFCW International and accepted at our other large processing facilities throughout the U.S.”

Ted has appeared on In The NoCo previously to discuss his investigation into the lives of immigrant JBS workers in Greeley and the grueling, dangerous work they do.

* * * * *

How a Colorado lawmaker is pushing for stronger regulations on how ICE agents operate

KUNC — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Scenes of ICE agents on the streets of Minneapolis have dominated headlines and news footage in recent weeks.

Those images also raise concerns about immigration enforcement in Colorado. The state saw a surge in arrests since President Trump took office a year ago – and some people are worried that what happened in Minneapolis might play out here.

Today, we talk with an elected official who’s working to place stronger restrictions on how ICE operates in Colorado and nationally. Democratic Congressman Joe Neguse, and other lawmakers, are working to negotiate new rules for ICE agents.

Rep. Neguse is also the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security about guaranteeing members of Congress access to ICE detention centers. He and Rep. Jason Crow made an unannounced visit to the ICE detention facility in Aurora on Thursday – a day after he spoke with Erin O’Toole about some of the reforms he’s pursuing. (The introduction to this episode was updated after it was initially published to add a mention of that visit.)

This conversation was part of a longer interview with Neguse. On Thursday, he spoke about efforts to prevent the dismantling of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder. Listen to that interview here.

* * * * *

The Trump administration wants to dismantle NCAR. Colo. Rep. Joe Neguse has some ideas to prevent that

KUNC — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

One of the world’s leading climate research institutions – the National Center for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR – has been headquartered in Boulder since the 1950s. Scientists there research everything from hurricanes and wildfires to how changing climate patterns affect our communities. NCAR's Mesa Laboratory in Boulder employs around 800 people.

In December, the Trump administration ordered the National Science Foundation, which provides funding for NCAR, to explore how it might dismantle NCAR.

This has raised alarms for members of Colorado's congressional delegation, especially in light of the Trump administration's targeting of other climate research, including NOAA and the National Weather Service.

Colorado Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse, whose district includes Boulder, is leading efforts to keep NCAR intact – and the scientists who work there in their jobs.

He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about his strategy to protect NCAR – and the political fight he says the Trump administration is picking with Colorado.

* * * * *

Changes to federal marijuana law could mean a boom for the cannabis industry. This CU tax expert explains why

KUNC — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

A pretty major shakeup could be on the horizon for Colorado’s cannabis-related businesses – and their profitability.

President Trump in December issued an executive order calling for the reclassification of marijuana, which is currently a Schedule I substance, to the less severe category of Schedule III. Cannabis is currently illegal according to federal regulators, even if states like Colorado say it’s legal to sell and use it.

The current Schedule I status also creates major limitations for dispensaries and other cannabis-related businesses. Taxes and fees from those companies are a major chunk of Colorado’s economy – generating about a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue last year. So a shift in federal law could have big economic impacts on those taxes and fees in states like Colorado.

University of Colorado law professor Sloan Speck examined the potential impacts in a recent essay in The Conversation. Sloan studies how tax laws change the way businesses operate.

He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about some of the unusual ways that tax law and cannabis interact, and to dig into some big questions about what could be next.

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Ski mountaineering is the newest Olympic sport. This Colorado athlete will help introduce it to viewers

KUNC — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0700

The 2026 Winter Olympics begin this week, and a growing winter sport is about to make its Olympic debut in the coming days.

Ski mountaineering, often referred to as “skimo,” is a type of endurance racing that sees competitors ski uphill, climb uphill with skis on their backs, and then ski downhill multiple times in a race. Which sounds thrilling – and maybe exhausting, too.

Nikki LaRochelle, who lives in Breckenridge, is one of skimo’s most visible ambassadors. She’ll provide commentary for ski mountaineering events during broadcast of the winter games from Italy. She’ll be heard on Olympic Broadcasting Services, which beams the different events around the world.

Nikki was on the U.S. national skimo team about a decade ago. She joined Erin O’Toole to explain her passion for ski mountaineering, and what she’s excited to watch for in the upcoming Winter Games.

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Forest bathing can be a powerful way to reduce stress and connect with nature. Here’s where to begin

KUNC — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Maybe you’ve tried yoga to de-stress and found it’s not for you. Maybe you’ve tried foam stress balls. Or a hundred other ways to unplug or relax.

Today, we’re talking about a practice that uses nature – and the five senses – to help people slow down and reset. Forest bathing is a restorative practice with roots in Japan that sends people into the woods to immerse themselves in nature.

Darlene Rooney-Keller is the owner of Nature Heals Forest Therapy in Longmont. She’s a forest bathing guide who takes clients into nature for immersive, guided sessions.

She spoke last November with Erin O'Toole about why she finds the practice restorative – and she shared some tips for newcomers who want to try it. And although winter is here, Darlene says you can use these techniques in any season – so we’re listening back to that conversation today.

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A Denver nonprofit offers foster care for pets while their owners are in recovery. It’s about to expand nationally

KUNC — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

It's grown so popular, and the need is so great, that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International is now working to expand it across the U.S.

Serena joined Erin O'Toole to talk about what pushed her to create the PAWsitive Recovery program – and what it’s like to help people working to get their lives back.

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Your trees are struggling with this warm, dry winter. Here’s how to help them through it

KUNC — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Don't let last weekend's snowstorm fool you: Colorado is midway through an unusually dry and warm winter. And it's likely to continue. The National Weather Outlook publishes a drought outlook forecast that says the entire state is likely to be in a drought three months from now if these conditions persist.

One major downside of a warm, dry winter is that it can damage or even kill the trees and shrubs outside your home. So we reached out to an expert who helps homeowners prevent that from happening.

John Murgel is a horticulturist with the Colorado State University Extension. He told us before the interview that – spoiler alert – you can boil his advice down to one tip: Water your trees and shrubs.

John shared tips on how to approach winter watering with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner. He also shared the CSU Extension’s list of recommendations if you want to plant trees better equipped to survive drier, warmer winters like this one.

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Ski patrol work at a Colorado resort can be trying. A new program at Winter Park helps limit the stress

KUNC — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

A position on the ski patrol at a Colorado resort is a dream job for many people. They get paid to spend their days on some of the best snow-covered terrain in the U.S. And they help thousands of skiers and snowboarders have a great time in the High Country.

But that work can also take a toll. Aside from the physical demands of skiing as a full-time job, there are downright traumatic moments -- like when a patrol team responds to a skier who's badly injured or gone missing.

Winter Park's ski patrol set out in recent years to make sure its patrol members are properly equipped to handle the toughest incidents. Working with a nonprofit called Reponder Alliance, they got their patrol team talking about stress and resilience. The story was featured in a recent Colorado Sun article.

Zachary Akselrad is in his 16th season as a ski patrol employee, and he's assistant director of Winter Park's ski patrol. He talked with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner about how the new approach has made the patrol team better.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer and Editor: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

This Boulder production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ feels uniquely poignant. Here’s why

KUNC — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

An unusual production of one of the most popular musicals in history presents the final shows of its run this weekend in Boulder.

More than a year ago, the show's director set out to stage the musical Fiddler on the Roof with the rabbi from one of Boulder's Jewish congregations playing the lead role of Tevye. Rabbi Marc Soloway of Congregation Bonai Shalom had trained and worked as an actor, before becoming a rabbi. And had always dreamed of playing Tevye, who wrestles with faith, tradition and persecution.

But tragedy struck in the months between the initial planning and opening night. An anti-Semitic attack in Boulder last June saw a gathering of Jewish residents firebombed, leading to multiple injuries and one death. Many of the victims attend Congregation Bonai Shalom.

Ultimately, the cast and crew moved forward with the Fiddler performances, and the show opened earlier this month. Rabbi Soloway – and the show’s director, Sarah Nowak – spoke with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner before the final shows this weekend. Those performances sold out within minutes of going on sale.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer and Editor: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

For two decades, a hiker’s disappearance went unsolved. Here's how searchers made a breakthrough

KUNC — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

It was a mystery that haunted Colorado search and rescue groups for almost two decades.

In September 2005, a 35-year-old woman named Michelle Vanek went missing while hiking on Mount of the Holy Cross, a challenging fourteener in Eagle County. Vanek had been hiking with a friend, but they split up after Vanek grew tired and decided to take an easier trail down the mountain.

She was never seen again, although hundreds of people searched for her in the days after she disappeared.

All of that changed a few months ago. An all-women group of rescuers used new technology to revive the search. They used digital maps and drones that conducted searches from the air – and ultimately discovered her remains.

Reporter Jason Blevins wrote about the search for the Colorado Sun. He spoke with Erin O'Toole in October about how searchers solved this mystery, and how their work could reshape the way Colorado's search and rescue teams approach similar cold cases. We’re listening back to the conversation today.

Artificial beaver dams might help heal a mountain ecosystem after a wildfire. Here’s how

KUNC — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

An idea borrowed from nature is helping people to rehabilitate some mountain landscapes devastated by wildfire.

Crews installed a series of small, wooden dams in the foothills west of Fort Collins to repair wetlands following the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome wildfires. They’re essentially manmade beaver dams, built from logs and lumber to raise the water level and slow the flow of water in places.

A team of researchers with the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado State University wanted to know how effective the dams have been at restoring mountain ecosystems. What they found so far is encouraging.

Tim Fegel is one of the researchers studying the effects of the dams. He spoke with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole about how the areas are healing themselves in ways that wouldn’t happen without the manmade structures.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer and Editor: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How a composer created new music using ancient stone instruments found in Colorado

KUNC — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Denver composer Nathan Hall’s album of percussion music focuses on some unique instruments: They’re hand-carved from stone and date back several millennia.

Lithophones are polished, resonant rocks shaped like baguettes. Archaeologists say that Indigenous people used the stones somewhere between 2,000 and 6,000 years ago near what’s now Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Nathan wrote a series of pieces to be performed on the stones and recorded the music with a Colorado group called Perc Ens. The resulting album, called Gentle Worship, is out now.

Nathan talked with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole last October about collaborating with Marilyn Martorano, the Colorado archaeologist who studied the lithophones. The music he wrote combines the ancient stone instruments’ sounds with modern instruments like woodblocks and timpani. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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The quiet joys of winter camping await you – if you stay warm. Here’s how to get started

KUNC — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:20:00 -0700

Camping is one of the most popular ways to enjoy Colorado’s outdoors and breathtaking scenery.

And there’s been a surge in demand for camping over the past several years, according to a recent report from the Center for Western Priorities. That demand makes it harder to try to snag a campsite during the peak summer months, when thousands of people are vying for a limited number of spots.

But there’s another option: camping in winter.

Patricia Cameron says with a bit of extra preparation – and the right mindset – winter camping can open up a whole new way to enjoy Colorado’s outdoors. Patricia is the founder and executive director of Blackpackers, an organization that specializes in introducing underrepresented and economically vulnerable groups to backpacking and the great outdoors. And she's become an expert on cold-weather camping over the years.

“I know it's intimidating,” she told In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole. “I know it can be kind of scary to think about what that looks like to be cold, but it's easier than people think it is. And you don't learn that until you go out and give it a go.”

Patricia joined Erin to talk about what you need to plan your own camping trip this winter, and why she fell in love with camping in the cold.

Read Patricia’s guide to winter camping in Colorado. Blackpackers also organizes trips for first-time winter campers and recently began offering classes on outdoor education topics like orientation and navigation.

Are fewer warning labels on some menopause treatments a good thing? This Colorado clinician says yes – but it’s nuanced

KUNC — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Nearly every woman will go through menopause in middle age. That can bring on symptoms including sleep disturbances, hot flashes and night sweats, mood changes, and brain fog.

Drug companies have worked to ease those symptoms. But for more than two decades, warning labels discouraged women from using some hormone therapy treatments that contained estrogen – even if many doctors thought these products could help people during menopause.

That changed in November, when FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced the agency was doing away with the "black box” warnings from estrogen-related products.

Genevieve Hofmann is a women's health nurse practitioner at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and a certified menopause clinician.

In a recent article published at The Conversation, she explored tangible ways that fewer restrictions on hormone therapy could make women's lives better and possibly longer. She says that while not every woman has a hard time with menopause, those who can benefit from estrogen treatment deserve access to it.

Genevieve spoke with Erin O’Toole about why she supports the new guidelines – especially at a time when many people are skeptical of the federal government's shifting stances on health policies like childhood immunization and nutrition.

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How sales tax revenue from outdoor gear might become the next funding stream for wildfire prevention

KUNC — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Could money from sales of skis, snowboards and other sporting goods be used to help protect Colorado communities from increasingly devastating wildfires?

It’s an idea proposed by several conservations groups that could go before voters later this year.

Colorado law requires that most state tax revenue in Colorado be refunded when the state runs a surplus. But a new proposal calls for the state to keep the surplus money collected from outdoor gear sales, and to use it to fund wildfire prevention and watershed conservation efforts.

Supporters say as wildfire seasons in Colorado grow longer and more destructive, it’s crucial to find new money for prevention – especially when federal funding hinges on shifting priorities in Washington.

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins recently wrote about the proposal. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about what it would mean for Colorado's forests and open spaces, and how it might show up on the November ballot.

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Fatal mountain lion attacks are rare. Here’s how Colorado wildlife officials responded to the recent one

KUNC — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

It was a major story in Colorado: A hiker was found dead on New Year's Day, after a suspected mountain lion attack in Glen Haven, in the foothills west of Loveland.

The Larimer County Coroner later confirmed that 46-year-old Kristen Marie Kovatch of Fort Collins had died as a result of the mountain lion attack.

State wildlife officials responded by euthanizing two juvenile mountain lions in the area, and found that one had human DNA on its paws.

Since the attack, news reports have indicated that other hikers have encountered mountain lions in that area.

All this leads to larger questions about how state wildlife officials manage mountain lions through hunting and other methods. For instance, does an attack like this impact the way that they manage these animals?

Erin O'Toole talked with Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, for insights into mountain lion behavior, and the agency’s response to the recent attack.

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This image is the oldest known photograph taken in Colorado. The story behind it is fascinating

KUNC — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Experts at History Colorado have been thinking of different ways to help commemorate Colorado’s 150th birthday this year. One idea they pursued was to track down the earliest known photograph of Colorado.

And what they uncovered is striking: It’s a daguerreotype from 1853, taken during an expedition across the West more than 20 years before Colorado became a state in 1876.

The image depicts a Cheyenne village with two people facing the camera, near what is now Lamar, Colo.

For the curators at History Colorado, the photo also revealed the fascinating story of the photographer – a man named Solomon Nunes Carvalho, who traveled the West with a bulky camera and captured some of the earliest photos of the region.

Erin O’Toole spoke last fall with Sam Bock, History Colorado’s director of Interpretations and Publications, to learn more about the search for the oldest photo and what it tells us about Colorado’s early history.

We’re listening back to that conversation today as part of a week of special episodes kicking off Colorado’s sesquicentennial year.

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Howelsen Hill helped make winter sports part of the culture in Steamboat Springs and throughout Colorado

KUNC — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

In an era of high-speed gondolas and sprawling ski resorts, it's easy to forget how some of Colorado's smaller mountains shaped ski culture as we know it today.

Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs is one of those mountains. It's a fraction of the size of the resorts in Aspen or Vail – or the bigger resort across town.

But Howelsen Hill made a huge impact when it opened back in 1915. The hill bears the name of its founder, a champion ski jumper from Norway named Carl Howelsen. Over the years, Howelsen Hill got more people skiing, and eventually served as the training ground for dozens of future Olympians.

Candice Bannister is the executive director of the Tread of Pioneers Museum in Steamboat Springs, which has plenty of Howelsen-related artifacts in its collection.

She talked with Erin O’Toole about Howelsen’s legacy – and why Howelsen Hill is still an important place today. It’s part of our weeklong look at some of the people and places who shaped Colorado, as the state kicks off its 150th birthday year.

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How a Colorado mountain resort became a haven for Black Americans in the 1920s

KUNC — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

Colorado's Rocky Mountains have always drawn tourists. But for Black Americans in the 1920s and 30s, segregation and discrimination severely restricted where they could travel and take a vacation.

Which is why, in 1922, Lincoln Hills emerged as a mountain resort created by and for African Americans. It sits near Rollinsville, northwest of Denver, and was the largest resort of its kind west of the Mississippi River. It drew visitors from all over the country until the 1960s.

And it offered a rare opportunity for Black Americans to feel safe and welcome in the outdoors, during a time when access to such spaces was often limited because of racial discrimination.

History Colorado in Denver recently unveiled a newly expanded exhibit called Lincoln Hills: Mountain Sanctuary. It features photographs, displays of recreational clothing, and recently collected oral histories.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Acoma Gaither, History Colorado’s assistant curator of Black history, in June to learn more about what made Lincoln Hills so important during an era of segregation. We’re listening back to that conversation today – as we continue to share fascinating stories from Colorado history to mark the state’s 150th birthday year.

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How Leadville’s massive ‘ice palace’ drew tourists from around the world (until it melted)

KUNC — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

In 1895, Leadville city leaders faced a dilemma. The silver mining industry had made the town quite wealthy. But then the silver market crashed, and the city's fortunes cratered right along with it. Residents were leaving in droves to seek better opportunities.

So, city leaders came up with an unusual idea to draw tourists to Leadville, entice people to live there, and give the remaining residents a sense of pride:

They decided to build a giant palace of ice.

What followed is a remarkable story of innovative engineering that drew visitors from thousands of miles away – at least for a few winter months, until the inevitable spring melt.

Windsor-based author Afton Rorvik paints a vivid picture of all of this in her book for kids and adults, The 1896 Leadville Ice Palace. Her research drew from the collections of the Heritage Museum and the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville.

She spoke with Erin O’Toole recently about why she finds this history fascinating – and why the story of the Ice Palace still resonates today. We’re listening back to that conversation today to mark the start of Colorado’s 150th birthday year.

We’ll share more fascinating stories from Colorado history later this week on In The NoCo.

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The Arapaho language is endangered. A CU professor hopes this project will help preserve it

KUNC — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0700

For centuries, the Arapaho have called Colorado and Wyoming home. The tribe gave names to places like the Kawuneeche Valley, the Never Summer Mountains, and Mount Blue Sky.

But the language the Arapaho have spoken for centuries is at risk of disappearing, as fewer members of the tribe have learned the language.

Andrew Cowell is a linguistics professor at CU, and faculty director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous studies. He helped launch this project more than two decades ago.

He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about how he hopes the digital database helps future generations learn and continue to speak the Arapaho language.

You can access the Arapaho Language Project here.

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How a CU astrophysicist is aiding the search for Earth-like planets outside our solar system

KUNC — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Somewhere in the vast reaches of the universe, there may be an Earth-like planet that could be a second home for humanity.

Although that may sound like science fiction, astronomers at the University of Colorado Boulder are part of a new project designed to help find that planet.

And their efforts will soon get a major boost, as researchers from CU Boulder, in collaboration with NASA, prepare for a new space telescope to come online. The telescope, called the Habitable Worlds Observatory, is expected to launch in the 2030s.

Kevin France is a professor of Astrophysics and Planetary Sciences at CU and was recently appointed to the project. He spoke earlier this year with Erin O’Toole about how this new observatory could help us reimagine our place in the universe. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Could these wolf-themed license plates ease tensions between opponents and supporters of reintroduction?

KUNC — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program has been contentious from the start. It’s seemingly created a divide between rural ranchers worried about their livestock, and urban Front Range voters who supported reintroduction.

But there’s one effort that might help bridge that divide. It’s a specialty Colorado license plate with a drawing of a wolf, and a tagline that says “Born to Be Wild.”

The idea for the plate came from an advocacy group called the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project. They wanted to get ahead of the inevitable conflicts between wolves and the ranching community by raising funds to help pay for nonlethal services that prevent wolves from preying on livestock. That includes range riders, who patrol ranchland on horseback to scare away wolves that might attack sheep or cattle.

Colorado Sun reporter Tracy Ross says the license plates have raised just over $1 million since they became available in January 2024. She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about how this specialty plate has taken off, even in areas that voted against wolf reintroduction at the ballot box.

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Airport officials want to make DIA less noisy for travelers. Here’s why that matters

KUNC — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

With the holiday season here, we’re right in the middle of a very busy time at Denver International Airport. But the airport isn’t just busy – it's also noisy.

And that can be tougher for travelers than you might realize. Research suggests that exposure to noise can trigger stress in a traveler’s brain and body, which doesn’t help people already tense from trying to get through those crowded security lines.

Which is why, earlier this year, Denver airport officials launched a campaign to turn down the noise. The goal is to create a calmer and more peaceful airport experience.

Jamie Banks is a health and environmental scientist, and the founder and president of Quiet Communities, an organization that works to reduce noise pollution – from restaurant interiors to noisy neighborhoods.

She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about how a quieter airport might help tame some of the anxiety of travel.

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Colorado’s owls need a little help. Here’s why your backyard might make an ideal home for one

KUNC — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Owls are symbols of wisdom, and heroes of literature – from Greek mythology to Harry Potter.

But a leading conservation agency says owls are in trouble along Colorado’s Front Range. They’re losing critical habitat as cities and suburban areas expand.

The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies recently launched what it calls the Urban Owl Nest Box program. It’s an unusual project that asks Front Range residents to create nesting spaces for eastern screech owls in their backyards.

Marion Clément is a senior avian ecologist with the Bird Conservancy. She spoke with Erin O'Toole about why owls are so important to our ecosystem, how to get involved and why the organization says it’s prioritizing these nocturnal birds with the new program.

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Ready to ski or snowboard in Colorado this season? These exercise tips will help you feel great on the slopes

KUNC — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

It's December in Colorado. Snowflakes are flying. And ski resorts are open in the High Country.

If you're like a lot of skiers and snowboarders, you’ve been eagerly anticipating that first trip to the mountains this winter. But you might not have put much energy into staying in shape during the off-season. My guest today specializes in helping people stay in shape for the ski slopes — and avoid, or recover from, injuries.

Sherrie Ballantine-Talmadge is a primary care sports medicine doctor with the CU Sports Medicine and Performance Center in Boulder. And she says a little prep work might help prevent some of the injuries she often sees at her clinic.

She walked In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole through some of her best advice – including helpful exercises, proper hydration and how to ease into that first day on the slopes.

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This Colorado school has taught thousands of people to play Santa Claus. What makes a great St. Nick?

KUNC — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Every December, Santa Claus literally does the impossible – delivering presents all over the world with a team of flying reindeer. So when someone becomes a stand-in for Santa at your local mall, or work party, those are big boots to fill.

But as it turns out, being Santa is a teachable skill.

Susen Mesco founded Professional Santa Claus School in Denver in 1983. She says more than 5,000 Santas have attended over the years. And that means she has decades of expertise in getting your local Santa acting and looking his best.

Susen got started when her event planning business got an offer to train and manage some Santas at local malls. And she saw a lot of room for improvement.

"I went around spying on my competitor, and what I actually found was everything not to do,” she said. "So I went to work, writing kind of a manual.”

Susen joined Erin O’Toole last December to talk about what makes a great Santa, the extensive training her school offers, and how she trains Santas to answer particularly tough questions from kids. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Denver to Pueblo in about 20 minutes? A company working to make it happen just reached a key milestone

KUNC — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Imagine traveling from Denver to Pueblo in just 20 minutes. And instead of sitting in traffic on Interstate 25, you'd make the journey through a sealed tube moving almost at the speed of sound.

That’s the vision behind Hyperloop – an innovative transportation technology that’s being tested right here in Colorado.

The Hyperloop works like this: You fill a specialized pod with people, or stuff you want to transport from one place to another. Then you shoot those pods at very high speeds through miles of giant metal tubes.

A Switzerland-based company called Swisspod is operating in Pueblo to make this form of travel commercially viable. Last month, they performed a successful trial run that generated a lot of buzz, using a pod the size of a mini car.

Reporter Sue McMillin wrote about it for The Colorado Sun. She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about the technology and how this work could reshape the economy in southern Colorado.

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The facts on ‘scromiting’ – an intense bout of vomiting linked to overindulgence in cannabis

KUNC — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Scromiting refers to an intense form of illness – a mix of screaming and vomiting – brought on by overindulging in cannabis.

CNN recently reported that scromiting is on the rise and quoted one female patient who described the pain as “worse than childbirth.” The New York Post noted that misdiagnosis is common because many doctors don’t know about the condition.

The CDC and World Health Organization recently gave official diagnostic codes for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which is the official term for scromiting.

It turns out that emergency room doctors in Colorado have seen their share of this condition in patients since the state became one of the first to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.

Dr. Sam Wang is one of those physicians who has seen and treated cases of scromiting. Wang practices pediatric emergency medicine and specializes in medical toxicology at Children's Hospital Colorado. He joined Erin O’Toole to share more about this unusual illness.

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The Five Points Nutcracker offers a jazz-infused look at Denver history

KUNC — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A unique retelling of the holiday classic The Nutcracker explores the history and cultural importance of Denver's Five Points neighborhood.

The Five Points Nutcracker replaces the story’s traditional characters with significant figures from Denver’s African American community. Five Points was once known as the “Harlem of the West.”

Duke Ellington’s jazz version of the music is the backbone of the production, and was the inspiration for the show’s director, Larea Edwards.

The production, which is now in its third year, features actors and dancers from the performing arts group LuneASeas. Musicians from Denver jazz artist Tenia Nelson’s band will perform the Ellington score.

Larea Edwards spoke with Erin O’Toole last December about the production. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Performances take place Dec. 26 – 28 at the Savoy Denver.

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Depression and other mood disorders may have side benefits like creativity and empathy. Here’s why

KUNC — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A diagnosis of chronic depression or bipolar disorder can be scary. These conditions can come with feelings of sadness or despair, or intense mood swings.

But a researcher at the University of Colorado says we might be thinking too simplistically about these disorders.

June Gruber is a professor of psychology and neuroscience who runs the Positive Emotion and Psychopathology Lab at CU Boulder. She specializes in research around happiness.

She recently looked into silver linings — or side benefits — of some common mood disorders. And what she found is encouraging — both for folks with these conditions, and those close to them.

June and her research team found those potential advantages can include a greater ability to cope with life's stresses, a tendency toward creativity and a richer social life.

June joined Erin O’Toole to talk about her research, which was partly inspired by watching her father deal with life with bipolar disorder.

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out this previous interview with June on her tips for living a happier life.

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Why CU-Anschutz will pay $10 million to settle a case involving COVID vaccine mandates

KUNC — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

The CU-Anschutz medical campus in Aurora recently agreed to pay $10.3 million to settle a lawsuit over vaccine mandates during the pandemic.

A group of 18 students and faculty claimed that the school violated their religious liberties by requiring them to receive COVID vaccinations to be on campus in person. CU ultimately settled the case through mediation.

The Thomas More Society, which specializes in religious liberty cases, represented the students and staff. The organization says this is one of the only cases in the country so far in which a defendant paid out money in a lawsuit over COVID vaccinations.

So, why did CU settle? And what does the case say about vaccination policies in Colorado going forward?

Reporter John Ingold covers public health and wrote about this settlement for The Colorado Sun. He joined Erin O’Toole to unpack those questions.

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A Berthoud writer’s newest horror novel explores the real-life crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women

KUNC — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Writer Cassondra Windwalker’s new horror novel uses fiction to highlight a real-life crisis that often goes ignored.

Ghost Girls and Rabbits touches on the thousands of unsolved cases of Indigenous American and Alaska Native women who were missing or murdered. More than 4,000 cases fit that description, according to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The novel tells the story of two Indigenous American women: one who has lost her daughter, and the other who has herself been kidnapped. Windwalker is originally from Oklahoma, spent time in Alaska and now lives in Berthoud.

Ghost Girls and Rabbits was released on May 5, which is also a day of awareness to call attention to the issue.

Windwalker spoke with Erin O'Toole earlier this year about her influences, and how she hopes the book raises awareness about an urgent problem. We’re listening back to that conversation as part of In The NoCo’s Holiday Book Club – our annual look back at some of the year’s most fascinating titles by Colorado authors.

Find more information and links to the 2025 collection of author interviews here.

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Sci-fi author X. Ho Yen’s new book asks readers to solve a series of puzzles to reveal a hidden story

KUNC — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

When Colorado writer X. Ho Yen was a kid, he loved to read science fiction.

X. Ho Yen is autistic. He liked how some sci-fi stories, like the Star Trek series, depicted a more enlightened future society where neurodivergent people were treated equally.

Eventually he began writing his own science fiction novels. His newest release is titled Space Autistic Author’s Puzzling Innerverse. It’s different from his other books: It’s a series of puzzles that reveal the plot of a story as you solve them.

X. Ho Yen spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole earlier this year about the new book, and how science fiction resonated deeply with him as a child.

We’re listening back to that conversation as part of In The NoCo’s Holiday Book Club – our annual look back at some of the year’s most fascinating titles by Colorado authors.

Find more information and links to the 2025 collection of author interviews here.

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A Loveland kindergarten teacher has written more than 20 children’s books. Her newest inspires kids to look for positive moments

KUNC — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Kindergarten teacher Ellen Javernick has published over twenty illustrated children’s books. The Loveland resident’s first book, What If Everybody Did That? has sold more than a million copies.

She just published her newest book titled Awesome of the Day. It tells the story of a boy named Andrew who has one bad day after the next – until he learns to change his outlook.

Ellen teaches at Garfield Elementary School in Loveland. She says she wants her books to inspire positive behavior in kids without getting overly sappy.

She joined Erin O’Toole earlier this year to talk about what inspired her newest book and how – at age 87 – she continues to find energy that matches that of her young students.

We’re listening back to that conversation today as part of In The NoCo’s Holiday Book Club – our annual look back at some of the year’s most fascinating titles by Colorado authors.

Find more information and links to our 2025 list of books here.

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A Colorado writer’s family was forced from their homes during WWII. His new book explores the lasting impact

KUNC — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -0700

In February of 1942, not long after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. military removed thousands of Americans of Japanese descent from their homes. Most of them were full citizens who had been born and raised in the United States.

Families had only a few days to get their affairs in order before reporting to relocation centers, mostly in Western states. Roosevelt’s order affected about 120,000 Japanese Americans, including 17,000 children.

Writer and poet Brandon Shimoda, who is fourth-generation Japanese American, says the impact of incarceration didn’t end with the war.

Shimoda, who lives in Colorado Springs and teaches at Colorado College, is a descendant of several family members who were incarcerated in internment camps. He says his family’s stories helped inspire his newest book, The Afterlife Is Letting Go.

He spoke with Erin O’Toole in February about the legacy of Japanese American incarceration, and why the impacts still resonate today. We’re listening back to that conversation as part of the In The NoCo holiday book club – our annual look back at some of the year’s most fascinating titles by Colorado authors.

Find more information and links to the 2025 collection of author interviews here.

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Venomous snakes kill thousands of people each year. This UNC researcher’s work could help change that

KUNC — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

For people in much of the world, snakebite is a life-threatening condition.

We don't think about it much in Colorado, where a nasty rattlesnake bite might send the occasional hiker to the emergency room. But the World Health Organization estimates that, around the globe, as many as 138,000 people die from venomous snakebites each year. And while antivenom can be used to treat snakebite, it’s often costly and difficult to produce.

An expert at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley hopes to change that.

Mackessy and his team recently published their findings in the journal Nature. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about the important research happening at his lab in Greeley that led to the breakthrough.

If you like this interview, check out this In The NoCo conversation with a CU researcher who studies pythons to find a cure for heart disease in humans.

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What an ethics complaint against 16 state lawmakers reveals about dark money in Colorado politics

KUNC — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A gathering of state lawmakers last month at a resort in Vail is drawing attention to ethics and the influence of dark money in Colorado politics.

Colorado’s independent ethics commission plans to investigate whether 16 Democratic lawmakers violated a state ban on accepting gifts. The complaints – filed by progressive group Colorado Common Cause – stem from that Vail retreat, which was funded partly by a group which doesn’t publicly disclose its donors.

The investigation has sparked a flurry of denials and infighting among state Democrats. And it raises questions about whether lawmakers intentionally sidestepped the rules, or if the rules themselves are unclear.

Politics reporter Taylor Dolven recently wrote about this in the Colorado Sun. She joined Erin O’Toole to discuss what we know about the lawmakers in question and what they discussed with lobbyists in Vail.

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A Colorado artist helped make a tiny book of art designed to be placed on the moon. Here’s why

KUNC — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

An artist in Lakewood who specializes in creating tiny books and illustrations received an unusual offer recently. An art gallery reached out to Evan Lorenzen and asked for his help in creating a book of original art – no bigger than your thumbnail – to be placed on the moon.

The Moon Gallery, based in Amsterdam, works to send cultural artifacts into space. They’ve shipped artwork to the International Space Station. Now they wanted to focus on the moon.

Evan worked with the Moon Gallery to compile a tiny, 80-page book filled with images and poetry by dozens of artists and writers. They called the book Moon Bound. It’s set to be launched into space sometime in 2026.

Evan spoke earlier this year with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner about the challenge of making the tiny book, and some highlights from artists who contributed to the project. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Steam power isn’t as clean as you might think. This new technology hopes to change that

KUNC — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

However, the traditional method of making steam hasn’t changed in more than 150 years. It involves burning fossil fuels like coal or natural gas to heat water in a boiler --, a process which creates harmful emissions.

Earlier this month, Bandhauer was named to the Time 100 Climate list, which recognizes innovations in clean energy.

He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about why making cleaner steam could be transformative for manufacturing around the world – and how it’s already being used at New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins.

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Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plans face serious setbacks. Can wildlife officials get back on track?

KUNC — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Colorado’s program to restore grey wolves hit some surprising roadblocks recently.

You might recall that the state’s voters in 2020 passed a measure to reintroduce wolves, which forced wildlife officials to create a plan for bringing them back. That plan has encountered some challenges. So far, 10 of the reintroduced wolves have died.

And now, wildlife officials are wrestling with where the next set of wolves to be released will come from. Several states – including Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington – have said ‘no’ to sending wolves from their states to Colorado. And federal officials recently put the brakes on a plan to bring in wolves from Canada.

All of this raises questions about the viability of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plan – and what might get it back on track. Scott Franz of KUNC News has been following the issue, and joined Erin O’Toole to unpack some of these questions.

Read Scott’s recent story about how Washington state officials declined to send wolves to Colorado.

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Why a unique Colorado program offers new hope for veterans struggling with mental health

KUNC — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Suicide among veterans is a tragic and persistent issue for the military community. That’s especially true in Colorado. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 178 veterans in Colorado died by suicide in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available.

Colorado leaders recently created a pilot program called Next Chapter, aimed at lowering these statistics. It’s based in El Paso County, which is home to many of the state’s nearly 370,000 veterans.

The evidence so far is hopeful. Next Chapter has worked with about 1,200 veterans in its first few years, and appears to be changing the way many Colorado veterans in crisis find support and treatment. State lawmakers are working to add $5 million in funding to expand the program.

Reporter Daliah Singer recently wrote about the program for the Colorado Sun and for Collective Colorado, a publication of The Colorado Trust. She joined Erin O'Toole to discuss what makes Next Chapter different from other programs aimed at helping veterans.

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Girls who play sports have unique health needs. A new Children's Hospital program aims to address those challenges

KUNC — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Young women are more active in sports than ever – and more visible. Think: Naomi Osaka on the tennis court, Caitlin Clark playing hoops or Mikaela Schifrin on the slopes. And overall, young women’s participation in sports continues to increase.

Now, a newly formed team of doctors at Children's Hospital Colorado hopes to change that. The hospital’s Female Athlete Program transforms the way middle and high school girls train, compete, and manage their physical and mental health. That often means talking honestly about hormones.

Dr. Lauryn Roth, one of the program’s founding physicians, specializes in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. She works alongside sports medicine physician Dr. Aubrey Armento. They joined Erin O’Toole to discuss how the program works – and how their own experience as teenage athletes shaped how they treat young women today.

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This Colorado author’s new novel reimagines 'The Great Gatsby' from a different perspective

KUNC — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

The Great Gatsby turned 100 this year. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel about wealth and longing has generally been celebrated ever since it was published in 1925. But a Colorado author’s new book asks you to consider the story from a different vantage point.

Reedy says she loves the original Gatsby – she's read it numerous times -- but she thought Myrtle deserved more of a backstory and a little more empathy. Reedy, who lives in Broomfield and also serves as restaurant critic for 5280, spoke with Erin O’Toole about the new novel.

Check out an excerpt from Mrs. Wilson’s Affair.

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Temple Grandin is being honored by the Smithsonian – but she says her work is far from complete

KUNC — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

One of Northern Colorado's most well-known figures is headed to the Smithsonian.

Temple Grandin is a professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University. She's highly regarded as an advocate for people with autism, and for the humane treatment of animals. Her life and career have been the subject of two films, including a new documentary released earlier this year.

And now, her portrait will be on the wall of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Grandin is being recognized as a 2025 Portrait of a Nation Award honoree – meant to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made transformative contributions to the U.S. Her fellow honorees include business leader Jamie Dimon, U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

The 2025 portraits will be unveiled in a ceremony at the Smithsonian on Nov. 15. Ahead of that, Temple Grandin joined Erin O'Toole to talk about this unusual honor – and how she still has some important goals she wants to pursue.

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An Afghan man found refuge in Colorado after helping the U.S. fight the Taliban. Now he’s been detained by ICE

KUNC — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Several years ago, an Afghan man who helped the U.S. military fight the Taliban fled Afghanistan with his family and resettled in Colorado.

Mohammad Ali Dadfar had escaped with his wife and their four children after U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. The Dadfar family made their way to the U.S. and resettled in Boulder County, with help from a group of residents who support Afghanis who are threatened by the Taliban.

Since settling in Colorado, Dadfar began working as a licensed, long-haul truck driver.

Dadfar was driving through Indiana on Oct. 10 when he was stopped and taken into custody by masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at a truck stop. ICE has not charged him with a crime – yet he's been held in an ICE detention center in Missouri for a month now.

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown wrote about Dadfar's case, and what it reveals about how ICE operates. She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about what happened and how it’s affected his family in Boulder County.

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Need a reset? Forest bathing helps people reconnect with nature – and reduce stress

KUNC — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

She spoke with Erin O'Toole about why she finds the practice restorative – and she shared some tips for newcomers who want to try it. And although winter is approaching, Darlene says you can use these techniques in any season.

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A ‘Goldilocks foot’ designed by CSU students could offer new options for people who wear prosthetics

KUNC — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

An innovative new prosthetic foot dreamed up by students at Colorado State University could offer new options to amputees and other people with limb differences.

The team behind it calls it the “Goldilocks foot” because it serves as a middle option. It’s more comfortable than cheaper prosthetics but costs less than prosthetics built for running and other competitive sports. The design team says the Goldilocks foot is especially useful for walks and light exercise.

Garrison Hayes worked with a team of engineering undergrads to create the design while he was a senior at CSU. And he drew on his personal experience: His leg was partially amputated to remove cancer when he was a kid.

Hayes graduated from CSU in May with dual bachelor’s degrees in biomedical and mechanical engineering. He spoke with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner earlier this year about why he wanted to create a prosthetic that was affordable, but also durable and comfortable. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

You can also check out our conversation around another innovative idea being tested in Northern Colorado: an experiment in warm-weather cloud seeding that uses an electrical charge instead of chemicals to make it rain.

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This Colorado author’s new novel asks thorny questions about who owns a story

KUNC — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A stolen idea for a novel, an angry social media post and an online backlash that engulfs the main characters:

These are the elements of an intriguing new novel by Colorado author R.L. Maizes.

A Complete Fiction was released earlier this week. Maizes, who lives near Boulder, joined Erin O’Toole to share the real-life challenges of being a writer in our chronically online society.

Maizes will speak about her new book at Boulder Bookstore this Wednesday, and at Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins on Thursday.

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The bombing of Flight 629 shocked the nation 70 years ago. A new memorial in Denver honors the victims

KUNC — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Seventy years ago, on November 1, 1955, a man planted a bomb aboard a United Airlines plane shortly before it departed from Denver. The plane exploded in midflight over beet fields in Weld County, killing all 44 people aboard.

It was a mass murder that grabbed headlines across the country. And viewers saw footage of the trial on TV, which was unusual then.

If you've never heard of this crime, though, you're hardly alone. Until recently, there had been no marker to commemorate the tragedy.

That changed this past weekend when, 70 years after the tragedy, supporters and families of those killed gathered for the unveiling of a new memorial.

The granite marker engraved with the names of the 44 victims is placed at the base of FlyteCo Tower, the former control tower for Stapleton International Airport in Denver, from which Flight 629 departed.

Erin O’Toole spoke last year with Andrew J. Field, author of the book Mainliner Denver: The Bombing of Flight 629, to get a sense of the bombing’s legacy and why this new memorial is so meaningful. Field is a retired staff attorney for the Colorado Supreme Court, where he specialized in criminal law. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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A conservation group says owls on Colorado’s Front Range need a hand – and they’re enlisting homeowners to help

KUNC — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is about to launch what it calls the Urban Owl Nest Box program. It’s an unusual project that asks Front Range residents to create nesting spaces for eastern screech owls in their backyards.

Marion Clément is a senior avian ecologist with the Bird Conservancy. She spoke with Erin O'Toole about why owls are so important to our ecosystem, and why the organization says it’s prioritizing these nocturnal birds with the new program.

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How climate change could disrupt the dance between wildflowers and bees, according to a CU study

KUNC — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

It’s a snapshot of climate change in action: Plants and pollinators on the slopes of one of Colorado’s most famous mountains are falling out of sync with one another.

Researchers say rising temperatures and early snowmelt atop Pikes Peak are causing some noticeable shifts in the ecosystem and throwing off some important life cycles.

Wildflowers on the mountain are blooming earlier, and pollinators like bees and butterflies are emerging at different times. And that’s concerning because we rely on pollinators to make our crops grow.

Julian Resasco, an associate professor of ecology and biology at the University of Colorado Boulder studied these cycles with a team of researchers. The findings were published last month in American Naturalist.

He joined Erin O’Toole to discuss what they found, and how the work began with a study from a century ago looking at flowers and bees in the same area of Pikes Peak.

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Colorado is building the world’s largest ‘wildlife overpass.’ Here’s how it will help animals – and drivers – along I-25

KUNC — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The world’s largest wildlife overpass will soon be open for use in Colorado.

Wildlife overpasses allow animals to safely cross over highways. And Western states are building more of them to cut down on the number of crashes between vehicles and animals.

The Greenland wildlife crossing is being built over a section of I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, just north of Monument. Some 80,000 drivers pass through this area daily. But elk, mule deer, and pronghorn also use that area to move between the mountains and the plains. And this stretch of highway averages one vehicle crash involving wildlife per day.

So, how could this overpass help reduce these dangerous and costly crashes?

Nicki Frey is a wildlife specialist with Utah State University Extension. She studies wildlife overpasses in the West, but was not involved in planning this one. She joined Erin O’Toole earlier this year to explain how they work – and why they’re important to both wildlife and drivers. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

For more on interactions between humans and Colorado wildlife, check out this series from KUNC News.

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A hiker’s disappearance haunted rescuers for 20 years. Here’s how they finally solved the mystery

KUNC — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

It was a mystery that haunted Colorado search and rescue groups for almost two decades.

She was never seen again, although hundreds of people searched for her in the days after she disappeared.

Reporter Jason Blevins wrote about the search for the Colorado Sun. He spoke with Erin O'Toole about how searchers solved this mystery, and how their work could reshape the way Colorado's search and rescue teams approach similar cold cases.

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A cancer treatment being developed at CU could stick to tumors like glue. The inspiration? Gecko feet

KUNC — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

An innovative cancer therapy inspired by the gripping power of geckos might be on the horizon.

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder recently studied the microscopic structures on gecko toes that allow the tiny reptiles to climb walls and cling to slippery surfaces like windows.

That work inspired the development of a new material that could help chemotherapy drugs cling onto tumors, enabling less frequent and more effective treatment – potentially with less discomfort and fewer side effects for patients. The researchers described the technology in the journal Advanced Materials.

The research began with a focus on bladder cancer, which affects about 85,000 people in the U.S. each year. It’s been in the headlines recently after CU football coach Deion Sanders announced that he’d been treated for it.

Wyatt Shields is assistant professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at CU Boulder, and part of the team that developed the gecko-inspired material.

Wyatt spoke with Erin O’Toole earlier this year about the material – and its potential to change how we treat other diseases in the future. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Curious about other medical research involving reptiles? Check out our interview with a CU scientist studying how python eating habits could one day lead to better treatment of heart disease in humans.

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Driving I-70's mountain corridor is a challenge for truckers. This school teaches them to do it safely

KUNC — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A drive through the mountains of Colorado comes with breathtaking views, occasional glimpses of wildlife and plenty of steep, winding roads. Sometimes that becomes deadly, especially for truck drivers.

Even in good weather, mountain highways like Interstate 70 can be uniquely challenging for professional truck drivers. And there’s no specialized training required for them to drive in the mountains.

That didn’t sit well with professional drivers Joe Trussell and Scott Maurer. A few years ago, they founded CDL 303, a trucking school based in Commerce City. They’re the only commercial driver’s license school in the country that offers a training program focused on mountain safety.

They spoke with Erin O’Toole earlier this year about how they train drivers to understand the unique physics of mountain driving, and how to make the journey safely. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Check out our conversation with a retired Amtrak conductor with an unusual idea to help get semis safely through Colorado’s mountains – by loading them onto a train.

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50 years ago, refugees helped shape Denver’s Little Saigon neighborhood. A new exhibit highlights their stories

KUNC — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A half-century ago, a mile-long stretch of Federal Boulevard in Denver underwent a quiet transformation. More than 10,000 Vietnamese refugees settled in that corner of southwest Denver after fleeing their home country in 1975.

Over the years, these newcomers turned the area into a vibrant hub for Asian culture. Today, it’s known as Little Saigon. The area is home to many local Vietnamese-owned businesses – with the distinctive architecture of the Far East Center as the neighborhood’s focal point.

History Colorado is highlighting some of the stories that bubbled up in that neighborhood over the past 50 years. A new exhibit called Big Dreams in Denver's Little Saigon features two dozen oral histories from residents, a documentary exploring the community, and art created by four local Asian American artists.

Jane Ly is one of those artists, as well as an oral historian. She joined In The NoCo's Erin O’Toole to talk about the new exhibit, and the role Denver’s Little Saigon played in her life.

The exhibit is open at History Colorado now through Oct. 5, 2026.

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Could these 180-pound dogs hold the key to protecting livestock from Colorado’s wolves?

KUNC — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Since Colorado began its wolf reintroduction program two years ago, wildlife officials have worked to stop wolves from attacking livestock. Wherever possible, they’ve tried to use nonlethal methods, from hazing wolves with drones to having “range riders” patrol on horseback.

One promising strategy is the use of very large dogs as livestock guardians.

Enter: the Turkish Boz Shepherd.

It's a massive dog that can weigh up to 180 pounds. It's formidable enough that ranchers in Montana use Boz to protect their livestock from grizzly bears. Yet, the dog is surprisingly gentle with its owners.

Now a new pilot program could see more Boz Shepherds protecting livestock in Colorado.

Tracy Ross of the Colorado Sun recently wrote about Boz Shepherds, and how the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working with Boz breeders to make the dogs available to ranchers. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about what makes the Boz so uniquely suited to help ranchers in the high country deal with wolves.

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How a new project will use electrical charges to increase rainfall on farms in Weld County

KUNC — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Science is about to make it rain a little bit more over Weld County – and provide farmers with some extra moisture for their crops.

That's the goal behind a plan announced last week to allow a new type of cloud seeding in Colorado on a limited basis. Cloud seeding refers to techniques developed by scientists to make rainfall happen. The plans for this upcoming pilot project rely on using electricity to produce more rain.

This marks the first time this technology is being used in Colorado. And if it’s a success for farmers in Weld County, we could see more of it used to irrigate farmland across the state soon.

Alex Hager spoke with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole about the science behind this plan. Check out Alex’s story about the project.

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What the history of witchcraft can teach us about the world today, according to a CSU professor

KUNC — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Witches are having a moment – and not only because Halloween is almost here.

A recent Pew Research survey of Americans’ religious beliefs found a growing number of people identify as spiritual but not religious. Crystals, tarot cards, and astrology apps are part of many people’s lives in 2025. And in Colorado, about 1 percent of people in that survey checked the box for “Pagan, Wiccan, or other ‘New Age’” belief when asked about their religious views.

Today's guest has a unique perspective on these trends. Ann Little is a professor of history at Colorado State University. Some of her American history courses explore witchcraft in early North America.

Ann talked with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole about what we can learn from the days of witch trials and why she was initially reluctant to teach a course about it.

* * * * *

How health officials on the Western Slope used a surprising strategy to detect a measles outbreak early

KUNC — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

On today's episode we’re talking about measles – in the sewer.

But we promise – you won’t need to hold your nose. This is actually a remarkable public health success story.

Back in August, health officials in Mesa County, on Colorado's Western Slope, fielded a report of a measles outbreak involving seven people. Measles outbreaks have been flaring up around the country this year, so health officials were on alert.

But the health officials in Mesa County basically detected these cases before they were actually reported through typical channels. They did that by monitoring the county's wastewater system.

John Ingold is the Colorado Sun's health reporter. He looked into how the early detection system works, and how widespread this type of disease monitoring is in Colorado.

He joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to explain how wastewater tracking gives public health officials an extra tool to fight disease outbreaks.

For more coverage of measles prevention in Colorado, check out our conversation from earlier this year about vaccination rates.

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How do people heal after a mass shooting? The podcast ‘Senseless’ explores that question

KUNC — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

How does a community heal from the shock and grief of a mass shooting? And how can people who have lost loved ones find a way to move forward?

That’s the subject of a new podcast called Senseless. In it, journalist Erika Mahoney explores the aftermath of the mass shooting at a Boulder King Soopers grocery store in 2021. And it’s a deeply personal show, because Erika's father, Kevin Mahoney, was one of the ten people killed in that shooting.

Over the course of the eight-part series, Erika speaks with others who lost loved ones that day, as well as police, prosecutors, and members of the community.

Erika has been a guest on In The NoCo before to talk about the trial – which ended in guilty verdicts and ten consecutive life sentences for the gunman.

She spoke with Erin O’Toole earlier this year about why she felt driven to make this podcast, and about the impacts of gun violence that linger after the news coverage has faded away. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

* * * * *

A unique program at a Cañon City prison prepared hundreds of wild mustangs for adoption. So why’s the program ending?

KUNC — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

For almost 30 years, a little-known program inside a Colorado prison quietly helped wild mustangs find new homes – and helped incarcerated men find new purpose.

The wild horse program at a Cañon City correctional facility paired horses rounded up from Western rangelands with incarcerated people who learned to care for, train, and prepare the horses for adoption.

The project helped the Bureau of Land Management protect the wild horses it oversees. In a news release, the Colorado Department of Corrections says it gave inmates “unique vocational and rehabilitative skills.”

But now, the federal government has announced that it will end the program, citing rising costs.

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown recently wrote about this unusual collaboration. She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about what the program accomplished, and what’s next for Colorado’s wild horses.

* * * * *

A History Colorado exhibit offers a powerful look at the role women have played in grieving families

KUNC — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Victorian Death Experiences is a Halloween attraction with a historic twist.

The program takes place in the historic home which houses the Center for Colorado Women’s History in Denver. Visitors see rooms decorated for mourning. They hear stories of death in the Old West. And they see fascinating artifacts, like hair jewelry made partly from the hair of a deceased loved one.

Above all, the program highlights the central role that women have traditionally played when a loved one died – preparing bodies for burial, hosting wakes, and other acts that allowed people to mourn at the end of life.

“Death, for Victorian women, was a deep and sacred act. Women, regardless of race or class, have long been the arbiters of life and death,” said Cat Jensen, education coordinator for the center.

Cat spoke with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole last October about the program, which is now in its third year. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Victorian Death Experiences takes place on selected Thursday and Friday evenings throughout October. Find more information and tickets here.

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This composer wrote new music using ancient percussion instruments discovered in Colorado

KUNC — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Denver composer Nathan Hall’s new album of percussion music focuses on some unique instruments: They’re hand-carved from stone and date back several millennia.

Nathan wrote a series of pieces to be performed on the stones and recorded the music with a Colorado group called Perc Ens. The resulting album, called Gentle Worship, is out now.

Nathan talked with In The NoCo's Erin O’Toole about collaborating with Marilyn Martorano, the Colorado archaeologist who studied the lithophones. The music he wrote combines the ancient stone instruments’ sounds with modern instruments like woodblocks and timpani.

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How a new program hopes to enable teachers to use Colorado's ‘red flag’ law if a student shows troubling behavior

KUNC — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

When school leaders in Colorado work to prevent shootings and other violent incidents – like the one last month at Evergreen High – they have a tool that officials in many states don’t have.

Under Colorado’s so-called “red flag” law, teachers and other educators are among those who can request that someone’s access to firearms be suspended if they appear to be a threat to themselves or others.

But as Chalkbeat reported recently, there’s little evidence that educators have used this tool in the two years since Colorado lawmakers gave it to them. And that lack of use is striking, given that police say that the shooter at Evergreen High showed warning signs months before he shot two other students, and then died by suicide, using a gun he got from home.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser thinks part of the problem is that teachers don’t know about this tool – or how to use it. So he is launching new training courses for teachers to help them better understand how and when to use what are called Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

Weiser – who is running for governor, but launched this initiative in his current capacity as attorney general – spoke with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole about why he’s optimistic this new teacher training will make a dent in the problem.

This conversation contains mentions of suicide.

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Headed out for a fall hike? Here’s how to coexist with elk, bighorn sheep and other Colorado wildlife

KUNC — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A week ago on the show, we talked about how to stay safe during fall hikes – and more specifically, what to do if you encounter a grumpy, pre-hibernation bear out on the trail.

But plenty of other animals in Colorado can dazzle us with their beauty while keeping us on guard as they fatten up for winter or look for a mate. So today, the In The NoCo team brings you a sequel of sorts: We're talking about how to stay safe if you encounter an elk, moose or bighorn sheep while camping or hiking.

Bridget O’Rourke with Colorado Parks and Wildlife joined Erin O’Toole to explain why the stakes are a bit higher when we venture into a forest or national park this time of year.

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How a CSU professor uses Taylor Swift’s lyrics to teach the art of translating English into Spanish

KUNC — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Taylor Swift seems to be everywhere these days. Her new album drops Friday. Her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce is all over the news. And if that weren’t enough, she helps teach students at Colorado State University. Sort of.

Spanish for Swiftie Purposes is a course available to students at CSU. It’s been offered once, and the curriculum asks students to hone their skills at translating English into Spanish. They also analyze other people’s translations like a Spanish-language version of Taylor’s song “Fortnight,” performed by the duo Kevin and Karla.

In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole spoke with the professor who created the course, Alyssia Miller de Rutte. Alyssia says she hopes to teach the class again this spring.

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These cuddly, crocheted monsters at the Denver Art Museum help visitors wrestle with difficult feelings

KUNC — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Fear. Anxiety. Shame. And a horde of colorful, crocheted monsters.

They’re all part of an exhibit at the Denver Art Museum that asks visitors to confront some uncomfortable emotions.

Denver artist Sadie Young created cuddly and soft monsters with vivid colors and big eyes. And they’re all crocheted out of thousands of yards of yarn. Some are large enough for visitors to step inside.

The exhibit, called The Tangled Self, draws on both Young’s artistic experience and her educational background in psychology, particularly the concept of the shadow self.

Sadie is also the founder and creative director of Spectra Art Space, which specializes in immersive installations.

She joined Erin O’Toole in May to talk about her exhibit at the DAM, the inspiration behind the creatures, and how she got started with crocheting. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
This episode was produced by Ariel Lavery

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Family farms on the Eastern Plains are the focus as KUNC's ‘Colorado Dream’ podcast returns for Season 5

KUNC — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Many farmers on Colorado's Eastern Plains face uncertain futures.

They grapple with unpredictable crop prices, extreme weather that spoils harvests, and siblings with different levels of commitment to maintaining the family farm.

In the new fifth season of the award-winning KUNC podcast The Colorado Dream, the show offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a family farm.

The first new episode is in podcast feeds now. Stephanie, who also hosts the show, gave Erin O’Toole a preview of the new season.

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Fall can be a busy – and scary – time for bear encounters. Here’s how to stay safe during hikes

KUNC — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Fall is here, and the cool, crisp weather can make hiking especially appealing this time of year. But fall is also a time to be especially cautious around Colorado's wildlife – including bears.

Black bears are extra-active as they hunt for food ahead of their winter hibernation. And encounters with them are not uncommon. State wildlife officials say Coloradans report about 4,000 bear sightings and encounters in a typical year.

So, before heading out to savor the fall weather, what do we need to know about bear behavior this time of year?

Bridget O'Rourke is a public information officer with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about how to avoid run-ins with bears, and how to handle it if you do encounter a bear in the wild.

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How baseballs with thicker seams could help the Colorado Rockies move past their worst season ever

KUNC — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The Colorado Rockies are wrapping up their worst season in franchise history – and the second-worst season on record for any baseball team in the modern era.

So today, we’re talking about an idea that might hold potential to change the team’s fortunes in future seasons.

A big part of the Rockies’ misfortunes is the fact that Coors Field sits a mile above sea level. Baseballs fly further here, which means more home runs. Playing at 5,280 feet also means pitches like curveballs have less curve to them, which make life harder for Rockies pitchers.

Colorado Sun reporter John Ingold recently wrote an in-depth look a possible solution. It examined whether using baseballs with raised seams could make playing at Coors Field similar to what players experience at other ballparks.

John joined In The NoCo’s Brad Turner to talk about how it might work, and the science of playing baseball a mile above sea level.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Editor and Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Visitors love the hairy, eight-legged stars of La Junta’s annual Tarantula Fest. Here's why

KUNC — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Every fall in southeast Colorado, hordes of hairy, eight-legged creatures leave their burrows and roam the landscape in search of a mate.

The tarantula migration draws hundreds of curious spider-lovers to La Junta around this time each year. The town’s annual Tarantula Fest offers tarantula tours, a parade, and other events to celebrate these oversized arachnids.

Erin O'Toole talked with Colorado State University horticulture specialist Karim Gharbi to learn more about why people find tarantulas so fascinating. Karim just got back from his own visit to the La Junta area – and shared some tips on how to spot tarantulas if you go.

For more on Colorado insects, check out a recent conversation with Karim Gharbi about how to protect your trees amid the spread of the emerald ash borer.

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Can a unique training program at Colorado Mountain College help solve a ski industry shortage?

KUNC — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Just outside Leadville, there’s a tiny ski hill that just might help keep the ski industry vital in the decades ahead.

Students at Colorado Mountain College manage the Dutch Henry ski area as part of courses that train aspiring ski resort workers. And soon, those trainees will include future lift mechanics and operators. The students will practice their maintenance skills on a newly donated lift, which administrators hope to have installed there by summer 2026.

That’s a breakthrough for the ski industry – which is a big part of Colorado’s economy – because many of the current employees who keep the lifts running at big resorts are starting to retire.

Ben Cairns is Vice President and campus dean of Colorado Mountain College’s Leadville and Salida campuses. He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about training the next generation of lift mechanics and operators.

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Texts and video captured during last week’s Evergreen High shooting offer glimpses of what students experienced

KUNC — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Students at Evergreen High haven’t returned to school yet after last week's shooting there. The incident ended with two students hospitalized after the 16-year-old gunman fatally shot himself.

About 900 students attend Evergreen High School. A powerful story in The Colorado Sun this week hints at the feelings those students will carry with them going forward. The story included text messages and videos from the students as they heard gunshots, fled the school or hid in classrooms.

Today we're going to share some of those texts and stories, and hear from Erica Breunlin and Taylor Dolven, two of the Colorado Sun reporters who wrote the article.

This episode mentions suicide and details of a school shooting. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7. You can call or text 988 to reach Colorado's crisis lifeline.

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Historians say they’ve identified the oldest known photo taken in Colorado. Here’s what the image reveals

KUNC — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Experts at History Colorado have been thinking of different ways to help commemorate Colorado’s 150th birthday next year. One idea they pursued was to track down the earliest known photograph of Colorado.

And what they uncovered is striking: It’s a daguerreotype from 1853, taken during an expedition across the West – more than 20 years before Colorado became a state in 1876.

The image depicts a Cheyenne village with two people facing the camera, near what is now Lamar, Colorado.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Sam Bock, History Colorado’s director of Interpretations and Publications, to learn more about the search for the oldest photo and what it tells us about Colorado’s early history.

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For two decades, this Boulder duo has thrilled kids with songs about nature. Now Jeff and Paige are making a TV show

KUNC — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Jeff Kagan and Paige Doughty have been wearing rainbow-colored socks while performing songs about nature and science in front of kids in Boulder for more than 20 years.

Their performances get kids rolling, crawling, and acting out animal moves while they sing fun, catchy lyrics about concepts like decomposition and photosynthesis.

The duo, which performs under the name Jeff and Paige, recently announced that they are adapting their live performances for a TV show called Rainbow Socks. The show is aimed for PBS distribution later this year.

Jeff and Paige joined Erin O'Toole to talk about what they hope to bring to their upcoming TV show, and how they became children’s entertainers in the first place.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A new space telescope will search for other planets that could host life. This CU astronomer recently joined the search

KUNC — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Somewhere in the vast reaches of the universe, there may be an Earth-like planet that could be a second home for humanity.

Although that may sound like science fiction, astronomers at the University of Colorado Boulder are part of a new project designed to help find that planet. And their efforts will soon get a major boost, as researchers from CU Boulder, in collaboration with NASA, prepare for a new space telescope to come online.

The telescope, called the Habitable Worlds Observatory, is expected to launch in the 2030s.

Kevin France is a professor of Astrophysics and Planetary Sciences at CU, and was recently appointed to the project. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about how this new observatory could help us reimagine our place in the universe.

Also: Check out our recent conversation about Breckenridge becoming Colorado’s latest dark sky community.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Three skiers made the first-ever crossing of Colorado in 1978. A new documentary retraces their journey

KUNC — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

In 1978, three men from Boulder set out a journey to make the first-ever crossing of Colorado on skis.

The three amateur skiers – Alex Drummond, John King, and Peter Vanderwall – carved a continuous line across the state, covering 490 miles of rugged, snowy backcountry from Durango to northeast of Fort Collins.

A new documentary, Moving Line, tells the story of their remarkable trek. Ahead of an appearance at the Breckenridge Film Festival next week, director Cameron Wyatt joined Erin O’Toole to talk about their journey, and the lasting impact it had on Colorado's outdoor recreation community.

Moving Line will also be shown in Salida on Sept. 13. Find screenings at the film’s website.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

KUNC just made painful budget cuts. Here’s why – and what it means for the community

KUNC — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

It's a painful moment for the team at KUNC and The Colorado Sound.

In recent months we've talked about how federal cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting could hurt local member stations like KUNC.

In July, that became a reality when Congress clawed back more than a billion dollars in money from the public broadcasting system. And this week, station leaders announced 10 staff members had been laid off from KUNC and The Colorado Sound due to a budget shortfall. That’s about a quarter of the total staff.

Today we're talking to KUNC's President and CEO Tammy Terwelp about the cuts and what they mean for our community in Northern Colorado.

Check out our recent interview with Democratic Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper about the battle over public media funding.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Lincoln Hills provided a haven for Black Americans to enjoy the outdoors. A History Colorado exhibit explores its importance

KUNC — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado's Rocky Mountains have always drawn tourists. But for Black Americans in the 1920s and 30s, segregation and discrimination severely restricted where they could travel and take a vacation.

And it offered a rare opportunity for Black Americans to feel safe and welcome in the outdoors, during a time when access to such spaces was often limited because of racial discrimination.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Acoma Gaither, History Colorado’s assistant curator of Black history, in June to learn more about what made Lincoln Hills so important. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Breckenridge is the latest mountain town to become a ‘dark sky’ community. Will Colorado see a wave of astro-tourism?

KUNC — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Visitors from around the globe head to Breckenridge for hiking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

And soon, they might also visit to take in the town’s crystal-clear views of the night sky.

Breckenridge recently became the first ski resort town in Colorado to become a certified dark sky community. The designation comes from DarkSky International, which pushes to limit light pollution. Small towns like Paonia and Westcliffe, and remote national parks like Great Sand Dunes, already have the DarkSky seal of approval.

But how does a busy resort like Breckenridge cut down on light pollution? And are ski resorts the next frontier for the dark sky movement?

To find out, Erin O’Toole talked with Rachel Cohen of the Mountain West News Bureau, which KUNC is a part of. Rachel recently published a story about the growth of dark sky communities in Colorado.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why CU scientists are creating ‘cyborg’ jellyfish that could transform ocean exploration

KUNC — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

In the depths of the ocean, miles beneath the surface, unusual new technology developed by Colorado researchers could soon help scientists make discoveries.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are harnessing the unique abilities of jellyfish to act as underwater explorers in places humans can't easily go – like the Mariana Trench, 7 miles below sea level.

Nicole Xu is an assistant professor in CU Boulder’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. She implants tiny devices into live jellyfish that allow scientists to steer them toward remote areas of the ocean.

She spoke with Erin O'Toole about how her work aims to change how we explore and study the deep sea, and how she hopes these “cyborg jellyfish” will inspire the next generation of underwater robotics.

Check out our recent conversation with insect experts at the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster about their work to restore firefly populations to Colorado.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Wildlife, and human lives, along the Colorado River are the focus of a striking new documentary

KUNC — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

When the Colorado River makes headlines these days, it's usually in reference to drought. And what lower water levels mean for the 40 million people in the Southwest U.S. who depend on the river.

A new documentary screening in theaters around Colorado looks at those issues from a different perspective. It's a portrait of the plants and animals that rely on the river’s water as it winds its way across the region.

Ben Masters directed the documentary, “The American Southwest,” which opens today at several theaters around Colorado. Ben collaborated on the film with several tribal groups in the region.

He joined Erin O’Tool to talk about the images he captured and why he wanted to make the film.

Learn more about the Sept. 29 conversation in Fort Collins between KUNC reporter Alex Hager and Natives Outdoors founder and scholar Len Necefer, who was a producer on the film.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Ever dream of keeping your own chickens in the backyard? Here’s how to get started

KUNC — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

More people in Colorado are turning their backyards into coops and runs for chickens. According to The Denver Post, people are finding satisfaction in raising their own broods – especially as egg prices remain high.

Paul Fleischer leads an introductory class to backyard chicken keeping at Fleischer Family Farm in Lakewood. The class addresses everything from how to build your own coops to how to keep your birds healthy. Paul says fall is a great time to start planning for your spring brood.

He joined Erin O’Toole to talk through some of the basics and told her that he and his wife started their farming career with a few of their own backyard chickens.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

The ‘chaos garden’ trend promises colorful, stress-free flowerbeds. Is it actually as easy as it sounds?

KUNC — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Gardening in Colorado takes work.

You prepare the soil, choose what you want to plant, and lay out a design. Then once things start to grow, there’s all that weeding, pruning and manicuring – most of which is trickier given the Front Range’s tough soil and fickle climate.

Or – you could just grab a few random seed packets, sprinkle them over a patch of bare ground, and sit back and wait for those wildflowers to explode in a riot of color.

That's the idea behind a new trend that's taking over social media called chaos gardening.

Chaos gardens appeal to folks who want to embrace the joy of gardening without all that sweat equity. Proponents say it's also a no-fuss way to create habitat for pollinators.

But is chaos gardening really as simple as garden TikTok or Instagram makes it look?

Deryn Davidson, a sustainable landscape specialist with CSU Extension, recently wrote about the trend. She told Erin O’Toole that fall is a great time to plant your own chaos garden, as long as you’re willing to put at least minimal effort into it.

Deryn also shared some recommendations for flowers that should thrive and attract pollinators to a Front Range chaos garden.

Check out our recent conversation with Deryn about how state law supports homeowners who want to incorporate water-efficient plants into their landscaping without pushback from their HOA.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How this Loveland kindergarten teacher’s positive outlook on life is written into her children’s books

KUNC — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Kindergarten teacher Ellen Javernick has published over twenty illustrated children’s books. The Loveland resident’s first book, What If Everybody Did That? has sold more than a million copies.

She just published her newest book titled Awesome of the Day. It tells the story of a boy named Andrew who has one bad day after the next – until he learns to change his outlook.

Ellen teaches at Garfield Elementary School in Loveland. She says she wants her books to inspire positive behavior in kids without getting overly sappy.

She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about what inspired her newest book, and how – at age 87 – she continues to find energy that matches that of her young students.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Bison hold a special place in the American West. An unusual CSU program helps restore their numbers

KUNC — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A small herd of bison roams the Soapstone Prairie north of Fort Collins. The herd offers a glimpse of what Colorado’s high plains looked like 200 years ago.

These bison are unique for a few reasons. First, they’re descendants of the herd at Yellowstone National Park. Second, while most bison today carry some cattle DNA, this herd has nearly pure bison genes. That has spiritual significance for many Indigenous tribes.

The breeding project is based at Colorado State University. It's raised hundreds of bison over the last decade and transferred them to tribes and wildlife organizations.

Jennifer Barfield has led this project for the past 10 years. She’s a professor and reproductive physiologist at CSU. She spoke with Erin O’Toole earlier this year about how her team created the herd, and what their future plans are.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

An extensive study looked at the potential of cannabis for treating cancer. Here’s why the findings surprised the researchers

KUNC — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A new study suggests that researchers should take a closer look at cannabis as a treatment for cancer and its symptoms. The team behind the study says the results suggest the federal government should remove restrictions on that research.

An organization called Cancer Playbook, which is based in Evergreen, paid for the study. Cancer Playbook’s head of research says it works to provide people battling cancer with information about what treatments have helped other cancer patients – and that often includes medical marijuana.

The study reviewed more than 10,000 published papers on medical cannabis. That makes it the most comprehensive analysis ever conducted on the topic, according to a recent story in The Guardian.

Ryan Castle, director of research for Cancer Playbook, led the research. It found that cannabis showed clear promise in many aspects of cancer treatment, from reducing pain to shrinking tumors.

Ryan talked with Erin O’Toole in May about the study. We’re listening back to that conversation today. He explained why it’s hard to get reliable data on the effectiveness of medical marijuana – which is legal in Colorado and many other states, but still illegal at the federal level.

Also: Check out our recent interview with a CU researcher developing an innovative bladder cancer therapy that’s modeled on the gripping power of gecko feet.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why having a pet during childhood could help your body process stress, according to CU researchers

KUNC — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

If you had a dog or cat in the house when you were growing up, your body may be better equipped to respond to stress.

That’s according to a new study from the University of Colorado Boulder in collaboration with researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany. Stress initiates an inflammation response in our bodies. In small doses, it’s a normal part of our immune systems. However, chronic inflammation can lead to illnesses like, cardiovascular disease, and even depression and anxiety.

Here’s where your cat or dog comes in: Researchers put participants through a series of stressful activities and measured the level of inflammation in their bodies afterward. They found that the participants who reported owning pets as kids had lower levels of inflammation after the stressful activities ended.

So how do pets help our bodies process stress? Erin O’Toole talked with Chris Lowry, a professor of integrative physiology at CU who led this study.

Check out a past conversation with Chris about a study that suggests a vaccine against weight gain could be on the horizon.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Fireflies are a rare sight in Colorado. Scientists at the Butterfly Pavilion have a plan to change that

KUNC — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

For many of us, fireflies are synonymous with childhood wonder. We chase them on summer evenings, catch them and gently put them in a jar – with plenty of holes poked in the lid, of course.

But if you grew up in Colorado, you may have never experienced that particular wonder. You may not realize that Colorado even has native fireflies. Because of development and pesticide use destroying their habitat, it’s difficult to spot these tiny beetles glowing along the Front Range.

Scientists with the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster hope to change that.

Eight years ago, they began a program called the Firefly Lifecycle Project that set out to completely raise a firefly from egg to adulthood – something that had never happened in a lab setting before.

This year, a female firefly raised entirely under human care at the Butterfly Pavilion, laid eggs. In July, one of those eggs hatched, and several more of them have done so in the weeks after.

To learn more, we reached out to Malaney Dodson, Animal Well Being Coordinator for the project, and Rich Reading, VP of Science and Conservation at Butterfly Pavilion.

They spoke with Erin O’Toole about what made this such a milestone for insect science, and how it might set the stage for Colorado evenings filled with fireflies.

For more conversations about wildlife in Colorado, check out our recent interviews about the demon bunnies spotted in Fort Collins; how to survive an encounter with a moose,; and a network of volunteers that helps the Butterfly Pavilion monitor Colorado’s butterflies.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Looking for motivation to go for a run? Try pack burro racing, a uniquely Colorado sport

KUNC — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Every year, in an historic mining town in the mountains, runners lace up their running shoes and approach the starting line with their most loyal burro by their side.

The annual pack burro race in Victor, southwest of Colorado Springs, sees athletes and burros run side-by-side over mountain trails and roads.

Pack burro racing is the official summer heritage sport of Colorado. Burros, also known as donkeys, are outfitted with a saddle carrying a pickax, a shovel, and a gold pan. Carrying these objects honors Colorado’s history of gold mining.

Running one of these races requires not only athleticism, but skill in persuading some notoriously stubborn animals, says Olivia Prentzel, a reporter for the Colorado Sun. She recently set out to complete her first pack burro race and wrote about the experience.

Olivia told Erin O’Toole about how she prepared and what made her want to try running with a burro in the first place.

Check out this list of upcoming races from the Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado’s aspen trees are showing their fall colors while it’s still August. Is that a bad thing?

KUNC — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

If you look at your calendar – or your weather app – you’ll notice that we are still firmly in the dog days of summer. You should be spending weekends at the pool or sitting in the shade with a cold beverage.

But if you look at your local aspen trees, you might be fooled into thinking it’s time for jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkin spice lattes. And it’s not even Labor Day.

Colorado’s aspens are starting to show their fall colors alarmingly early — despite the summer heat. But why? Turns out, it’s a combination of chemistry and climate science.

To learn more about the science behind what’s happening, Erin O’Toole spoke to John Murgel, a horticulture specialist with CSU Extension in Douglas County.

If you're planning a trip to enjoy the fall colors, this map from the Colorado State Forest Service can help you figure out where and when to go.

For more tree wisdom from John, check out our conversation about how to prepare your trees to survive a Colorado winter, or this one explaining why aspens aren't a great choice for Front Range yards.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why a Cañon City exhibition displays — and sells — art by inmates at Colorado’s ‘Supermax’ prison

KUNC — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

An unusual art show held each year in Cañon City displays – and sells – pieces by some of the most dangerous convicted criminals in the country.

Fremont Center for the Arts sits about 20 minutes from the highest security prison in the nation: the USP Florence ADMAX, better known as Supermax. Each year, an art show at the gallery displays work created by Supermax inmates – like Terry Nichols, who helped plan the Oklahoma City bombing.

The public can purchase any of the art, which is created through a unique program at Supermax.

Journalist Sue McMillin lives in Cañon City, and recently wrote about the prison art program for the Colorado Sun. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about why the program was developed, and the ethical concerns of selling art created by high-profile inmates.

The exhibition, titled “Art in Isolation: Creating Space,” runs through Aug. 29.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

She’s a therapist for clients who have multiple romantic partners – and says these tips can help any relationship thrive

KUNC — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Denver relationship therapist, Lindsay Hayes, has an uncommon specialty.

She’s part of a growing group of professionals who work with people who practice polyamory. These are folks who openly have more than one romantic partner. Lindsay also researches and publishes about polyamorous communities.

In her therapy practice, Lindsay promotes open communication and flexibility as the foundation for healthy relationships. She says those fundamentals also apply to monogamous couples and can strengthen any relationship.

Erin O’Toole got a few tips from Lindsay for building and keeping healthy relationships.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ left a hole in Colorado’s budget – and how lawmakers might address it

KUNC — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado lawmakers head back to the state capitol on Thursday for a special session to fix a $750 million hole in the state budget.

If this feels like deja vu – it is, in a way. Earlier this year, state legislators addressed a $1.2 billion shortfall during the regular session -- and balanced the state budget.

But President Trump recently signed into law the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by Republicans in Congress. That bill’s rewriting of the federal tax code punched a hole in Colorado’s budget, creating an instant, $750 million-dollar shortfall for the state.

State lawmakers now face tough decisions as they try to close this gap, while they try to minimize the impact on Coloradans’ daily lives.

KUNC state capitol reporter Lucas Brady Woods joined Erin O’Toole to explain how Colorado lawmakers got here, and how they might fix the problem.

Legislators may also try to squeeze in a few other issues to the session, which is expected to last five days. That could include a pause on Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program, or how to improve a controversial AI law set to take effect next year.

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Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Invasive zebra mussels devastate ecosystems. Can officials stop them from harming the Colorado River?

KUNC — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A small menace is invading the river that supplies water to 40 million people in southwestern states.

Zebra mussels are tiny freshwater shellfish. They’re about the size of your thumbnail, with a striped shell. Since the late 1980s, they’ve spread to 30 states across the country, including Colorado.

Now, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says they’ve been found in the Colorado River near towns like Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs.

Zebra mussels wreak havoc on water infrastructure and devastate ecosystems. And they are difficult – if not impossible – to eradicate from rivers.

We wanted to learn more about why this species is so damaging and what Colorado Parks and Wildlife plans to do about them. Erin O’Toole spoke with Robert Walters, who oversees the agency’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Program.

If you spot a zebra mussel you can report to Colorado Parks and Wildlife using this online form. You can also email invasive.species@state.co.us or call 303-291-7295.

Colorado mountain towns saw a dip in tourism this summer. Where did those visitors go?

KUNC — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

After several years of record-setting numbers, Colorado's mountain towns are experiencing an unexpected summer slowdown in tourism.

A drop in international visitors is a significant factor. This year, European visitors to mountain towns in Colorado and six other Western states are down 39 percent compared to 2024. Canadian visitors dropped 58 percent from last year.

The trend has state and local officials concerned about the challenges this creates for mountain communities where visitor spending drives the economy.

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins recently wrote about the summer tourism sag. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about what’s driving the decline and how it's impacting local businesses.

For more on the Colorado economy, check out recent In The NoCo conversations with Jason about how the Trump administration’s tariffs are affecting Colorado’s outdoor businesses and how a new AI-powered commentator and referee could transform how we watch sports.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

We have nothing to fear from Colorado’s ‘demon’ bunnies (but keep your pet rabbit away from them)

KUNC — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Demon rabbits. Frankenstein bunnies. Zombie cottontails.

Phrases like those went viral this week after photos were published of rabbits near Fort Collins that appeared to have horns or tentacles on or around their heads.

Wildlife officials say the unusual-looking rabbits aren't a cause for concern. The rabbits suffer from a relatively common virus that's harmless to humans, called rabbit or shope papillomavirus. And although the growths caused by the virus can look gruesome, they often clear up on their own.

All the attention got us wondering how these cottontails caught this odd disease, why it causes such spooky-looking growths, and how the condition may have inspired the myth of the “jackalope.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose joined Erin O’Toole to dispel some myths about the mostly harmless virus.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why a secret weapon against climate change might be hiding in your shower or air conditioner

KUNC — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The goo and gunk you find in your dishwasher, or in the drip tray underneath your refrigerator, could hold secrets to fighting climate change or reducing pollution.

That’s according to James Henrickson, a research scientist from Colorado State University. He says your hot water heater, washing machine, and shower are similar to hot springs or volcanic vents on the ocean floor. James studies creatures that can survive in these harsh environments.

James has traveled the world in search of these organisms, which scientists call extremophiles. Extremophiles can survive by consuming carbon dioxide or toxic chemicals.

So, James is on a search for new extremophiles that might make the planet healthier. He started a campaign with CitSci, an organization that lets citizen scientists upload their observations and share them with researchers.

Erin O’Toole spoke with James back in May, and we’re listening back to that conversation today. They discussed how the public might be able to help in the search for extremophiles and why James sees potential in these creatures.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How a gecko’s ability to cling to surfaces could help CU scientists make stickier – and better – cancer treatments

KUNC — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

An innovative cancer therapy inspired by the gripping power of geckos might be on the horizon.

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder studied the microscopic structures on gecko toes that allow the tiny reptiles to climb walls and cling to slippery surfaces like windows.

That work inspired the development of a new material that could help chemotherapy drugs cling onto tumors, enabling less frequent and more effective treatment – potentially with less discomfort and fewer side effects for patients. The technology is described in the journal Advanced Materials.

Wyatt Shields is assistant professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at CU Boulder, and part of the team that developed the gecko-inspired material.

Wyatt spoke with Erin O’Toole about the material, and its potential to change how we treat other diseases in the future.

Curious about other reptile research? Check out our interview with a scientist studying how python eating habits could one day lead to better treatment of heart disease in humans.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

The world’s largest wildlife overpass will soon span I-25. Here’s how it will help animals – and drivers

KUNC — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The world’s largest wildlife overpass will soon be open for use in Colorado.

Wildlife overpasses allow animals to safely cross over highways. And Western states are building more of them to cut down on the number of crashes between vehicles and animals.

This new overpass is being constructed over a section of I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, just north of Monument. Some 80,000 drivers pass through this area daily. But elk, mule deer, and pronghorn also use that area to move between the mountains and the plains. And this stretch of highway averages one vehicle crash involving wildlife every day.

So, how could this overpass help reduce these dangerous and costly crashes?

Nicki Frey is a wildlife specialist with Utah State University Extension. She studies wildlife overpasses in the West, but was not involved in planning this one. She joined Erin O’Toole to explain how they work – and why they’re important to wildlife in the ecosystem.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Some students may have lost their ‘grit.’ Here’s how teachers and parents can help them get it back

KUNC — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado teachers say their students are missing something that helps determine their academic success. They call it grit.

If a student who struggles with math studies hard and performs well on their math test, that’s grit. If they complete a homework assignment that was tough to finish, that's also grit.

Erica Breunlin covers education for The Colorado Sun. Since the pandemic, she says teachers have told her they’re seeing less of this core life skill in the classroom – and that’s leading to lower test scores for K-12 students.

Erica recently wrote about grit, and the strategies some educators and parents have developed to build more of it in their kids. She spoke about it with Erin O’Toole in January. With the new school year starting for many Colorado students this month, we’re listening back to that conversation today.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Inside one of Colorado’s first energy-smart homes, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s push for renewables

KUNC — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

After the death of President Jimmy Carter last December, many of the tributes mentioned his environmental legacy and push for energy-efficient development. And one unusual part of his plan was focused here in Colorado.

Carter’s administration had backed the design of some experimental homes along the Front Range. They were warmed by the sun and fueled by renewable sources – an exciting idea in the late 1970s.

John Avenson was paying attention back then, and wanted to live in one of those homes. He got the plans, hired a contractor and built his very own Carter home in Westminster in 1981 – even as Carter’s successor in the White House, President Ronald Reagan, scaled back renewable energy development.

Avenson still lives in that home today. It’s featured in an episode of the PBS series Heart of a Building, which focuses on innovative building construction.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Avenson and Heart of a Building host Paul Kreischer in February to learn about life in one of Colorado’s first energy-smart homes. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Here’s where to watch the Heart of a Building episode featuring Avenson’s home.

In the months after this interview, President Trump rolled back many clean energy incentives and tax credits for homeowners and developers with the passage of his budget bill.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Cases of marijuana intoxication in dogs have grown in Colorado. Here’s how to protect your pets

KUNC — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado is known as a very dog-friendly state. A recent study by Colorado State University noted that if you’re a pet owner in this state, there’s an 80 percent chance that pet is a dog.

Colorado is also known for being one of first states to legalize cannabis.

But the high number of dog lovers plus the state’s long history of legal weed appear to have created a growing trend that worries veterinarians. As cannabis has become more widespread – and more potent – there's been a significant uptick in veterinary emergency calls for dogs who have ingested marijuana. The problem is complicated by edibles – which can be very enticing to a dog.

Boulder-based journalist Kate Ruder recently wrote about this for the Colorado Sun. She joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the symptoms to watch for, and what veterinarians advise if you think your dog may have eaten cannabis.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How Boulder's ‘Blue Envelope’ program aims to transform how people with disabilities interact with law enforcement

KUNC — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

For many people, being stopped by police can produce a wave of anxiety. But that sense of stress and uncertainty is even worse for people with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss, Tourette’s syndrome, or dementia.

Earlier this year, Boulder’s police department rolled out a new initiative called the Blue Envelope Program to help people with disabilities communicate when they encounter an officer.

It allows a person to get an official blue envelope and fill it out with information that an officer might need to know to communicate with them. Then if they’re stopped by an officer, they simply hand over the envelope.

Boulder was the first in Colorado to implement the program. Since then, law enforcement agencies in other communities have rolled out Blue Envelope programs, including Fort Collins Police, who launched theirs in July.

Alistair McNiven, Chief of Staff for Boulder Police, spoke with Erin O’Toole in February about the program and why he thinks the blue envelopes may be a transformative tool for law enforcement. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

McNiven said people can email BlueEnvelope@bouldercolorado.gov to request an envelope or get one in person at the front desk of the Boulder Police Department. Other communities may require people to pick up envelopes in person.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Some dinosaurs were dancing 100 million years ago. A scientist explains why a site in Colorado was so popular

KUNC — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Scientists say they’ve identified a sort of massive dance floor that some dinosaurs used as part of their mating rituals millions of years ago.

The area is at Dinosaur Ridge, an active paleontology site in Morrison that’s also open to the public. Researchers there found dozens of places where a dinosaur species called Magnoavipes would scrape patterns into the rock – a telltale sign of the creatures’ unique mating rituals.

So, what does this discovery tell us about how dinosaurs lived 100 million years ago in what’s now Colorado? And what does it reveal about dinosaurs’ similarities to modern species like birds?

To better understand those dinosaur dance parties, Erin O’Toole talked with Amy Atwater, the Director of Paleontology at Dinosaur Ridge.

President Trump said his immigration policy is focused on ‘the worst of the worst.’ Colorado ICE arrest data says otherwise

KUNC — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Immigration arrests in Colorado have quadrupled since President Trump returned to office in January. Under Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say they’re focused on deporting violent criminals who are in the U.S. illegally – what the President calls “the worst of the worst.”

But in Colorado, that promise doesn't line up with who is actually being detained by immigration enforcement.

A new analysis by the Colorado Sun and the Wyoming news organization WyoFile found that during the first five months of this year, about 60 percent of people arrested by ICE in Colorado and neighboring Wyoming had no criminal convictions when ICE detained them.

Of those, only a small fraction had been convicted of a violent crime such as assault.

Colorado Sun reporter Taylor Dolven has been covering politics and immigration under the Trump administration. She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about their findings, and why they wanted to take a closer look at these arrests.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Who were the women that inspired the names of some of Colorado’s iconic landmarks? A new book explores their stories

KUNC — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has an abundance of mountains named after famous men – think Long’s Peak, Mount Wilson, or Pikes Peak.

Since childhood, Sarah Hahn Campbell has been fascinated by the people behind place names. But she discovered little to no information on peaks, lakes or trails named after women.

So, in 2017, the Denver-based author and high school teacher set out to research the mysterious women behind the names of some of Colorado’s landmarks.

That culminated in Sarah's new book, Her Place on the Map: 18 Women and the Colorado Wonders Named for Them. It’s part trail guide and part history lesson, exploring 18 Colorado trails, mountains and lakes, while highlighting the stories of the women for whom these places were named.

Sarah spoke with Erin O’Toole in May about her book, and how challenging it was to learn about the real women behind the names. To celebrate Colorado Day, which marks the day 149 years ago that Colorado became a state, we’re listening back to that conversation.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Driving a semi on I-70 can be treacherous. This Colorado trucking school trains drivers for the challenges of mountain roads

KUNC — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A drive through the mountains of Colorado comes with breathtaking views, occasional glimpses of wildlife – and plenty of steep, winding roads. Sometimes that becomes deadly, especially for truck drivers.

Even in good weather, mountain highways like I-70 can be uniquely challenging for professional truck drivers. And there’s no specialized training required for them to drive in the mountains.

They spoke with Erin O’Toole about how they train drivers to understand the unique physics of mountain driving, and how to make the journey safely.

For more, check out our conversation with a retired Amtrak conductor with an unusual idea to help get semis safely through Colorado’s mountains – by loading them onto a train.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why AI may soon be used to help judges and referees call professional sports

KUNC — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A new kind of commentator made its debut during the snowboarding competition at this year’s Winter X Games in Aspen. It's called The Owl AI – and it’s powered by artificial intelligence.

The Owl AI demonstrated its ability by predicting the snowboarding half-pipe podium lineup, announcing in a cool male voice: “Third place Ayumu Hirano. Second Yuto Totsuka. And for the top spot Scotty James.”

The prediction turned out to be exactly right.

This new technology is being promoted by Boulder resident and X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom. In addition to predicting athlete performance, Bloom says The Owl AI will help make sports more fair by improving judging and refereeing. He recently launched a business to bring the technology to all kinds of sports.

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins recently wrote about The Owl AI, how it was used in The X Games, and how it might be transformative for other sports.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Aspen groves help slow the spread of wildfire. Here’s what that means for mountain towns

KUNC — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

New research suggests planting aspen groves could slow the spread of wildfires in Colorado’s forests.

It’s an idea that could help some mountain communities seeing increasing threats from wildfires.

A recent study looked at data from more than 300 wildfires in Western states. It found that large aspen groves often slowed the spread of forest fires. That’s partly because aspen contain more moisture than other trees in mountain forests.

So, should mountain communities across Colorado plant aspens on the outskirts of town?

To find out, Erin O’Toole talked to Camille Stevens-Rumann. She’s a professor of forest and rangeland stewardship at Colorado State University and was the principal investigator on the study.

For more on aspen trees, listen to this episode about why aspen trees rarely thrive when planted in yards.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Win or lose, Colorado Rockies fans love their struggling team. That may be a problem

KUNC — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The Colorado Rockies have some of the most loyal fans in all of baseball. And that might be part of their problem.

The Rockies, as you may have heard, are having one of the worst seasons in Major League Baseball’s modern history. And yet the fans still show up – on average, about 30,000 of them attended each home game so far this season.

It's been the story of the Rockies for years: The team struggles. The fans keep coming. And the steady ticket sales mean ownership has little incentive to build a better team

So what’s behind the unflinchingly loyal baseball fans here in Colorado?

To find out, we turned to Kevin Simpson of the Colorado Sun. He’s been a season ticket holder since the Rockies’ very first season. Today we're revisiting an interview between Kevin and In The NoCo’s Brad Turner from a few weeks back.

KUNC is holding its first-ever emergency fundraiser because Congress recently clawed back public broadcasting funds. That’s funding we rely on to cover local news, report on critical issues, and bring you conversations with Coloradans on In The NoCo. You value this journalism. You know it matters. Help keep it strong. Go to KUNC.org/donate and make a gift today. And thank you.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What a veteran journalist learned from trying psychedelic therapy – and how it made his life better

KUNC — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado recently hit a milestone: The first licensed psychedelic therapy clinic opened in June after voters here said magic mushrooms should be legal. So lots of reporters have written about the licensing process, interviewed therapists, and written about whether psychedelic mushrooms have real value in helping people recover from trauma, PTSD or other issues.

Our guest today is one of those reporters, but he took things a bit further.

Robert Sanchez is a longtime writer for 5280 in Denver. He decided to try out psychedelic mushrooms and see if what the experts said about their therapeutic value held up.

Robert walked through his journey with In the NoCo’s Brad Turner. Read Robert’s full article from 5280.

KUNC is holding its first-ever emergency fundraiser because Congress recently clawed back public broadcasting funds. That’s funding we rely on to cover local news, report on critical issues, and bring you conversations with Coloradans on In The NoCo. You value this journalism. You know it matters. Help keep it strong. Go to KUNC.org/donate and make a gift today. And thank you.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Trails on many of Colorado’s tallest peaks are in bad shape. This team helps repair them for future hikers

KUNC — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Trails on several of Colorado’s fourteeners are getting a facelift this summer.

Mount Democrat, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Blue Sky, and Mount Shavano are some of Colorado’s most popular mountains for hikers, but some of the trails on them are in rough shape.

A nonprofit called the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) is working this summer to update trail routes on those and other mountains to eliminate erosion and generally protect the surrounding tundra. Crews move boulders, install steps, and even restore plant life. Workers grapple with smashed fingers, dehydration, and altitude sickness.

Tom Cronin is the Field Programs Manager for CFI and he has lots of experience managing these trail projects. He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about what the work is like and how these eroding trails fell into disrepair in the first place.

KUNC is holding its first-ever emergency fundraiser because Congress recently clawed back public broadcasting funds. That’s funding we rely on to cover local news, report on critical issues, and bring you conversations with Coloradans on In The NoCo. You value this journalism. You know it matters. Help keep it strong. Go to KUNC.org/donate and make a gift today. And thank you.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado’s dry, sunny climate can be tough on vegetable gardens. Here’s how to help yours thrive

KUNC — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

If you decided to plant a vegetable garden earlier this spring, you’re probably already enjoying some of those home-grown tomatoes, zucchini, or peppers.

On the other hand, you may have decided that the potential benefits of growing your own food just aren’t worth the effort. Colorado’s intense climate, elevation and scarce rainfall make vegetable gardening a challenge. But there’s hope.

Cassey Anderson is a horticulture specialist with Colorado State University Extension whose mission is to help new gardeners succeed. She joined Erin O’Toole to discuss how to help vegetables thrive.

CSU Extension has a number of helpful resources for gardeners, including a seasonal planting tip sheet and this vegetable garden guide.

You can also find tips on how to deal with plant diseases and insects.

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KUNC is holding its first-ever emergency fundraiser because Congress recently clawed back public broadcasting funds. That’s funding we rely on to cover local news, report on critical issues, and bring you conversations with Coloradans on In The NoCo. You value this journalism. You know it matters. Help keep it strong. Go to KUNC.org/donate and make a gift today. And thank you.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado schools have a teacher shortage. Could an unusual apprenticeship program help close the gap?

KUNC — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Dozens of aspiring educators in Colorado are taking an unusual path to earn their teacher certificates.

They’re doing apprenticeships in public schools as part of a state program that offers an alternative path to gaining a teacher’s license and bachelor’s degree. Proponents see the program as a partial solution to Colorado’s teacher shortage, which resulted in thousands of unfilled classroom positions last school year.

Teachers’ apprentices spend about four years getting experience in the classroom while taking courses on the side through Colorado Mountain College. It’s a different model from more traditional bachelor’s degrees that require years of coursework before setting foot in the classroom.

Advocates say it opens doors for those who find the traditional college route to becoming a teacher prohibitive due to lack of time and money.

Erica Breunlin is a reporter with the Colorado Sun. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about how the program works and what it promises for teachers and students in Colorado. Read Erica’s recent story on the program.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why a new CU study raises doubts about the accuracy of labels on cannabis products

KUNC — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

When we shop for food, the labels on our groceries give us guideposts, such as how much fiber, protein or fat is in that loaf of bread or jar of peanut butter.

But more than a decade after Colorado legalized recreational cannabis, the potency labeling on products at your local marijuana dispensary may be far less helpful – and less reliable.

A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that almost half of cannabis flower products sold at dispensaries across the state are inaccurately labeled. Researchers found that flower products often contain less – or more – of compounds like THC and CBD than indicated on the label.

The findings raise questions about quality control within cannabis companies, as well as how much consumers should trust these labels, especially when they buy higher-potency marijuana. The results of the study were published earlier this month in the journal Scientific Reports.

Erin O’Toole spoke with one of the CU researchers, Jonny Lisano, to learn more about the study and what it means for consumer trust.

For more cannabis coverage, check out In The NoCo’s recent conversations that explored how long-term marijuana use might impact memory and a study of cannabis’ potential as a treatment for cancer and its symptoms.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How a unique network of volunteers monitors Colorado’s butterfly population – and why their findings are troubling

KUNC — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The red admiral. The black swallowtail. And the beautiful, bright orange monarch.

Each year a network of volunteers fans out across Colorado to see how many of these, and other butterfly species, they can find. Those observations help scientists understand the health of the state’s butterfly population.

Our guest today says that work is vital because butterflies are sensitive to changes in climate and habitat. And butterflies across the U.S. appear to be declining. That’s according to a recent study in the journal Science that incorporated some alarming data from the Colorado volunteers.

Shiran Hershcovich oversees the network of butterfly observers. It’s part of her job managing conservation projects for the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. The program has trained more than 300 citizen butterfly observers since its launch in 2013.

Shiran joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the network, and what its findings can tell us.

Learn more about the butterfly monitoring network and its trainings for people interested in becoming volunteer butterfly observers.

Many of the country’s most promising young orchestra musicians spend their summer in Breckenridge. Here’s why

KUNC — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Since 1960, the National Repertory Orchestra has brought talented college-aged musicians to Colorado to practice the art of playing in an ensemble.

Each season, about 80 young musicians are selected to join the NRO in Breckenridge. They spend eight weeks rehearsing and performing in Summit County. Many of them go on to pursue careers in professional orchestras across the country.

To get a glimpse behind the scenes at this unusual – and influential – summer orchestra, Erin O’Toole spoke with Michael Stern, their music director and conductor. He shared what makes a summer in the National Repertory Orchestra a formative experience.

Performances for the NRO’s 2025 season run through Aug. 9.

Alpine rescue crews in Colorado are saving more people by helicopter this summer. It’s dangerous work

KUNC — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A few weeks back, a pair of hikers found themselves stranded on a cliff atop Quandary Peak – 14,000 feet in elevation – in cold temperatures. A rescue crew had to respond by helicopter and lift them off the mountain.

It was one of 10 helicopter hoists that Colorado search and rescue crews performed this year through the end of June. That’s a record number. These dangerous maneuvers require helicopters to get close enough to rocky peaks to lower a rope and harness to people in trouble.

And the rescue on Quandary Peak wasn’t even the most dramatic. Another recent rescue helped climbers who were struck by lightning and also set the record for Colorado’s highest-altitude hoist.

Ryan Spencer, a reporter for the Summit Daily News, wrote about this spike in helicopter hoists. He told Erin O’Toole that it’s not clear why this increase in helicopter rescues is happening – but the stories about them are harrowing.

Correction: An earlier version of this episode gave the incorrect number of helicopter hoists performed in Colorado this year through June. The correct number is 10.

The U.S. Senate appears ready to vote on federal funding for public media. Sen. John Hickenlooper has some thoughts

KUNC — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:50:37 -0600

The U.S. Senate this week will likely vote on whether to rescind about $1.1 billion earmarked to support the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for the next two years. That money ultimately funds local stations like KUNC and The Colorado Sound, along with NPR and PBS.

The GOP-controlled House of Representatives has already voted to kill the funding. President Trump has backed the cuts and threatened to pull his support from any Republicans who oppose them. Republicans occupy 53 out of 100 seats in the Senate.

Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, spoke with Erin O’Toole Tuesday morning about why he supports continued federal funding for public broadcasting at a moment when Republicans want to end it.

By the way: If you’re curious how these cuts would affect KUNC News, we talked about it recently with Michael Arnold, the chief content and audience officer for KUNC and The Colorado Sound.

The ‘Balloon Boy’ incident captivated the nation. A new documentary revisits the story

KUNC — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

In October 2009, Colorado and the nation held its breath as we waited to learn the fate of a 6-year-old who was thought to be stuck inside a silver balloon floating across Northern Colorado.

The Heene family was living in Fort Collins in 2009 when they made a giant helium filled balloon shaped like a saucer. They called police one afternoon to say they’d lost control of the balloon and that it had floated thousands of feet into the sky with their youngest son, Falcon, inside. Police and reporters scrambled to respond.

But the story broadcast on people’s TV screens quickly changed. First, it turned out Falcon had been at home in the attic the whole time. Then, people began questioning whether the whole thing had been a hoax.

The story – and its strange aftermath – is the subject of “Balloon Boy,” a new documentary episode of Netflix’s series Trainwreck. It comes out Tuesday.

We talked to the director of the documentary – Gillian Pachter about why she wanted to revisit this story.

If you like documentaries, check out In The NoCo’s recent conversations about films that explored a solar housing project championed by former President Jimmy Carter and an athlete who used extreme running to work through his mental health struggles.

Tubing season is a highlight of summer in Steamboat Springs. Here’s why it’s likely to end early this year

KUNC — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

For a lot of people, July and early August in Steamboat Springs is all about tubing on the Yampa River.

People rent a tube in downtown Steamboat, hop into the river just a few steps away and float past wildlife and hot springs. Some days, tourists in brightly colored tubes stretch from one side of the river to the other.

But it’s very likely commercial tubing season on the Yampa will be alarmingly short this year. The Steamboat Pilot reports that city officials may close the river to tubing as soon as next week because of warm temperatures and low water flows.

To learn more about why this is happening, Erin O’Toole spoke with John Chalstrom, a writer and editor with the Steamboat Pilot and the Craig Press – who also happens to spend a lot of time on the Yampa River as a fly-fishing guide.

Climate change could make Colorado lawns suffer. Here’s how to help yours adapt

KUNC — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A warmer, drier future for Colorado has many people wondering about their lawns. Drought and heat turn lawns brown or kills them altogether.

How can we sustain a lawn with less water and less mowing? And should we keep them at all?

Tony Koski is a professor of horticulture and landscape architecture at Colorado State University. He teaches a class on growing a lawn that's resilient in the face of climate change.

Tony talked with Erin O’Toole about how to create a lawn that will thrive in a hotter, drier climate. He is especially enthusiastic about one type of grass – called Bermuda grass – that he says is well equipped to survive in Colorado’s changing climate.

For advice on how to overhaul your lawn, take a look at a fact sheet from the CSU Extension that Tony co-authored.

Meet the CU researcher exploring how AI could help us reconnect with a dead loved one

KUNC — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

In 2025, chatbots are part of our everyday life. They pop up on your screen while you’re checking your bank account or making an online purchase.

But a few years from now, it may be just as easy to have a conversation with a chatbot who recreates a dead loved one. That’s the idea behind a kind of technology called a generative ghost.

Jed Brubaker is an associate professor in the Department of Information Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, and one of the people leading the development of generative ghosts. Jed is part of a team that recently received $75,000 from Google to study how generative ghosts could become part of our lives.

In the NoCo’s Brad Turner spoke with Jed in November about what a visit with the generative ghost of a dead loved one would feel like. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Jed also leads the Digital Legacy Clinic – a free clinic at CU to help people who want to get a deceased loved one’s digital affairs in order. We spoke with him about it earlier this year.

The emerald ash borer is spreading across the Front Range. Here’s how to protect your trees

KUNC — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A tiny, green insect that bores under the bark of ash trees is spreading in Colorado.

The emerald ash borer has been making its way around the Front Range for the last decade. It damages ash trees and often kills them. And this year it’s been spotted in Denver.

Ash trees make up about one in every six trees in the urban forests along the Front Range. So what can we do to protect ash trees and even fight back against this pest?

Karim Gharbi is a horticulture specialist with the Colorado State University Extension who’s been on our show before. Karim joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the emerald ash borer and give a more specific idea of what this so-called “green menace” looks like.

CSU Extension offers guidance on fall and winter watering to keep ash trees strong. If you’re looking for an arborist, Trees are Good offers suggestions.

For more info on Front Range pests, listen to In The NoCo conversations about Japanese beetles and miller moths.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

The new podcast ‘Senseless’ looks at life after a mass shooting in Boulder

KUNC — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

How does a community heal from the shock and grief of a mass shooting? And how can people who have lost loved ones find a way to move forward?

Over the course of the eight-part series, Erika speaks with others who lost loved ones that day, as well as police, prosecutors, and members of the community.

Erika has been a guest on In The NoCo before to talk about the trial – which ended in guilty verdicts and ten consecutive life sentences for the gunman.

She spoke with Erin O’Toole about why she felt driven to make this podcast, and about some of the impacts of gun violence that linger after the news coverage has faded away.

Why a plan to use federal land to ease housing shortages could be controversial – or well-received – in Western communities

KUNC — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

In the months ahead, leaders across the West will wrestle with a proposal to use federal land as a remedy for housing shortages.

You may remember that a few weeks ago, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah wanted to sell off thousands of government-owned acres in Western states, including some parts of Colorado. That plan died when some key Republican senators refused to support it.

But a similar, and more focused, proposal may still move forward under the Trump administration. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has offered a plan to sell or lease federal land to Western communities that are facing housing shortages.? Interior Department officials will meet with local leaders about it in the months ahead.

So how will this idea be received in places like Summit County — which face severe housing shortages, but are also defined by the picturesque public lands that surround them?

Rachel Cohen is a reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau, which KUNC is part of. Rachel's been reporting on this issue. She spoke with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner about how it might lead to some difficult choices for towns in Colorado and around the West.

How NREL scientists developed solar panels that help grow bigger, tastier crops

KUNC — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A solar panel that collects energy from the sun – while also helping farmers grow bigger, tastier tomatoes and other crops.

A team of scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden (NREL) say that’s exactly what they’ve developed. And this new type of solar panel could lead to better produce and more widespread solar power generation.

Some farmers already place solar panels on their land and grow crops alongside them. It’s a practice called agrivoltaics.

But the new panels designed by NREL are translucent – meaning they allow certain frequencies of light to pass through and reach crops planted beneath the panels. In fact, NREL scientists used the solar panels as the roof and walls of a greenhouse during their experiments.

Bryon Larson is NREL’s principal researcher on this study. He talked with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole about the solar panels and how they might be used in the future.

Loud fireworks can make Independence Day tough for veterans with PTSD. Here’s how to help

KUNC — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

For a lot of veterans, Independence Day can be a hard day.  

Celebrating America’s birthday typically comes with loud, colorful blasts of fireworks. We don’t talk about it a lot, but for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, that can be a struggle. It can remind veterans of combat or other traumatic experiences from their time in the military. 

Helping veterans cope with PTSD is the specialty of Dr. Mandy Rabenhorst-Bell. She is the PTSD program manager with the VA healthcare system serving Eastern Colorado.

Mandy spoke with Erin O’Toole ahead of Independence Day last year about what the holiday can be like for those with PTSD, and how friends and family can help support them. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Find more information and resources for PTSD from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How Detour’s new piece at Denver International Airport made colorful art out of used luggage

KUNC — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Travelers making their way through Denver International Airport this summer may notice a colorful, distinctive new art exhibit.

The project, called “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back,” was created from 183 pieces of used luggage, suspended over a walkway in Concourse B. They’re painted in the vibrant colors of the Colorado sky – turquoise, baby blue, ruby red – and they form a shape resembling the infinity symbol.

That painted baggage is part of a new installation by Colorado artist Thomas Evans, better known as Detour. He’s well known around Denver for his colorful murals of local sports legends like Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

Detour talked earlier this year with Erin O’Toole about what inspired his new art at DIA – and some of the stories behind the luggage. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

You can see even more photos from the installation on Detour’s website at https://www.iamdetour.com/.

‘We sort of insert ourselves:’ Why this Colorado artist paints cell phone photos into iconic images

KUNC — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Like a lot of people nowadays, Colorado artist Rick Dallago is very invested in selfies. But Rick, who’s a painter, thinks about selfies differently than someone who just snaps a quick self-portrait with their phone.

Rick paints key moments in history and then paints a cell phone into the image. In one painting, a man takes a selfie in front of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. In another, a man uses a selfie stick to capture the moment when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. And other paintings show iconic images, like Michelangelo’s sculpture David, reduced to a snapshot on a tiny cell phone screen.

Rick’s work is on display in a new show called “Thirst Traps.” It’s on display in Denver at The Lab on Santa Fe through July 19.

Rick Dallago joined In the NoCo’s Brad Turner to talk about the ideas behind his paintings.

How to survive an encounter with an aggressive moose

KUNC — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:40:00 -0600

A few weeks back, Colorado saw three moose attacks on people in just three days. The incidents were reported in the Coloradoan.

The attacks left three people injured. One of the incidents led to a cow moose being shot in self-defense, and her calf being euthanized.

So, as more people head out to hike in the state’s moose territory this summer, we wondered: What are you supposed to do if you encounter an aggressive moose? And how do you avoid a moose attack in the first place?

Bridget O’Rourke who is a Public Information Officer with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. She spoke with host Erin O’Toole about how to be safe around moose – and what makes them such dangerous animals.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Hundreds of birds and other animals strike planes at DIA each year. Here’s how airport officials manage the problem

KUNC — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Back in April, a commercial flight carrying 159 people had a major scare as it took off from Denver International Airport: The United Airlines flight struck an animal, which crippled one of the plane’s engines and forced the crew to make an emergency landing.

As it turns out, the threat to aircraft from birds, rabbits and other animals is something DIA officials work hard to manage. Scott Franz, who’s an investigative reporter here at KUNC, recently got his hands on documents that show just how widespread the problem is.

Scott found that last year 878 planes had reported animal strikes while taking off or landing at DIA. And the airport killed or relocated tens of thousands of birds and other animals to limit the potential damage to aircraft.

So: How vulnerable are planes at DIA, and is there a better solution? Scott talked about his story with In The NoCo's Brad Turner.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

The number of satellites circling the Earth is increasing. A unique summit at CU looks at why that might be a problem

KUNC — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The vast space around earth is getting a little crowded.

There are nearly 10,000 satellites in Earth’s low orbit, the space just outside our planet’s atmosphere. And space companies plan to launch tens of thousands more in coming years.

That could led to problems like interruptions to communications from satellites that monitor the weather. Or we could see satellites crashing into one another.

So how do we make rules to prevent those kinds of accidents? And how much regulation of space is too much?

A unique gathering at the University of Colorado Law School this week is confronting those questions. The Space and Spectrum Policy Conference began Tuesday.

Keith Gremban is a professor and co-director of the Spectrum Policy Initiative at CU Boulder and he helped organize this conference. He spoke with In The NoCo’s Brad Turner about why one of the main goals for the conference is simply to raise awareness of these issues.

For more on the dark sky preservation programs Keith mentioned, check out this In The NoCo interview on dark sky programs across Colorado.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A ‘groundbreaking’ law boosted voter turnout in Colorado’s jails. Here’s why it made a difference

KUNC — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Last year, Colorado lawmakers passed an unusual law.

It directed every county in the state to set up in-person voting for incarcerated people in jails, many of whom are awaiting trial and haven’t been convicted of a crime.

The new law is the first of its kind in the nation. It's an effort to support voting rights for a population that is often considered out of sight, out of mind.

Alex Burness writes for Bolts, a publication that covers issues of criminal justice and elections. He said that while some cities like Denver have supported voting in jails, Colorado’s statewide initiative was groundbreaking: Turnout in the state’s jails increased roughly by a factor of 10.

Alex spoke in March with host Erin O’Toole about the impact of the new law. We’re listening back to the conversation today.

Read Alex’s article on voting in Colorado jails.

Leadville’s massive ‘ice palace’ was an engineering feat. A new book explores how it came together

KUNC — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

So, city leaders came up with an unusual idea to draw tourists to Leadville, entice people to live there, and give the remaining residents a sense of pride:

They decided to build a giant palace of ice.

What followed is a remarkable story of innovative engineering that drew visitors from thousands of miles away – at least for a few winter months, until the inevitable spring melt.

Windsor-based author Afton Rorvik paints a vivid picture of all of this in her new book, The 1896 Leadville Ice Palace. Her research drew from the collections of the Heritage Museum and the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville.

She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about why she finds this history fascinating – and why the story of the Ice Palace still resonates today.

Art, music and theatre programs are dwindling in Colorado classrooms. But some schools offer glimmers of hope

KUNC — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Many students in Colorado schools don’t have much of a chance to act onstage, play an instrument or hone their craft at painting.

Arts programs in most public schools have been cut severely due to tight budgets and to make room for classes that help schools get higher scores on standardized tests.

So a team of KUNC reporters recently wondered: What does this look like in Colorado schools? And where are kids learning about the arts? In this special episode of In The NoCo, we’re sharing stories from Loveland, Brighton and Steamboat Springs.

Check out photos and more reporting on these stories.

This episode was reported by Rachel Cohen, Emma VandenEinde and Leigh Paterson. The series was edited by Leigh Paterson. Jennifer Coombes edited the online version of the series. Brad Turner adapted the stories for this episode of In The NoCo.

How Colorado shed the 'Hate State' label in a legal fight that went before the U.S. Supreme Court

KUNC — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

More than three decades ago Colorado was known as the Hate State.

In 1992 Colorado voters passed Amendment 2, which banned anti-discrimination laws meant to protect gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. But the Amendment never went into effect because there was immediate backlash. It was challenged again and again for being unconstitutional, bringing it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Season 4 of KUNC’s Colorado Dream podcast retraces Colorado’s tumultuous history and evolving relationship with its queer and transgender population.

Stephanie Daniel is the executive producer and host for The Colorado Dream. She spoke about the latest season with Erin O’Toole last fall. To celebrate Pride month, we’re listening back to that conversation today.

How growing up in Colorado influenced Oscar-winning actor Hattie McDaniel’s career

KUNC — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Oscar. The actor won for her role as Mammy in the film “Gone with the Wind.”

And McDaniel spent much of her childhood in Colorado: A plaque marks her family’s former home in Fort Collins. Growing up, she attended public schools in Denver.

McDaniel was in her 40s when she won the best supporting actress Oscar. And she used her platform to become a champion for civil rights. Today, in honor of Juneteenth, we’re exploring Hattie McDaniel’s story.

Reshonda Tate is author of the book “The Queen of Sugar Hill”, which explores McDaniel’s life and career. ReShonda spoke with Erin O’Toole and mentioned that there was a time when she had a hard time admiring McDaniel as an actor.

Why a CU researcher thinks a vaccine against weight gain could be on the horizon

KUNC — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A vaccine against weight gain may be a reality soon, thanks to new research from the University of Colorado Boulder. The study focuses on a strain of bacteria that prevents obesity by reducing inflammation.

Chris Lowry is a professor of integrative physiology and CU and led the research. His study found that he could prevent mice from becoming overweight, even when raised on the equivalent of an all-McDonald’s diet.

When his team injected mice with that particular strain of bacteria, the junk- food mice gained no more weight than mice with healthy diets.

Chris Lowry joined Erin O’Toole in January to talk about his research and why he thinks it’s a promising solution for obesity and how the results caught him off guard. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Lincoln Hills was an important mountain resort for Black Americans. A new History Colorado exhibit revisits it

KUNC — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Summer heat in Colorado has many people dreaming about escaping to the cool air of the mountains. But for Black Americans in the 1920s and 30s, segregation and discrimination severely restricted where they could travel and take a vacation.

And it offered a rare opportunity for Black Americans to feel safe and welcome in the outdoors, during a time when access to such spaces was often limited because of racial discrimination.

History Colorado in Denver has unveiled a new exhibit called Lincoln Hills: Mountain Sanctuary. It features photographs, displays of recreational clothing, and recently collected oral histories.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Acoma Gaither, History Colorado’s assistant curator of Black history, to learn more about what made Lincoln Hills so important.

Colorado’s landfills are a major source of methane emissions. Here’s how regulators hope to change that

KUNC — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

If you've ever walked near a landfill, or driven by one on a warm summer day with your windows down, you know there's a certain smell it puts out.

But Colorado's landfills also produce massive amounts of methane, emitting as much dirty air as driving a million cars for a year. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions in Colorado, after agriculture and fossil fuel extraction.

And that concerns health officials more than any smell – because methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and has some negative health effects, too.

Denver-based environmental journalist Jennifer Oldham recently wrote about this issue for Capital & Main. She says state health officials may ask Colorado’s landfill operators to measure and track their methane emissions, which is something they haven’t had to do before. Jennifer joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the problem and potential solutions.

Why signs asking national parks visitors to report ‘negative’ historic information are causing concern

KUNC — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has 13 sites that are part of the National Park System. And visitors may notice some striking new signs posted in the parks when they visit this summer.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, is requiring the posting of signs that ask visitors to identify and report “any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans.”

The order caught the attention of many national park supporters, who fear it could lead to censoring less flattering parts of American history – especially at sites in Colorado that commemorate the Sand Creek Massacre or the Amache internment camp that imprisoned Japanese Americans in World War II.

Tracy Coppola is Colorado senior program manager with the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit that advocates for the national parks but is not part of the park service. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about the impact this policy could have on visitors, as well as rangers and educators at the parks.

Vegetables that ripen whenever you’re ready to eat them? Scientists at CSU want to make it a reality

KUNC — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Imagine being able to control exactly when the plants in your vegetable garden will ripen.

New research out of Colorado State University could make that concept a reality. Researchers there have been working to create what they call “genetic toggle switches” embedded in the DNA of plants.

The researchers plug synthetic DNA into a plant’s genetic material and use it as a switch that tells the plant to ripen, or flower, or grow.

Professors June Medford and Ashok Prasad led this research into plant biology and recently published their findings in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology.

They joined host Erin O’Toole to talk about how these “toggle switches” work, and how the technology might eventually change the produce section at your grocery store.

A complex cleanup of ‘forever’ chemicals at DIA recently ended. Now what happens to the leftover waste?

KUNC — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

More than 82 million people passed through Denver International Airport last year – and almost none of them noticed the very complicated cleanup project happening right under their noses.

Airport officials spent $3 million dollars cleaning up toxic chemicals left over from the firefighting foam the airport used on its runways in the past. The foam is full of PFAS – otherwise known as “forever” chemicals – which have been linked to harmful effects in humans.

DIA recently completed the cleanup project as part of a program created by the state of Colorado to remove forever chemicals from DIA and other sites that use firefighting foam.

Now that they’ve cleaned up the chemicals and the contaminated firefighting equipment at the airport, there’s a new challenge – figuring out where to dispose of 100,000 gallons of harmful waste from DIA.

Michael Booth is an environmental writer for the Colorado Sun. He wrote about this cleanup project, and why the chemicals were used in firefighting foam in the first place.

Listen to a recent In The NoCo interview with a Colorado scientist who’s exploring a promising new way to break down forever chemicals.

This Boulder County clerk made history when she issued a marriage license to a gay couple 50 years ago

KUNC — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Fifty years ago, two men came to the Boulder County courthouse, seeking a license to get married.

Marriage equality was not the law of the land in 1975. But Clela Rorex, the newly elected Boulder County clerk, could find nothing in Colorado state law that would prevent her from issuing a marriage license to a same-sex couple. So, she did. And she issued five more in the next few weeks before she was ordered to stop.

It was a historic moment in the movement for LGBTQ rights, and her actions made her a hero -- and a target of backlash.

Mardi Moore is the CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality, an LGBTQ advocacy group based in Boulder. She was a friend and colleague of Clela, who died in 2022 at the age of 78.

During Pride Month, Erin O'Toole spoke with Mardi to learn more about Clela Rorex and that day she made history back in 1975.

How transporting renewable electricity by train could help Colorado hit its clean energy goals

KUNC — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has ambitious goals around renewable energy. Gov. Jared Polis is aiming for 100 percent of the energy in the state to come from renewable sources by the year 2040.

But there’s an obstacle: Colorado doesn’t have enough power lines to deliver all that renewable energy from where it’s produced – often in rural parts of the state – to where it’s needed. A recent study from the state’s Electric Transmission Authority found that Colorado needs at least $4.5 billion in transmission investment over the next decade or two, just to keep up with demand.

Which is why clean energy advocates and Gov. Polis are intrigued by an unusual business model from a San Francisco-based company called SunTrain.

The plan involves loading train cars with massive batteries filled with renewable energy. The trains would haul batteries from solar and wind farms in rural areas of Colorado to the cities and towns that need that electricity.

SunTrain’s President Christopher Smith and CEO Jeff Anderson have been working with Xcel Energy to pilot their idea. They hope to demonstrate the concept in Pueblo in 2026.

They spoke with Erin O’Toole in March about how “trainsmission” works, and how much of an impact it could have on Colorado’s energy landscape.

The Stanley Hotel is a Colorado icon. An unusual alliance could help the hotel thrive in the years ahead

KUNC — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The Stanley Hotel is a cultural landmark of Estes Park. It was built in the early 1900s, and soon became a popular Colorado getaway for wealthy vacationers.

But it's perhaps most well-known as the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining.

Today, the hotel caters to horror fans with ghost tours, while visitors who prefer a calmer vacation enjoy watching herds of elk on the lawn and the perfect view of Longs Peak.

All of this has made the Stanley Hotel a huge part of Estes Park – and Colorado – culture. And an unusual team of investors and elected officials want to make sure the Stanley survives into the next century.

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins wrote about the sale of the Stanley Hotel, which was finalized in May. He joined Erin O'Toole to talk about how this arrangement came together, and what the future of this Colorado institution might look like.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Sen. John Hickenlooper: Speeding up wildfire prevention work could help a “tinderbox situation” in the West

KUNC — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has been impacted severely by wildfires in recent years. And, as climate change continues to intensify, the threat is growing.

Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, recently co-sponsored a sweeping new bill to expand, and speed up, wildfire prevention efforts across the country. It’s called the Fix Our Forests Act.

It calls for more funding for research to prevent wildfires, the creation of a central wildfire response center for the whole country, and the removal of more dead and diseased trees on federal land.

It also calls for the time allowed to review or push back on these forest management projects to be much shorter. “The difference is it won't take five years or eight years... People will be able to do it fast enough so that they can really respond to this tinderbox situation we find ourselves in, in of the American West,” Hickenlooper said.

Some critics have taken issue with the bill. They say it would undermine environmental protections and could lead to more logging.

Host Erin O’Toole asked Hickenlooper to talk about the bill, address some of that criticism, and talk about why this proposal makes sense now.

How an unusual CSU program helps restore bison herds across the American West

KUNC — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A small herd of bison roams the Soapstone Prairie north of Fort Collins. The herd offers a glimpse of what Colorado’s high plains looked like 200 years ago.

The breeding project is based at Colorado State University. It's raised hundreds of bison over the last decade and transferred them to tribes and wildlife organizations.

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Jennifer Barfield, a professor and reproductive physiologist at CSU who has been leading the project for the past 10 years.

ACLU lawyers say camping is so central to Colorado’s culture that ‘camping bans’ should be illegal. Will a judge agree?

KUNC — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A unique legal argument caught our attention recently here at In The NoCo. It’s about rules banning people experiencing homelessness from sleeping in public places in Boulder.

The recent court filing by the ACLU of Colorado argues that camping is so fundamental to the culture and history of Colorado that cities should not be allowed to punish people who camp in public.

The ACLU of Colorado filed that brief to fight a recent ruling that said the city of Boulder can ticket or arrest people for sleeping outdoors. So-called “camping bans” like the one in Boulder are used by cities across the country. And they’ve been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

So how did the ACLU of Colorado decide to build an argument around the state’s camping culture, and how likely is it to win?

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Tim Macdonald, legal director of the ACLU of Colorado, to talk about why the group wants to end camping bans.

For more coverage on the recent filing read the Boulder Reporting Lab’s coverage.

Afraid of flying? These tips from an MSU Denver psychologist can help get you off the ground

KUNC — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Commercial airline travel is one of the safest ways to get around.

In 2024, around five billion passengers worldwide flew on 40 million flights, according to the International Air Transport Association. In that year there was less than one aircraft-related accident for every million flights in the air.

In other words, the odds are in your favor when you buy a plane ticket.

And yet, fear of flying is one of the most common phobias people struggle with. Researchers estimate about 25 million adults in the U.S. suffer from aerophobia, or fear of flying.

Randi Smith is a professor of psychology at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She studies why air travel provokes such an intense reaction in so many people.

With the summer travel season about to get underway, she joined Erin O’Toole to share some science-backed strategies to help you, or a loved one, overcome a fear of flying.

Growing your own Palisade peach tree is harder than it sounds. Here’s how to give it your best shot

KUNC — Fri, 30 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Picture this: It’s a warm summer evening. You’ve got burgers and sweet corn roasting on the grill. And for dessert, homemade cobbler with fresh peaches – picked right off your very own peach tree.

If you live along the Front Range, you might think the only place you can get sweet, juicy Palisade peaches is at your local farmer's market. But it is possible to grow a peach tree outside of western Colorado, although it’s a bit more challenging than you might expect.

Jeff Pieper is a horticulture specialist with Colorado State University Extension in Mesa County, on the Western Slope. He’s been on the show before, to discuss the science behind why Palisade peaches taste so incredible.

He joined Erin O’Toole to walk through some of the pros – and pitfalls – of growing your own peach tree.

Jeff mentioned lots of other fruit options that are more suited for the Front Range, including apple trees as well as small fruits like strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries and currants.

Find more info and advice from CSU Extension on growing fruit trees and berries.

A Denver Art Museum exhibit helps visitors confront tough emotions – with help from cuddly, crocheted monsters

KUNC — Thu, 29 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Fear. Anxiety. Shame. And a horde of colorful, crocheted monsters.

It’s all part of a new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum that asks visitors to confront some uncomfortable emotions.

Denver artist Sadie Young has created cuddly and soft monsters with vivid colors and big eyes. And they’re all crocheted out of thousands of yards of yarn. Some are large enough for visitors to step inside.

The exhibit, called The Tangled Self, draws on both her artistic experience and her educational background in psychology, particularly the concept of the shadow self.

Sadie is also the founder and creative director of Spectra Art Space, which specializes in immersive installations. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about her new exhibit at the DAM, the inspiration behind the creatures, and how she got started with crocheting.

The goo under your fridge or air conditioner just might help fight climate change. Here’s why

KUNC — Wed, 28 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The goo and gunk you find in your dishwasher, or in the drip tray underneath your refrigerator, could hold secrets to fighting climate change or reducing pollution.

James has traveled the world in search of these organisms, which scientists call extremophiles. Extremophiles can survive by consuming carbon dioxide or toxic chemicals.

James joined Erin O’Toole to talk about how the public might be able to help in the search and why he sees potential in these creatures.

Latina mothers deal with high rates of postpartum depression. This unusual CU program uses peer support to help them

KUNC — Tue, 27 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The effects of post-partum depression or anxiety can be debilitating. Research shows one in five mothers experience post-partum mental health challenges after childbirth.

And that number is even higher for Latina mothers living in the United States. Nearly half of them experience post-partum mental health issues.

But organizers of a unique research program based at the University of Colorado Boulder say they’ve successfully reduced postpartum depression for hundreds of mothers – with an emphasis on helping Latinas, including immigrants. They did it by providing peer support to new moms from women who’ve had similar struggles in the past. The program is called Alma, and it recently reached its 10th anniversary. Organizers plan to expand the program with an online version beginning this summer.

Professor Anahi Collado is a clinical psychologist who helps train mothers to become peers in the Alma program. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the program, and why its creators saw a need for something that helped immigrants and other Latina mothers.

Drought continues to plague the Colorado River basin. Could cloud seeding be a helpful solution?

KUNC — Mon, 26 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Manipulating the clouds to make it rain or snow sounds like something straight out of science fiction. But in reality, the technology behind cloud seeding is decades old, going back to the 1940s.

The science of cloud seeding got some new attention recently after lawmakers ordered the Government Accountability Office to look into the technology as water becomes a more precious resource in the U.S. That report says cloud seeding shows promise, but more research is probably needed before we make it part of any serious federal policies.

So, as drought continues to be a problem for the Colorado River Basin, some experts wonder if it’s time to look more seriously at cloud seeding’s potential.

KUNC’s in-house water reporter Alex Hager spoke with Erin O’Toole in February about what he’s learned about how cloud seeding might help the Colorado River basin. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

For more on the Colorado River, check out KUNC’s award-winning podcast Thirst Gap.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Rock climbing without ropes comes with risks and rewards. This climber set out to crunch the numbers

KUNC — Fri, 23 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A few weeks back, Boulder Reporting Lab published an unusual article.

The writer, Simon Testa, told his story using data and statistics to wrestle with the risk associated with a type of rock climbing called scrambling.

Simon lives in Boulder, and scrambling is his favorite hobby. He even wrote a scrambling guidebook. He climbs up huge rock walls without climbing ropes. He has made hundreds of ascents without ropes over the past decade.

But scrambling is also risky. After two tragic accidents last year, Simon dug into records of 16 people who died while scrambling on the Flatirons – those towering rock formations outside Boulder.

Simon told In the NoCo’s Brad Turner about what he discovered in the data, and how he approaches scrambling differently now.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What would federal funding cuts mean for local public media stations like KUNC?

KUNC — Thu, 22 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

It's a precarious moment for public media. The Trump administration has declared it wants to end federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting – which supports stations that carry programs from NPR and PBS.

If you’re wondering where all of that leaves a local station like KUNC or The Colorado Sound, we’re actually trying to figure that out too.

So today, we’re sharing what we know so far. In The NoCo’s Brad Turner spoke with Mike Arnold, the Chief Audience and Content Officer for KUNC and The Colorado Sound. Last week, he and about 190 other leaders from NPR members stations around the country met in Washington, D.C. to talk about this moment of uncertainty for public radio. And they asked lawmakers to continue supporting public media.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

The Colorado Rockies are struggling more than ever. Why do plenty of fans still show up to Coors Field?

KUNC — Wed, 21 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The Colorado Rockies have some of the most loyal fans in all of baseball. And that might be part of their problem.

The Rockies are off to their worst start of any team in Major League Baseball’s modern history. And yet the fans still show up.

It's been the story of the Rockies for years: The team struggles. The fans keep coming. And the steady ticket sales mean ownership has little incentive to build a better team

So what’s behind the uncommonly loyal baseball fans here in Colorado? And are they starting to lose patience this season?

To find out, we turned to Kevin Simpson of the Colorado Sun. He’s been a season ticket holder since the Rockies’ first season in 1993 – and he’s written about why the fans stick around even as the Rockies have one bad season after the next.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

It’s miller moth time again. An expert explains why they’re cooler than you think

KUNC — Tue, 20 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Each spring, the Front Range endures miller moth season. Even in relatively mild years, the tiny, winged visitors enter our homes, annoy us and even frighten us.

But they’re also fascinating.

So, we talked with Karim Gharbi – an insect expert and horticulture specialist with Colorado State University Extension – to unpack the mysteries of the miller moths.

Where do the moths come from? Where do they go when they leave? Are they dangerous to our clothing or food? And why do our pets seem to enjoy chomping on them?

Gharbi spoke with Erin O’Toole last spring and offered some surprising answers to these questions and more. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Colorado has a strong bicycling culture. So why have high-profile bike races struggled here?

KUNC — Mon, 19 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado’s mountain passes and great weather make it a destination for competitive cyclists. But the history of professional cycling races in Colorado is a rocky one.

Races like the Colorado Classic, the Coors Classic, and The USA Pro Cycling Challenge have all come and gone over the years.

So, we were intrigued when an events company recently announced plans to create the Tour of Colorado – a five-day men’s road biking race through the Rockies that will attract worldclass cycling teams. The first edition would be held in September 2026. And organizers recently received encouragement from Gov. Jared Polis, who praised the plan.

Betsy Welch is a freelance writer who reported on the proposal for the Colorado Sun. She spoke from her home in Carbondale with Erin O’Toole about whether this new proposal looks promising and why professional road racing in Colorado has been so hard to sustain.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

These women inspired the names of some of Colorado’s biggest landmarks. A new book uncovers their stories

KUNC — Fri, 16 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has an abundance of mountains named after famous men – think Long’s Peak, Mount Wilson, or Pikes Peak.

Since childhood, Sarah Hahn Campbell has been fascinated by the people behind place names. But she discovered little to no information on peaks, lakes or trails named after women.

So, in 2017, the Denver-based author and high school teacher set out to research the mysterious women behind the names of some of Colorado’s landmarks.

She spoke with Erin O’Toole about the book, and how challenging it was to learn about the real women behind the names.

Sarah will discuss the book and share some of her favorite local hikes at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Wolverine Farm in Fort Collins.

Self-care shouldn’t be self-centered, a Boulder compassion researcher argues in his new book

KUNC — Thu, 15 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

There’s a lot of content these days about self-care: how to stay mentally and physically balanced when work, family or other stresses grind you down. We often see social media influencers posting about bubble baths, the perfect tea, or the best skin care routine.

But a new book argues that self-care isn’t simply about focusing on ourselves. Rather, it’s a crucial part of how we show up for other people. And losing sight of that can lead to guilt or strained relationships with loved ones.

Author Jordan Quaglia is a professor of psychology at Naropa University in Boulder and he wrote From Self-Care to We-Care: The New Science of Mindful Boundaries and Caring from an Undivided Heart.

Jordan spoke with In the NoCo’s Brad Turner about the book and how he hopes it nudges readers away from the more selfish or even materialistic versions of self-care.

Jordan Quaglia will speak about his book at the Boulder Bookstore on May 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why ‘No Mow May’ might be a bad strategy for a healthy lawn in Colorado

KUNC — Wed, 14 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

You know spring is here when the sound of lawn mowers fills your neighborhood. But some folks think mowing isn’t a great idea this time of year.

There’s been a trend in yard care called No Mow May – as in, don’t mow your lawn until June. The concept started in the U.K. in 2019. The idea is to protect pollinators like bees and butterflies by letting dandelions and clover grow for a while before cutting them back.

But is No Mow May a good idea in Colorado and the Front Range?

For answers, we reached out to Alison O’Connor. She’s a horticulture professor with Colorado State University Extension, and an expert in yards, gardens, and the creatures that live among our plants.

She spoke with Erin O’Toole last spring about the trend – and offered lots of helpful ways to support pollinators. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

Find more tips from CSU Extension about creating pollinator-friendly landscaping and about how to attract native bees to your yard.

Ready to dust off your bicycle for a springtime ride? We asked a bike maintenance expert for advice

KUNC — Tue, 13 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado is home to lots of people who are passionate about bicycling. They ride during all seasons.

Our host, Erin O’Toole, however, is more of a casual bike rider, with her bicycle spending many of the colder months cooped up in the garage. This means it often needs some maintenance before going on that first cruise of the year.

So today we’re talking about how to get our bikes ready for summer riding.

Schuyler Gantert is the owner of Road 34, a bike shop in Fort Collins, and he’s a bike maintenance expert. He joined Erin and gave a few tips on some do-it-yourself bike maintenance.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why a program that helped farmers and ranchers avoid mental health crises is on hold

KUNC — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

For the past seven years if you were a Colorado farmer who was struggling and felt overwhelmed, you had a place to turn for help.

The AgWell program offered mental health support to farmers and ranchers in several Western states. It gave them stress management tools and support from their peers. That’s important because farmers statistically struggle with isolation and die by suicide at rates twice as high as the general population.

But those services are on hold now. Amid other spending cuts ordered by the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture in April froze $10 million in funding for support programs like AgWell.

Colorado Sun reporter Tracy Ross recently wrote about the program. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about the abrupt loss of its funding.

An unusual book of art is headed to the moon. This Colorado artist helped create it

KUNC — Fri, 09 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The Moon Gallery, based in Amsterdam, works to send cultural artifacts into space. They’ve shipped artwork to the International Space Station. Now they wanted to focus on the moon.

Evan worked with the Moon Gallery to compile a tiny, 80-page book filled with images and poetry by dozens of artists and writers.

They called the book Moon Bound. It’s set to be launched into space later this year. Evan spoke with Brad Turner about the challenge of making the tiny book and some of the highlights from artists who contributed to the projects.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How Colorado’s small outdoor businesses are coping with pressure from Trump’s threatened tariffs

KUNC — Thu, 08 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

When people speculate about fallout from President Trump's threatened tariffs, they often talk about how tariffs on steel could drive up car prices, or how tariffs on some food products or imported wines will drive up prices at the store.

But tariffs are hitting some small outdoor recreation businesses in Colorado especially hard. Think about the price of a stand-up paddleboard or a ski jacket almost doubling. And some companies that sell Colorado-made products in other countries are cancelling orders altogether.

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins recently spoke with the owners of several small outdoor companies about how the tariffs are hitting their bottom line. He talked with Erin O’Toole about how they’ll try to cope in the coming months amid the uncertainty.

The Mountain West News Bureau’s Rachel Cohen also reported on how tariff hikes could impact companies that make and sell outdoor gear. Find that story here.

Why cannabis holds real promise as a treatment for cancer, according to a sweeping new study

KUNC — Wed, 07 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The study reviewed more than 10,000 published papers on medical cannabis. That makes it the most comprehensive analysis ever conducted on the topic, according to a recent story in The Guardian.

Ryan Castle is the director of research for Cancer Playbook and he led the study. It found that cannabis showed clear promise in many aspects of cancer treatment, from reducing pain to shrinking tumors.

Ryan talked with Erin O’Toole about study and why it’s hard to get reliable data on the effectiveness of medical marijuana – which is legal in Colorado and many other states, but still illegal at the federal level.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How a team of CSU engineering students designed an innovative new prosthetic foot

KUNC — Tue, 06 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

An innovative new prosthetic foot dreamed up by students at Colorado State University could offer new options to amputees and other people with limb differences.

CSU senior, Garrison Hays, worked with a team of engineering undergrads to create the design. And he drew on his personal experience: His leg was partially amputated to remove cancer when he was a kid. He spoke with Brad Turner about how he realized he wanted to make a prosthetic that was affordable, but also durable and comfortable.

A Berthoud writer’s horror novel highlights the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women

KUNC — Mon, 05 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Writer Cassondra Windwalker’s new horror novel uses fiction to highlight a real-life crisis that often goes ignored.

Ghost Girls and Rabbits comes out May 5, which is also a day of awareness to call attention to the issue. Windwalker spoke with Erin O'Toole about the horror writer who inspired her, and how she hopes the book raises awareness about an urgent problem.

Building data centers in Colorado: Do the economic benefits outweigh the environmental costs?

KUNC — Fri, 02 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

In 2025, artificial intelligence gives us personalized shopping recommendations. It writes emails for us. And all those quick tasks require lightning-fast computing and huge amounts of data. Which is why tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon are building massive data centers around the country.

To sort through the economic benefits and the environmental costs, we reached out to Vijay Gadepally. He's a senior scientist at MIT who researches high performance computing and artificial intelligence. He’s also the chief technology officer of an AI cloud computing company that hopes to build a data center in Colorado.

He talked with Erin O'Toole about why some people think Colorado’s a good place to build more data centers, and how they work.

Inside a unique program that lets high school students shape Colorado state law

KUNC — Thu, 01 May 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Some of Colorado’s state laws share an unusual origin story.

One set aside money to help foster kids attend college. Another provides free menstrual products in schools. A third law funded an awareness program to prevent eating disorders.

All of these are laws that were designed and proposed by high school students, who actually drafted the language of each bill before legislators ultimately approved them.

The Colorado Youth Advisory Council, or COYAC, has allowed high school students in the program to meet with lawmakers to discuss issues that affect young people. And those students managed to write seven bills that ultimately were written into law.

State lawmakers in recent months considered defunding COYAC amid a statewide budget crunch of about $1.2 billion. They ultimately opted to set aside $50,000 in funding so the students can continue to work with lawmakers – although they’ll no longer have the power to draft bills.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Brenda Morrison, who oversees COYAC, about the program, which began in 2008 as the brainchild of a state legislator from Durango.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why a Boulder doctor who specialized in abortions later in pregnancy has closed his clinic after 50 years

KUNC — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A clinic in Boulder that was one of only a handful in the country to provide abortions in later pregnancy has closed.

Dr. Warren Hern, who operated Boulder Abortion Clinic for 50 years, announced earlier this month that he was retiring and that the clinic would stop scheduling patients.

The closure means one less clinic in Colorado at a time when more women are traveling here from states where abortion care is restricted.

The doctor didn’t mince words when he spoke with Erin O’Toole on Tuesday. Hern has seen death threats, had bullets fired at his clinic and seen other abortion providers murdered. He spoke at length about running the clinic for a half-century and his thoughts on groups that oppose his work.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A CU professor got a grant to teach kids about artificial intelligence. Then the National Science Foundation abruptly killed it

KUNC — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Casey Fiesler had an intriguing idea for a research project.

Casey teaches information science and technology at the University of Colorado. And she wanted to create social media content that would help young people understand how artificial intelligence works.

The National Science Foundation, or NSF, liked Casey's proposal too — so much that they approved a grant of about $268,000 to fund the project. The money would help Casey and a small team of researchers create the educational materials.

But that plan ground to a halt two weeks ago when Casey learned the NSF – which is managed by the federal government -- had abruptly canceled the funding.

It happened at a moment when the Trump administration is killing grants for projects that involved subjects like misinformation and disinformation. The New York Times reported that Casey's grant was one of more than 400 were defunded with little or no explanation.

Casey talked with Erin O’Toole about how she learned that project was defunded, and why it could have been beneficial for young people. She said the grant’s cancellation is especially surprising since the White House has said education about artificial intelligence should be a priority.

Fatal crashes involving pedestrians are rare in Boulder even as they increase statewide. Here’s why

KUNC — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrians are on the rise in Colorado. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available,135 pedestrians died in Colorado traffic accidents. That’s more than twice as many pedestrians as died in traffic crashes a decade earlier, according to a story from the Colorado Sun.

But the number of pedestrian deaths has actually decreased in one city. Officials in Boulder reported zero pedestrian deaths in 7 of the past 11 years.

So what did Boulder do to limit and prevent pedestrian fatalities? And what can other Colorado cities learn from Boulder?

Erin O’Toole spoke with Wes Marshall, a civil engineering professor with the University of Colorado-Denver and previous In The NoCo guest. Wes wrote a book called Killed By a Traffic Engineer, which explores how traffic designs often fail to keep pedestrians safe.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Fasting three days per week may be the best diet strategy for weight loss, a new CU study says

KUNC — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

If you've tried a slew of dieting routines with minimal success – think the Keto Diet, Caveman Diet, or South Beach Diet – a new study says you might have better luck fasting a few days per week.

University of Colorado researchers recently found that participants who fasted three days each week were more successful at losing weight than participants who followed a reduced-calorie diet every day. The fasting group saw 60 percent more weight loss than the group that reduced its calorie intake every day.

Victoria Catenacci led the study. She’s an associate professor of endocrinology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about why the three-days-per-week fasting model was helpful for many participants – and why it was an easier plan to stick with. (She also noted that if you have a health condition, it’s important to check with your doctor before adopting a diet like this.)

Finding a new home for millions of pounds of industrial waste is big business for this Colorado company

KUNC — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Recycled wooden barrels. Used steel beams. Reclaimed railroad ties.

These are the kinds of things you can find at repurposedMATERIALS in Lafayette. The company acquires discarded industrial materials and products and resells them instead of sending them to a landfill.

Damon Carson founded the business in 2011 after running two trash companies. The Lafeyette location is one of six across the country where he stores his unusual inventory and then ships it off once he finds the right buyer.

It’s Earth Week, so we’re listening back to a conversation between Damon and In the NoCo’s Brad Turner, recorded in January. Damon explained how he built the company, which he says diverted 15 million pounds of waste from landfills last year.

Check out a recent profile of the business in The Denver Post.

Want to plant water-efficient landscaping but worried your HOA won’t like it? State law is on your side

KUNC — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A growing number of home gardeners are turning to drought-tolerant plantings – think native plants like yucca, milkweed, or yarrow.

For years, many homeowners’ associations in Colorado didn’t make it easy to install xeric landscaping or water-saving tools like rain barrels.

But homeowners, state law is on your side.

In recent years, Colorado legislators passed a handful of laws that make it easier for homeowners to incorporate water-efficient landscaping without running afoul of their HOA bylaws.

Deryn Davidson is the statewide sustainable landscape specialist with Colorado State University Extension. She consulted with legislators as some of these policies were being crafted over the past decade.

Deryn spoke with Erin O’Toole about what the laws cover and why they were needed.

Read some of CSU Extension’s recommendations for native perennials, shrubs, grasses, and trees. And you can read more about rain barrels here.

The elusive Mountain Plover draws hundreds of bird lovers to a Colorado festival each spring. Here’s why

KUNC — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Mountain Plovers are a celebrated bird species in parts of Colorado. But if you’ve never seen one, you’re in the majority.

Mountain Plovers nest on Colorado’s eastern plains and are sometimes referred to as the “prairie ghost” because their sandy-colored plumage makes them hard to spot.

The annual Mountain Plover Festival in Karval – which begins this Friday – celebrates this bird.

The festival draws hundreds of visitors each year and owes much of its success to support from local ranchers, who have gotten involved in preserving Mountain Plover habitat.

Angela Dwyer is a manager for the stewardship program of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the ranchers, the festival and the plovers — including why this prairie loving bird has “mountain” in its name.

The sound of Mountain Plovers used in this episode can be found in the Cornel Lab of Ornithology Macaulay Library.

As measles cases increase across the country, can Colorado doctors prevent an outbreak here?

KUNC — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado health officials are watching with concern as measles cases increase around the country.

Outbreaks of the highly contagious disease are on the rise in two dozen states. Most of the country’s 800 cases so far are in Texas.

But the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed three cases in our state so far – and officials there are warning about the potential for measles to spread quickly.

So how do we prevent what’s happening in Texas from happening in Colorado?

Dr. David Higgins is a pediatrician and preventive medicine specialist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He told Erin O’Toole that healthcare workers in the state should push to get more people vaccinated against measles right now.

Curious about the MMR vaccination rate in your school district? Find a map here.

Paying to sleep in a parking lot? For some Summit County workers, it’s the best housing option

KUNC — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Housing costs in Colorado’s mountain resort towns are so high that many workers can’t afford an apartment or room in the towns where they do their jobs.

In Summit County, dozens of workers opt for an unusual solution. They pay $75 a month for a pass that lets them sleep in their car in a parking lot in Frisco.

The nonprofit Unsheltered In Summit runs the Summit Safe Parking Program. The program manages the parking lot and provides a portable toilet and trash disposal. Tenants in the lot must show a pay stub that proves they work in the area.

The New York Times has reported it’s the only program of its kind in the country.

Paul Minjares lives in one of these lots and helps manage it as a paid employee. He screens applicants and keeps an eye on what’s happening from day to day. He first heard about the program after he’d lost his apartment and started sleeping in his car.

Paul joined Erin O'Toole to talk about what makes this program work – and what it’s like to call the parking lot home.

How a retired educator is helping Colorado school leaders prepare for potential immigration raids

KUNC — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Leaders in Colorado are grappling with how to respond to the Trump administration's immigration policies that might affect students. State lawmakers last week gave initial approval to a bill that would limit cooperation between federal immigration officials and public schools.

And for months now, education leaders have been gathering advice on how to respond if immigration raids affect students in their schools.

One person they got advice from was Steve Joel. He was the superintendent of schools in Grand Island, Nebraska, when immigration officers raided a meat packing plant there in 2006, detaining about 250 workers without legal status.

Those arrests in Grand Island rattled the community. And the experience taught the now-retired administrator many lessons, which he recently shared with education leaders at a conference of the Colorado Association of School Boards.

Steve spoke with Erin O’Toole in January about his advice for Colorado educators in the months ahead.

Friendships are essential to our well-being. Here's how to foster stronger ones, according to a CSU researcher

KUNC — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Friendships are an essential part of our well-being. Mental health experts say that loneliness is an epidemic that harms mental health and even physical health.

So, if you want to build better friendships – and strengthen the ones you already have – you might be wondering how to go about it.

Fortunately, there’s a bona fide “friendship expert” at Colorado State University.

Natalie Pennington is an assistant professor of communication studies, and she co-leads the American Friendship Project – an ongoing research study of the state of connection in the U.S.

Natalie spoke with Erin O’Toole in January and offered practical tips on how to build friendships – or reconnect with friends we haven’t seen for a while.

After a daring ski stunt turned deadly, this former Olympian created a unique safety class to prevent similar tragedies

KUNC — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A lot of young skiers and snowboarders nowadays want to break into an especially daring form of competition called freeskiing. It’s all about performing jumps and other stunts on camera, often in the backcountry. Freeskiers build huge followings on social media and win endorsement deals.

But breaking into this sport is dangerous.

Last week marked one year since the death of 21-year-old Colorado skier Dallas LeBaue. He died while attempting to jump across U.S. Highway 40 on Berthoud Pass near Winter Park. Dallas had dreamed up the stunt to win a contest that would have netted him $30,000 and greater exposure on social media.

After that accident, his friend and mentor Bob Holme decided freeskiers like Dallas need a new kind of training.

Bob is a retired Olympic ski jumper who’s now maintenance director for Winter Park Resort. And he recently launched a class to teach young skiers and snowboarders how to attempt these tricks more safely. He called it Dallas’ Class.

Nuclear power is now considered clean energy in Colorado under a new law. Here's why

KUNC — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Nuclear energy is now clean energy in Colorado. That’s according to a new law recently signed by Gov. Jared Polis.

The law adds nuclear power to a list of clean energies like wind and solar. Colorado leaders have set a goal of using only clean energy to power the state by 2040.

The law didn’t pass without pushback from critics who point out that nuclear energy produces radioactive waste. But in the end, the Democratic-controlled state legislature approved it.

So, what’s behind these shifting attitudes toward nuclear power in Colorado – which currently has no nuclear plants?

Parker Yamasaki wrote about this for The Colorado Sun. She joined Erin O'Toole to explain how the new law could change Colorado’s energy sources in the decades ahead.

This isn’t the only recent development in nuclear energy in Colorado. KUNC investigative reporter Scott Franz has reported extensively on a proposal to store the nation’s nuclear waste near Craig, in northwest Colorado. You can find his series here.

Cuddle therapy changed her life. Now she’s a professional cuddler – and part of a growing field

KUNC — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

There are many types of mental health therapy you can access these days: talk therapy, art therapy, even music therapy.

Jen Ikuta leads sessions in what's called cuddle therapy. It’s a growing field.

Jen works with clients who want to learn to be more comfortable with another person’s touch. Many of her clients have experienced physical trauma, and many have autism.

Jen usually works with clients in one-on-one sessions but also organizes what she calls “community cuddles” for groups at her Arvada office.

Erin O’Toole talked with her about the emerging field of cuddle therapy and what Jen remembers about her first experience as a cuddle therapy participant.

Converting high-rise office space to dorm style living could ease Denver’s housing crunch. Here’s how

KUNC — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Researchers have proposed a plan to transform empty high-rise office spaces into living spaces to reduce the housing shortage in the Denver metro area. Denver is one of many American cities with a tight housing market and a glut of unused office space.

A recent study by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the architecture firm Gensler calls for converting high rise offices to shared residential spaces similar to a college dorm. Tenants would share kitchens, bathrooms and workspaces with people in neighboring units.

And some real estate developers also see opportunity. Earlier this week, a development company announced it purchased two office buildings in downtown Denver in hopes of converting them into affordable housing.

Alex Horowitz is the Project Director of Housing and Project Initiatives at Pew Charitable Trusts who oversaw the study.

He spoke with In the NoCo’s Brad Turner last November about why he thinks these low-cost, dorm-style units in skyscrapers could help cities where attainable housing is hard to find – and could even dramatically reduce the rate of homelessness in the U.S.

Egg prices are still high. A Colorado professor says avian flu is only part of the problem

KUNC — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Egg prices in Colorado and across the nation remain stubbornly high. If you’ve been grocery shopping lately, it won't come as a surprise that the cost of eggs shot up 40 percent over the last year.

Some experts have blamed outbreaks of avian flu, which forced farmers to cull millions of chickens and turkeys across the country. And while that is certainly one factor, a Colorado professor says that the systems we use to produce and deliver eggs are actually the root of the problem.

Jack Buffington teaches supply chain management at the University of Denver. In a recent article, he wrote that those high egg prices are an avoidable problem – but fixing it will require the U.S. to think differently about egg production.

He spoke with Erin O’Toole about why we’re seeing cracks in the U.S. egg supply chain – and what a more resilient system might look like.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

You had questions about growing native Colorado plants in your yard. We found answers, with help from the CSU Extension

KUNC — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A few weeks back we talked about how many Coloradans are planting native plants in their yards. And about how native plants are hardier, use less water, and can support bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem.

We also invited you and other listeners to share your questions about native plants. And you sent us loads of responses.

In this episode of In the NoCo, Erin O’Toole visits again with native plant expert Tommy Roth. He’s a home horticulture coordinator from the Colorado State University Extension, which advises homeowners on landscaping and many other plant-related matters.

You can find lists and fact sheets about native plants and grasses at CSU Extension’s website here.

Sick of I-70 mountain traffic? A retired train conductor says placing semi trucks on railroad cars is the solution

KUNC — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

If you spend time in the mountains, you’re probably familiar with sitting in traffic on I-70.

That congestion is annoying – and costly.

Colorado officials estimate the state lost nearly $320 million in revenue last year from delays on I-70. Some leaders in mountain towns blame these losses on semis that cause accidents or hold up traffic.

So one veteran railroad employee has pitched an idea he thinks will eliminate much of the aggravation and economic losses. He calls it “truck-by-train.”

Truckers would load their tractor-trailers onto a train on one side of the Rockies and ride the railway over the mountains, keeping the I-70 corridor less congested for other travelers.

It’s the brainchild of retired Amtrack conductor Brad Swartzwelter. He played a role in reviving the ski train from Denver to Winter Park a few years back.

Brad told Erin O’Toole about how his “truck-by-train" vision would work – and why taxpayers should consider supporting the idea.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

This technology could make Colorado’s roads safer for bicyclists – but is it reliable?

KUNC — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The trial of a driver accused of hitting and killing a promising young competitive cyclist has made headlines in recent days. Seventeen-year-old Magnus White was struck and killed in 2023 while riding his bike on Highway 119 between Boulder and Longmont.

Today we’re sharing a conversation about technology that might prevent similar tragedies.

Magnus White’s parents and other cycling safety advocates have called for more regulations to make bicyclists safer on our roads – including better bike lanes and stiffer penalties for careless driving.

Their demands also include a federal requirement that all new vehicles be equipped by the year 2029 with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems that can sense bicycles. For example, if your car drifts into the shoulder where a bicyclist is riding, the car would automatically brake or be nudged back into its lane.

All of this got us wondering – how well do advanced safety systems like AEB or V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) work? And how feasible are these technologies right now?

Today we revisit our conversation from last summer with Bryan Reimer with the Center for Transportation and Logistics at MIT to learn more. He researches driver behavior, and how humans interact with automatic braking systems and other advanced vehicle technologies.

Bryan spoke with Erin O’Toole about the potential and the limitations of this new technology.

A Fort Collins runner’s extraordinary career gets a fresh look in a new documentary

KUNC — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

An extraordinary Colorado athlete gets some much-deserved recognition.

Libby James, a runner from Fort Collins, has a slew of accomplishments under her belt. She’s run 10 marathons – including Boston, Tokyo and Pikes Peak. She’s the most dominant female runner in the history of the Bolder Boulder 10k, having finished in the top 20 for her age group an incredible 28 times.

And she did most of those things after she turned 40.

Never Too Old is a short documentary co-directed by Colorado filmmaker Patty Jen Arndt, who’s part of Libby’s extended family. The film provides a glimpse into Libby’s running career, which didn’t start until she was in her mid-30s, raising four children. She retired from competitive running in 2020, at the age of 83.

The film will be screened on Sunday at the Lyric Cinema in Fort Collins, as part of Colorado State University’s ACT Human Rights Film Festival.

Patty joined Erin O’Toole to talk about directing the film – and how Libby’s accomplishments grew out of her ability to balance her love of running with her responsibilities as a mom.

How Longmont’s GoodLove Foods found its niche in the crowded gluten-free food business

KUNC — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Gluten free foods are everywhere nowadays.

They’re designed for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance – people who get sick if they eat gluten, which is a kind of wheat protein.

But our guest today thinks many of those products miss the mark. So, she did something about it.

Chennelle Diong and her husband, Justin Beaver – both of whom have celiac disease – founded GoodLove Foods. The company, which is based in Longmont, makes gluten-free comfort food, which customers buy frozen and bake at home. The company’s products include buttermilk biscuits and cinnamon rolls.

Chennelle says business at GoodLove Foods is taking off. A recent appearance on the TV show Shark Tank landed the company a $150,000 investment deal.

Erin O’Toole talked to Chennelle about why she started the company and where the idea came from.

As Colorado begins to license psychedelic therapy centers, here’s a look at how the treatment works

KUNC — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Coloradans who struggle with anxiety or depression will soon have access to a different kind of treatment option.

At the start of 2025, a new law took effect that opened the door to psychedelic-assisted therapy offered by licensed treatment centers in Colorado. State officials had projected April as the date these centers could begin offering therapy sessions using psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in some mushrooms.

We wanted to understand what this kind of therapy entails. So in January, we reached out to Scott Shannon, founder of the Wholeness Center in Fort Collins. The center has applied for a license, and has offered psychedelic therapy in the past, following the old laws that existed until this year. Scott and other therapists who support access to psychedelics say it could change the way we treat mental health issues in Colorado.

As the rollout of these treatment centers gets underway, we’re listening back to his conversation with Erin O’Toole. He began by walking her through what happens in a typical psychedelic therapy session.

Why a state lawmaker wants to make it easier to open charter schools in some districts

KUNC — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Some state lawmakers in Denver are using the term “education deserts” to sound the alarm around underperforming schools. It refers to a ZIP code where at least two-thirds of the students attend a school with subpar math and reading scores. One estimate says about 123,000 public school students in Colorado fall into this category.

Some Democratic lawmakers have recently proposed an unprecedented solution: Colorado Senate President James Coleman – along with support from Governor Jared Polis – want to make it easier for charter schools to open in education deserts. They say the status quo isn’t working, and the state needs charter schools’ innovative approaches in the effort to boost academic success.

And here’s the unprecedented part: Coleman wants to introduce a bill that would let those charter schools bypass getting approval from local school boards, which traditionally can endorse or torpedo a new charter school.

Erica Breunlin covers education for The Colorado Sun. She joined Erin O'Toole to talk about Coleman’s proposal, and the seismic impact it could have on Colorado’s public school system.

Your spring planting guide for a beautiful, fire-resistant yard and garden

KUNC — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Homeowners in Colorado’s foothills are used to the threat of wildfire. But after the Marshall Fire hit Louisville and Superior in 2021, some are taking wildfire mitigation more seriously. And how you landscape your yard is a big part of that work.

The good news is you can landscape your yard to be fire-resistant and beautiful at the same time.

Tommy Roth is a home horticulture coordinator for the Colorado State University Extension who has been fielding a lot of calls from people with questions about how to do this. “They really need a lot of information to make sure that they're creating a defensible space to prevent another wildfire,” he said.

And with spring planting season around the corner, Roth shared some advice with Erin O’Toole about what to plant and where.

CSU Extension put together a guide to fire-resistant planting, which you can find here. And you can explore your wildfire risk zone here.

How two CU Boulder researchers are working to keep an endangered language alive

KUNC — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Around the globe, thousands of languages are considered endangered – that's according to the language reference website Ethnologue. In many cases the people who speak them are passing away, and younger generations aren’t learning them.

But a pair of language scholars from the University of Colorado are working to stop these endangered languages from slipping away.

Zapotec is a family of languages that originated in Southern Mexico and Central America. Today, it’s spoken mostly in Oaxaca, Mexico. And even though about 500,000 people speak a form of Zapotec, it’s in danger of being lost.

Professor Ambrocio Gutierrez grew up speaking Zapotec and now leads this effort at CU Boulder along with his colleague Professor Rai Ferrelly. Their work focuses on a particular version of the language, spoken in the town Teotitlán del Valle.

They spoke with Erin O’Toole about their work – which includes writing a kind of dictionary for the language, as well as teaching others to speak Zapotec.

Few remember the 1955 bombing of a Denver flight. A new exhibit and a proposed memorial may change that

KUNC — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

It was a mass murder that grabbed headlines across the country. And viewers saw footage of the trial on TV – which was unusual then. If you've never heard of this crime, though, you're hardly alone. There's no marker at the site of the crash, near what is now Firestone.

But as the 70th anniversary approaches, people are talking about Flight 629. A local nonprofit, the Flight 629 Memorial Committee, is working to create a memorial to those who lost their lives, as well as the nearby residents who turned out to try to search for survivors.

And a new exhibit at History Colorado honors those lost in the tragedy and looks at how it happened.

Andrew J. Field is a retired Staff Attorney for the Colorado Supreme Court, where he specialized in criminal law. He’s the author of Mainliner Denver: The Bombing of Flight 629. He spoke with host Erin O’Toole last year about the bombing and its legacy for modern air travel. We're listening back to that conversation today.

The Flight 629 Memorial Committee plans to hold a number of fundraising events leading up to the 70th anniversary. Donations can be made to the committee’s GoFundMe page.

It’s a tough time to run a restaurant in Colorado. Can state lawmakers do anything to help?

KUNC — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado is a tough state to be a restaurant manager in right now. Every day seems to bring news that another local favorite is closing.

It's expensive to run a restaurant. Costs for food and real estate have been on the rise. And for restaurants along Colorado’s Front Range, there’s one especially thorny issue: – employee pay.

For the last few years, Colorado’s minimum wage has been $14.81 an hour for non-tipped employees – more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25. And the local minimum wage in cities like Denver and Boulder is even higher than the state’s.

That’s a challenge that many restaurateurs say makes it more difficult to stay afloat.

KUNC reporter Emma VandenEinde has been exploring this story. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about how a proposed law aims to help restaurant owners, and the community fallout when a favorite local eatery shuts down.

How a scientist’s bold strategy for replanting trees after a wildfire could help save Colorado’s forests

KUNC — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

The Hayman Fire burned through a huge swath of forest southwest of Denver in 2002. It left behind a massive burn scar. Workers quickly replanted thousands of trees to reestablish the forest.

But more than two decades later, large areas of the Hayman burn scar still resemble a moonscape, with some scraggly young trees here and there.

Burn scars that take decades to heal are becoming a fact of life throughout the West. It’s partly due to climate change, which is shifting which types of trees will grow naturally in mountain forests.

Camille Stevens-Rumann – assistant director of the Colorado Forest Restoration Insitute at Colorado State University – studies reforestation efforts after a wildfire. In a recent Scripps News story, Stevens-Rumann argues it’s time for a new approach to how we replant forests after wildfires.

She spoke with Erin O’Toole last November. We’re listening back to that conversation about what she thinks Colorado’s forests should look like in the future – and why trees that have historically thrived in Colorado’s mountains don’t grow back quickly after a wildfire.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why a ‘moose boom’ in Northern Colorado has some biologists concerned, and what wildlife officials are doing about it

KUNC — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Tourists love the sight of a moose with their long noses, large sloping antlers, and gangly legs.

But Rocky Mountain National Park biologists say the growing moose population appears to be harming wetlands in the park. That’s according to a recent story in the Fort Collins Coloradoan. And state wildlife officials say they also want to make sure a ‘moose boom’ doesn’t threaten the willows, aspen and other plants that moose feed on in wetland areas.
The moose population is a big shift from a half-century ago when there were basically no moose in Colorado and wildlife managers introduced 24 of them, in 1978.

Andy Holland is Colorado Parks and Wildlife Big Game Manager who oversees the state’s moose population – which now numbers 3500. Erin O’Toole asked him how officials keep the size of the herd from overwhelming the habitat – or “overbrowsing,” as wildlife officials might say.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A proposal to supply enough water for a half-million new Colorado residents just cleared a major hurdle. Here’s what’s next

KUNC — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A massive reservoir project that will eventually clear the way for a half-million new residents in Northern Colorado is now a step closer to breaking ground.

The $2 billion water project will create two new reservoirs that will feed 15 towns and water districts in Northern Colorado. Advocates for NISP, the Northern Integrated Supply Project, say it’s essential to ensure that these fast-growing communities in Larimer and Weld counties have the water they need as development booms.

The project has been tied up in planning, permitting and opposition for more than two decades. But it cleared a final hurdle recently, after an environmental group that had sued to stop the project agreed to settle the case.

Alex Hager covers water issues for KUNC. He joined Erin O’Toole to explain how NISP could help transform Northern Colorado.

A proposed law would help Colorado churches turn their properties into housing developments. Here’s how that might work

KUNC — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A bill under consideration at the state capitol would allow religious organizations to use their properties to build housing developments. It's an idea some state lawmakers see as an opportunity.

Supporters say it would help alleviate Colorado's housing shortage, using thousands of acres of available church-owned property around the state.

KUNC's Stephanie Daniel has been reporting on this issue. She spent time visiting a church in Fort Collins that created a version of this idea – a development that they hope will foster a sense of community for future residents and church members.

Stephanie joined host Erin O’Toole to share the story of how Heart of the Rockies Church got into the real estate business, and how viable the idea might be for other faith-based groups.

Why Colorado’s incredible fresh powder can lead to stunning sunburn, according to a CSU snow scientist

KUNC — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

March is Colorado’s snowiest month. Which means lots of us will be looking to make fresh tracks on that deep powder this time of year.

And if you live in Colorado, you know that amazing powder brings with it truly astonishing sunburns for skiers and snowboarders.

There are scientific reasons that your friends come home from the slopes with goggle marks scorched onto their faces. And one scientist wants to make sure people understand why.

Steven Fassnacht is a Professor of Snow Hydrology at Colorado State University. He recently published an article about the intense reflectivity of fresh snow. He spoke with host Erin O’Toole about why Colorado powder is conducive to sunburn.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How a Colorado law increased voter turnout in jails statewide – and why other states may follow suit

KUNC — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Last year, Colorado lawmakers passed an unusual law.

It directed every county in the state to set up in-person voting for incarcerated people in jails, many of whom are awaiting trial and haven’t been convicted of a crime.

The new law is the first of its kind in the nation. It's an effort to support voting rights for a population that is often considered out of sight, out of mind.

Alex Burness writes for Bolts, a publication that covers issues of criminal justice and elections. He told host Erin O’Toole that while some cities like Denver have supported voting in jails, Colorado’s statewide initiative was groundbreaking: turnout in the state’s jails increased roughly by a factor of 10.

Read Alex’s article on voting in Colorado jails.

Native plants save water and can look great in your yard. Here’s your spring planting primer

KUNC — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Spring is approaching, and the garden beckons. Which means it’s not too early to start making gardening and landscaping plans for the year.

And if you’re like a lot of homeowners in Colorado, you might be thinking about adding some native plants.

Experts say it’s a great way to save water. Native plants also support bees, birds and other pollinators. And native vegetation can require less pruning than more traditional plantings.

In the episode of In the NoCo, we've got great recommendations on what native plants to choose and how to plant them, from our friends at the Colorado State University Extension. Erin O’Toole spoke with CSU Extension horticulturalist Tommy Roth, who is especially passionate about landscaping with native plants.

Read more of the CSU Extension team's recommendations for planting native shrubs, perennials, grasses, and trees.

And lastly, do you have questions about gardening and landscaping as we head into planting season? Share them with us and we’ll find answers with help from the experts at CSU Extension. Email us: noco@kunc.org.

Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado’s economy changed forever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how

KUNC — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

Five years ago this month, the coronavirus pandemic upended life in Colorado and around the world.

More than 14,000 Coloradans died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the state saw more than 1.7 million COVID-19 cases.

It was a global health crisis that also reshaped the state’s economy in an instant.

Businesses and air travel largely shut down for a time. Remote work, online grocery ordering, and meal delivery services became familiar parts of everyday life.

Richard Wobbekind is a senior economist with the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. If his name sounds familiar, it’s likely because lots of media outlets turn to him for his analysis.

Five years after the pandemic began, we wanted to hear his perspective about how the event changed the state’s economy in ways large and small. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about COVID-19's impact on Colorado’s housing market, outdoor industry, and other facets of business in the state.

Read more from NPR on the legacy and impact of the COVID pandemic.

Wolves killed their livestock, so Colorado wildlife officials cut these ranchers a check

KUNC — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

State wildlife officials will pay nearly $350,000 to reimburse ranchers in Colorado’s high country who saw their livestock killed or harmed by wolves last year.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to approve those claims recently. It’s a key part of the state’s program to reintroduce wolves. And it gets less attention than photos of newly released wolves turned loose by wildlife officials. It’s an acknowledgment that while voters support wolf reintroduction, actual wolves make life harder for ranchers.

We wanted to look at these reimbursements, so we reached out to KUNC’s very own wolf reintroduction expert, Scott Franz. He has been covering the wolf reintroduction for KUNC since they were first released on Colorado’s Western Slope in December of 2023.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Facial recognition technology adds safeguards at some Colorado schools. It also raises questions about civil rights

KUNC — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

A handful of Colorado schools monitor their students with cameras that use facial recognition software. It’s a security measure: An administrator with access to the technology can upload a student’s photo and then the system can use cameras around the school to pinpoint the student’s location.

More school districts across the state have been exploring whether to adopt this technology, the Denver Post has reported.

A bill at the state legislature would regulate how the technology can be used in the state’s schools at a time when more districts have considered adopting the technology. The debate underlines a conflict between supporters who say it helps make schools safer and opponents who call it a violation of students’ civil rights.

Today we’re revisiting a conversation between NoCo’s Brad Turner and Denver Post education reporter Elizabeth Hernadez, who covered the topic.

How immigration sweeps could take a toll on Colorado’s construction industry

KUNC — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0600

An estimated 13 percent of the construction workforce in Colorado is made up of immigrants without legal status, according to the American Immigration Council. These workers often handle lower-paying jobs at construction sites like installing drywall or laying bricks.

Colorado has a housing shortage. So we wondered what is likely to happen to Colorado’s construction industry as the Trump administration imposes sweeping deportation policies and threatens mass raids?

We reached out to Chloe East, who has studied the effects of deportation policy on the construction industry, for answers. East is an associate professor of economics at the University of Colorado Denver. She has been investigating the economic impacts of detaining and deporting immigrants without legal status since Trump first took office in 2016.

Colorado’s forests release more carbon than they absorb, a new report says. Is that concerning?

KUNC — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0700

It’s one of the first concepts you learned in science class: Trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. It’s part of why forests play such a critical role in reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

Which is why a recent report on Colorado’s forests sounds a bit alarming.

Researchers set out to gauge how many tons of carbon are taken in by Colorado’s nearly 23 million acres of forest – and also how much carbon is emitted by those forests.

They found that forests in Colorado are actually releasing more carbon than they’re storing – which is surprising if you think back to those early science lessons and expect a forest to have the opposite effect.

Colorado Sun reporter Tracy Ross recently dug into the research. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about why this is happening – and whether we should be worried.

As NOAA faces staff cuts, one scientist argues its weather data is invaluable

KUNC — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0700

The Trump administration announced recently it’s terminating hundreds of jobs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The announcement sparked protests, including one in Boulder in which NOAA supporters and employees took part.

The threat of layoffs at NOAA also led our guest to write a defense of the work the organization does.

Kari Bowen is an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado who works closely with, and has her work funded by, NOAA. Before working at CU, she spent 11 years as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, which is part of NOAA.

Bowen argues that even if you don’t know what NOAA does, you might miss NOAA’s services if they’re slashed or privatized. She says NOAA, and the data from its weather satellites, are something many of us use every day.

Firefighters could get help from cameras that detect wildfires using artificial intelligence. But the tech is pricey

KUNC — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Wildfires are an ever-present threat in Colorado. And those that grow and spread quickly are becoming more common – and more destructive.

But there’s a piece of technology that could help spot a blaze in the earliest stages, before it spreads.

Cameras equipped with artificial intelligence can detect plumes of smoke in the air – even in remote areas – and alert firefighters nearby. This makes AI cameras a valuable tool for the few fire departments that already use them.

But the cameras are expensive. Each one costs about $50,000 dollars per year. And so far, Colorado lawmakers have been hesitant to fund wider use of the cameras.

The Aspen Fire Department began using AI detection cameras in 2021, after a donor supplied money to buy them. There are now nine of these cameras in the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley – and Aspen Fire Chief Rick Balentine thinks Colorado firefighters should be using more of them.

He recently testified at a hearing for the most recent bill state legislators are considering, which would help fund more of these cameras throughout the state.

Rick joined Erin O’Toole to explain how the technology works, starting from the moment when a camera thinks it might have spotted a plume of smoke in the distance.

Sandhill cranes fascinate bird lovers and draw crowds in Colorado each spring. Here’s why

KUNC — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Crowds of sandhill crane admirers gather in Southern Colorado each spring to watch these birds – which have recovered after nearly being wiped out a century ago.

The birds’ admirers are fascinated by the cranes’ calls, their mating behaviors, and the fact that the species has existed for 2.5 million years.

Scott Weidensaul is a writer and ornithologist who has also found inspiration from the sandhill cranes. He is the keynote speaker at this year’s Monte Vista Crane Festival, in the San Luis Valley, which starts this Friday. Scott talked with Erin O’Toole about the role these birds play in our imagination, and why he has found them so inspiring.

Thank you to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Macaulay Library for letting us share recordings from their sandhill crane audio archive.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How delivering solar and wind energy by train could help power Colorado’s cities

KUNC — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Colorado has ambitious goals around renewable energy. Governor Jared Polis is aiming for 100 percent of the energy in the state to come from renewable sources by the year 2040.

But there’s an obstacle: Colorado doesn’t have enough power lines to deliver all that renewable energy from where it’s produced – often in rural parts of the state – to where it’s needed. A new study from the state’s Electric Transmission Authority found that Colorado needs at least $4.5 billion in transmission investment over the next decade or two, just to keep up with demand.

Which is why clean energy advocates, and Gov. Polis, are intrigued by an unusual business model from a San Francisco-based company called SunTrain.

SunTrain’s President Christopher Smith and CEO Jeff Anderson have been working with Xcel Energy to pilot their idea. They hope to demonstrate the concept in Pueblo in 2026.

They spoke with Erin O’Toole about how “trainsmission” works, and how much of an impact it could have on Colorado’s energy landscape.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Many Democrats oppose federal immigration sweeps. Can state lawmakers do much about it?

KUNC — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Democrats in Colorado control the governor’s office and both houses of the state legislature. Many of them openly oppose the Republican Trump administration’s actions to ramp up arrests and deportation of immigrants without legal status in the state.

And those Democratic lawmakers have heard from many constituents in recent weeks who also oppose immigration raids.

But more than a month after Trump took office and sweeps began in places like Denver and Aurora, Colorado Democrats still haven’t determined how they plan to push back.

KUNC politics and legislature reporter Lucas Brady Woods spoke with Erin O’Toole to help explain what state legislators can – and can’t – do in the face of federal immigration enforcement.

You can find more of KUNC's statehouse coverage from the Capitol News Alliance here.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How Colorado comedian Ren Q Dawe found a way to respond with laughter to anti-trans legislation

KUNC — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Challenging anti-trans legislation – and finding a way to laugh about it.

That’s the idea behind a new national comedy tour created by a transgender comedian who lives in Gunbarrel, outside of Boulder.

Ren Q Dawe is the organizer of the tour – called “Here to Pee” – which launches this Saturday at Junkyard Social in Boulder. The comedians have stops planned in all 50 states. And some of the comedy, which is performed by trans comics, revolves around literal potty humor. That’s significant in an era when public bathrooms can be contentious spaces for trans folks.

Ren joined Erin O’Toole to talk about why comedy is his way of standing up for his community.

What is ‘expedited removal’ – and how could it affect immigrants without legal status?

KUNC — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A piece of U.S. immigration law allows some people who have entered the country illegally to be detained and quickly deported – without typical legal proceedings and a hearing before an immigration judge.

Until recently, this policy applied to people without legal status who had been in the country for less than two weeks, if they were detained near the U.S. border.

But on the first day of his new term, President Trump dramatically expanded that policy, known as expedited removal. Now, immigrants without legal status who’ve been in the country for up to two years can be deported more quickly. And Trump’s revised version of the policy applies to the entire U.S. – not just the border region.

This shift potentially affects thousands of noncitizens here in Colorado, at a moment when immigration officials have been ramping up raids in cities like Denver and Aurora.

To better understand expedited removal, we reached out to Violeta Chapin, a professor of immigration law at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder, where she teaches the Immigration Defense Clinic. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about the potential impact of this policy change.

Read a fact sheet and advice for members of the immigrant community from the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Dozens of childcare centers in Colorado are backed by private equity. Critics fear they put profit before kids

KUNC — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Dozens of childcare and preschool centers in Colorado are run by companies backed by private equity funding.

Private equity firms use investor money to buy companies with a goal of improving them and selling them for a profit. This kind of investment can help a small childcare business grow and make upgrades, which could be useful in a state like Colorado that has a childcare shortage.

But many private equity firms have a reputation for cutting staff and raising prices. And that’s concerning to some Colorado lawmakers – especially since more public money is going to childcare and preschool after the state launched its universal pre-K program a few years ago.

Several legislators at the state Capitol have introduced a bill that aims to establish some guardrails for private equity-backed centers. The proposed rules include requirements to notify parents about upcoming enrollment changes or staff layoffs.

Journalist Ann Schimke has reported on this issue for Chalkbeat Colorado. She talked with Erin O’Toole about some of the concerns that led to the legislation.

Chalkbeat found 170 childcare centers in Colorado run by chains that are owned or backed by private equity firms. You can read the reporting and see a list of those facilities here.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What’s at stake as Boulder’s climate change lawsuit moves through the courts?

KUNC — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

In 2018 the City of Boulder and Boulder County filed an unusual lawsuit: they sued Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy for contributing to climate change.

Climate change, the lawsuit argued, has caused a plethora of problems like flooding, road damage, and an increase in wildfires. The city and county have spent millions of dollars reacting to these problems.

And they wanted help paying for it.

Since the case was filed, more communities around the country have followed Boulder’s lead and brought similar lawsuits against fossil fuel companies.

Earlier this month, the Colorado Supreme Court held a hearing to determine the fate of this case.

So, while we await a decision, we wondered: What are the odds of this lawsuit moving forward? And how might it affect other communities dealing with climate change?

Erin O’Toole spoke with Colorado Sun reporter Parker Yamasaki, who’s been covering the case and the recent hearing, to learn more.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why the nation’s nuclear waste may eventually be headed to northwest Colorado

KUNC — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Nuclear Waste is piling up at power plants around the country, and we have no idea where to put it. Many states are aggressively fighting plans for new storage facilities.

But northwest Colorado is quietly opening the door.

KUNC’s investigative reporter Scott Franz recently traveled around rural Colorado talking with people about what nuclear waste storage could do for the local economy – and also interviewing folks who are dead set against that idea.

On this special edition of In The NoCo, we’ve combined all of Scott’s reporting from the past few months into a single episode. You can also see photos and check out more on this investigation.

Scott’s reporting was edited by Leigh Patterson.

An underground fire near Boulder that burned for nearly a century is finally out

KUNC — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Over the past few months, crews have worked on an unusual firefighting operation near Boulder. They extinguished a blaze that has burned underground for more than a century.

The work happened at Marshall Mesa near an open area that's popular for hiking. A fire in a a coal seam there had smoldered beneath the surface for years. It was a remnant of a time when coal mining thrived in the area. And it was a hazard: Heat from underground blazes can sometimes set fire to grass and other brush nearby.

So crews have spent the winter digging up combustible material and bringing it to the surface. Then they mixed in cooler dirt to prevent future fires.

Work at the site wrapped up recently, and officials held a celebration at the site on Thursday. So today, we’re revisiting a conversation with Jeff Graves recorded back in October, as the work was getting started. Jeff is director of Colorado’s Inactive Mine Reclamation Program, and he managed the job.

He talked with In The NoCo's Brad Turner about how Marshall Mesa is one of at least 38 sites in Colorado where coal is burning underground – and some of the others are even more challenging to deal with.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Life inside a Colorado home inspired by Jimmy Carter’s renewable energy push

KUNC — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

After the recent death of President Jimmy Carter, many of the tributes mentioned his environmental legacy and push for energy-efficient development. And one unusual part of his plan was focused here in Colorado.

Carter’s administration had backed the design of some experimental homes along the Front Range. They were warmed by the sun and fueled by renewable sources – an exciting idea in the late 1970s.

Avenson still lives in that home today. It’s featured in an episode of the PBS series Heart of a Building, which focuses on innovative building construction. The episode will be shown at the Colorado Environmental Film Festival in Golden on Feb. 23.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Avenson and Heart of a Building host Paul Kreischer to learn about life in one of Colorado’s first energy-smart homes.

Find the full schedule for the Colorado Environmental Film Festival here.

A proposed law would let Coloradans freeze their own access to buy a gun. Advocates say it could save lives

KUNC — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A note: Today’s episode deals with issues around suicide and firearm violence.

Over the past decade, Colorado has seen more than 7,000 deaths by suicide that involved a firearm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, guns are involved in more than half of Colorado’s deaths by suicide.

A bill making its way through the state legislature could help reduce those numbers.

The proposal would allow Coloradans to place a voluntary freeze on their own access to buy a gun. Someone who’s concerned about their mental health could add their own name to a database of people who are ineligible to purchase a firearm.

Colorado’s proposal is based on a national campaign called Donna’s Law. If approved, the bill would make Colorado the fifth state to set up what's known as a Do Not Sell registry.

So, how effective are voluntary programs like this at reducing the risk of suicide with a firearm? Erin O’Toole spoke with two KUNC colleagues: editor and reporter Leigh Paterson, and Chas Sisk, editor of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, to learn more.

* * * * *
Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Hearing about students’ trauma takes a serious toll on teachers, a new UNC study finds

KUNC — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Ask a teacher about the hardest part of their job, and you might expect them to cite long hours or low pay.

But there’s another, less visible challenge that educators face: exposure to student trauma. Students may confide in a teacher about not having enough to eat at home, or an abusive family member. And exposure to those problems takes a serious toll on teachers.

According to a new study out of the University of Northern Colorado, about 9 in 10 teachers and other classroom educators deal with what’s called secondary traumatic stress from helping students with their problems, or simply hearing about them. And of those teachers, 42 percent had secondary traumatic stress that was considered severe.

Breanna King, a graduate student in UNC’s School Psychology program, designed and led the study. She spoke with Erin O’Toole about how high levels of secondary traumatic stress may contribute to teachers leaving the field – and she shared ideas about how to help teachers cope.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Hunting for a new job? A CU researcher says your social media posts may affect your job prospects

KUNC — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

In 2025, many of us are on social media – and lots of us are hunting for a new job.

If that sounds like your situation, a University of Colorado researcher says be thoughtful about what you post online. Because what you do on Facebook or Threads or BlueSky can change your odds of landing that new gig.

Jason Thatcher has been studying how hiring managers use social media to make decisions about candidates. And he found 60 percent of hiring managers decide who to interview or who to hire, in part, by checking out applicants’ social media accounts.

So how do your Facebook posts about politics affect your chances of landing your dream job? And is there anything you can do to make your social media accounts more appealing to a hiring manager?

Thatcher recently spoke with Brad Turner about what he’s observed. We’re listening back to that conversation today.

You can also check out his previous In The NoCo interview on how to keep “technostress” from driving you crazy at work.

Inside CSU’s new chocolate laboratory, and the delicious research happening there

KUNC — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Researcher Caitlin Clark has a job a lot of people would envy. Clark is a food scientist who oversees a new laboratory devoted to the study of chocolate – how it’s made, what makes it taste so good, and how to make new and better varieties of it.

Clark talked with Erin O’Toole about her work in the new laboratory, and how her expertise in fermentation helped pave the way for her to become a chocolate researcher.

Writer Brandon Shimoda’s family was forced from their homes during WWII. His new book examines the lingering impact

KUNC — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Families had just a few days to get their affairs in order before reporting to relocation centers, mostly in Western states. Roosevelt’s order affected about 120,000 Japanese Americans, including 17,000 children.

Writer and poet Brandon Shimoda, who is fourth-generation Japanese American, says the impact of incarceration didn’t end with the war.

He spoke with Erin O’Toole about the legacy of Japanese American incarceration, and why the impacts still resonate today.

Brandon Shimoda will be part of a discussion on untold histories, this Saturday, Feb. 15 during Fort Collins Book Fest. Find the full lineup of Book Fest authors and events here.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Funk music deserves more respect, a CU professor argues in his new book

KUNC — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

In the late 1960s, a new movement of Black music grew out of the end of the civil rights era. Black artists declared their “Black power” and rocked the airwaves with the sound of funk.

Funk music was more than just a genre with excellent grooves. It had deeper social and political meaning. Funk began as a reaction to tumultuous times and would ultimately lay the foundation for the hip0hop and R&B we listen to today.

This is the argument in the new book by Reiland Rabaka, called The Funk Movement: Music, Culture, and Politics.

He joined Erin O'Toole to talk about the importance of funk, and why it deserves respect for its singular impact on music and culture.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How long-term marijuana use could cause a reduction in memory, according to a CU Anschutz researcher

KUNC — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

If you grew up in the 80s, you might remember a famous anti-drug public service announcement from TV. There was a frying pan, a sizzling egg and an ominous warning: “This is your brain on drugs.”

Josh Gowin, a researcher with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, remembers that ad quite well. Anti-drug PSA's like that one inspired him to study the effects of marijuana use on the brain and find out if that fried egg analogy is accurate.

Gowin, a neuroscientist, looked at more than 1,000 scans of people’s brains. And he saw something notable in the brains of frequent cannabis users: a reduction in their working memory, which is the brain function that helps people keep track of what they’re doing.

Gowin recently published his research. He joined Erin O’Toole to explain what his findings mean for cannabis users – and what kinds of tasks might suffer if someone’s working memory deteriorates.

A vaccine to prevent weight gain could soon be a reality. This CU scientist thinks the research is promising

KUNC — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A vaccine against weight gain could be on the horizon, according to new research from the University of Colorado Boulder.

The research shows that a particular strain of bacteria known as M. vaccae could help prevent obesity by reducing inflammation.

Chris Lowry is a professor of integrative physiology at CU and led the research. His study found that he could prevent mice from becoming overweight even when they were raised on the equivalent of an all-McDonald’s diet. When his team injected mice with M. vaccae, the junk food mice gained no more weight than mice with healthy diets.

Lowry spoke with Erin O’Toole about this research, and why he thinks it’s a promising solution for weight gain.

Correction: An earlier version of this episode gave the incorrect last name for Chris Lowry’s colleague who helped with the research. The colleague’s name is Luke Desmond.

At Denver International Airport, the artist Detour created a colorful new piece out of used luggage

KUNC — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Travelers making their way through Denver International Airport can experience a colorful, distinctive new art exhibit.

Detour talked with Erin O’Toole about what inspired his new art at DIA – and some of the stories behind the luggage.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How Boulder’s new ‘blue envelope’ program aims to help people with disabilities feel safer

KUNC — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Boulder’s Police Department recently rolled out a new initiative called the Blue Envelope Program to help people with disabilities communicate when they encounter an officer.

It allows a person to get an official blue envelope and fill it out with information that an officer might need to know to communicate with them. Then if they’re stopped by Boulder Police, they hand over the envelope.

The program is used by agencies in a handful of states, but Boulder’s Blue Envelope Program is the first in Colorado. Alistair McNiven, Chief of Staff for Boulder Police, helped launch the program in January. He spoke with Erin O’Toole about why he thinks the envelopes may be a transformative tool for law enforcement.

McNiven said people can email BlueEnvelope@bouldercolorado.gov to request an envelope or get one in person at the front desk of the Boulder Police Department.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A new film explores the history of Rocky Flats, from nuclear weapons plant to wildlife preserve

KUNC — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

If you visit the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Denver, you see different types of wildlife, miles of hiking and biking trails and acres of rolling prairie.

Filmmaker Jeff Gipe explores that history in a new documentary, Half-Life of Memory: America’s Forgotten Atomic Bomb Factory. Gipe grew up in nearby Arvada. His father worked at the plant in the 1980s.

Today we’re listening back to Gipe’s conversation with Erin O’Toole recorded ahead of the film’s premiere at the Denver Film Festival in November.

The documentary is now available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video, and will be screened Feb. 23 at the Colorado Environmental Film Festival in Golden. Find the complete lineup and schedule for the festival here.

You can watch the film’s trailer here.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Washington is chaotic. Rep. Jason Crow says the House veterans caucus may offer a way forward

KUNC — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

You likely haven’t heard the word ‘bipartisanship’ used much lately when it comes to news out of Washington. Republicans control the presidency and both chambers of Congress – and they’re making big policy moves.

But Democratic Congressman Jason Crow still sees value in members of the two parties working together. Crow represents Colorado’s 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Aurora and parts of the Denver metro area.

He has served for six years on the For Country Caucus – a group of Republican and Democratic military veterans in the House – and recently wrapped up a two-year term as the group’s co-chair.

Rep. Crow spoke with Erin O’Toole to share what he sees happening in Washington – and why he thinks the veterans caucus is an important group in Congress, particularly in this moment.

Looking for more In The NoCo interviews with Colorado lawmakers? We recently spoke with Rep. Brittany Pettersen about her effort to change strict in-person voting rules for new parents in Congress.
And State Rep. Kyle Brown talked with us about how legislators are working to keep homeowner’s insurance viable in Colorado, despite the growing risk from natural disasters.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How cloud seeding could make it rain (and snow) in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin

KUNC — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Manipulating the clouds to make it rain or snow sounds like the stuff of science fiction. But the technology behind cloud seeding is nothing new: It dates back to the 1940s.

That science got a new look recently when lawmakers ordered the Government Accountability Office to re-examine the possibilities of cloud seeding as water becomes a more precious resource in the U.S. The newly published report calls cloud seeding promising, but also says more research is needed.

That got Alex Hager – KUNC's in-house water reporter -- thinking about how cloud seeding might affect what’s probably the biggest water story in the nation: the drought-stricken Colorado River. Alex wrote about it recently, and joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to talk about what he learned.

For more on the Colorado River, check out KUNC’s award-winning podcast Thirst Gap.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A new report examines the lives of workers at a Greeley meatpacking plant

KUNC — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

JBS is one of the largest meat producers in the world. The company – which is headquartered in Greeley – reportedly earned $76 billion last year.

And the company relies on immigrant labor to keep their meatpacking plants, like the one in Greeley, operating.

A new story from the Food and Environment Reporting Network and the investigative journalism show Reveal offers a look at the community of immigrant workers at the Greeley plant. Many of them are Haitian, and many of them are here legally under what’s called TPS, or temporary protected status. Now, their future is uncertain as President Trump’s administration plans to take a harder line on immigration issues.

Investigative journalist Ted Genoways reported the new audio documentary for Reveal. He spoke with Erin O’Toole to share insights about the lives of JBS workers in Greeley, and the grueling work of slaughtering hundreds of cattle per hour on what Ted calls the “disassembly line.”

The Reveal episode hits podcast feeds this Saturday, and airs Sunday at 6:00 p.m. on KUNC.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

As disasters roil the insurance market, can Colorado keep coverage viable for homeowners?

KUNC — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

The recent news stories about wildfires in California seem all too familiar to Coloradans. We see homes destroyed by wildfires here every year.

But we’ve also been hearing reports of a second, slower-moving disaster in news reports out of California: insurance companies pulling out of high-risk areas, leaving thousands of homeowners with no ability to get coverage.

That kind of crisis is something Colorado lawmakers are working to avoid here. Democrat Kyle Brown represents House District 12, which includes Louisville and Superior, in the state house. He knows about natural disasters firsthand, since that area saw hundreds of homes destroyed by the Marshall Fire three years ago.

Brown and other legislators are working on ways to limit these insurance problems in Colorado – even as natural disasters become more common and severe. He joined host Erin O’Toole to discuss some of the bills he’s introducing at the state Capitol.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

For Coloradans struggling with eating disorders, better treatment options may be on the horizon

KUNC — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Clinicians who treat patients with eating disorders have endured a perfect storm of challenges in recent years.

Specialists say the pandemic, and the years that followed, saw more people developing eating disorders and often taking longer to seek help. On top of that, treatment for these conditions is expensive. At the same time, lawmakers have heard terrible stories of patients being mistreated at clinics in Colorado.

Jennifer Brown has been covering this issue for the Colorado Sun. She remembers hearing from parents who tried to help their kids by finding a clinic where they could get help. "It was just heartbreaking to hear from these moms saying that they thought they were doing the best they could for their kid, and, come to find out, their kid was feeling abused,” she said.

So how does Colorado – a national hub for this kind of treatment – address these issues?

Erin O’Toole spoke with Brown about the severity of these problems and how new measures might offer patients better care in Colorado.

Want to help your kids be successful and resilient? A Fort Collins educator wrote a new handbook

KUNC — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Parents worry about getting parenting right: limiting screen time, teaching responsibility, helping with homework. It’s a lot of pressure.

Author Deborah Winking is an elementary school educator in Fort Collins. And she found her fears about raising a well-rounded child magnified after one of her children, Jack, was diagnosed with Sotos syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. Doctors weren’t optimistic that Jack would be able to live a full life.

But Deborah figured out how to support her son through childhood and school. Along the way she developed some guidelines for what it means to be a supportive parent.

Her newest book, Raising Capable Kids, distills years of her research and experience into a set of 12 habits for parents. She wrote it with families of neurodivergent kids in mind, but says she hopes her book is useful to any parent or teacher who wants their kids to grow into strong, curious and independent human beings.

Deborah spoke with host Erin O’Toole about some of the advice she offers to parents.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why Boulder’s new ‘harm reduction’ vending machine just might save a life

KUNC — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

A new vending machine opened for business recently in Boulder.

Instead of snacks or soda, customers who visit the machine can grab safe containers for needles ... fentanyl testing strips... or condoms. And all the items are free.

Health officials call it a "harm reduction vending machine." It’s funded by restitution money from lawsuits against manufacturers of prescription opioids. Supporters hope it reduces the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and helps prevent overdoses.

Amanda Wroblewski with Boulder Community Health works with people who deal with opioid addiction and chronic pain. She helped set up the machine, which is the first of its kind in the Boulder area.

Amanda spoke with host Erin O’Toole about the vending machine, which opened to the public in November.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

She’s a mom who serves in Congress. She says it’s time to stop sidelining lawmakers who are new parents

KUNC — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Members of Congress are required to show up in person to vote on any measures. That creates challenges for representatives who are in the final weeks of pregnancy, or who just gave birth.

U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Lakewood, understands these rules from experience. And she says they’re unfair. She’s due to give birth to her second child in a few days – which means she’s under travel restrictions, and unable to be in Washington to cast votes.

But Pettersen -- and several other representatives -- have proposed a solution.

Pettersen wants the House of Representatives to pass a resolution that would allow new or expectant parents to vote by proxy when they can’t be in Washington. That means they’d appoint another person to vote in their place.

But there’s been some pushback to the plan – including from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who says the proposal is unconstitutional.

Pettersen talked to host Erin O’Toole from her home in Lakewood about being an expectant mother in Congress – and the details of her proposal.

* * * * *

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado schools are bracing for immigration arrests. This retired educator is helping them prepare

KUNC — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

As President Donald Trump begins his second term, one of his promises to supporters has been to carry out what he calls the largest deportation in U.S. history. This has a number of Colorado communities on edge, especially in places where immigrants without legal status make up a large part of the population.

It has also prompted education leaders across Colorado to prepare for how their students might be affected by immigration enforcement. The effort took on new urgency this week, after the Trump administration cleared the way for immigration arrests at schools and other sensitive locations, like churches.

Steve Joel was the superintendent of schools in Grand Island, Nebraska, when immigration officers raided a meat packing plant there in 2006, detaining about 250 workers without legal status.

Steve Joel joined host Erin O’Toole to discuss his advice for school leaders in the months ahead.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How one Colorado entrepreneur diverts millions of pounds of waste from landfills

KUNC — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Old firehoses. Used forklifts. Two-thousand sheets of acrylic plastic.

Damon Carson founded the business in 2011 after running two trash companies. The repurposedMATERIALS location in Lafeyette is one of six locations across the country where he stores his unusual inventory and then ships it off once he finds the right buyer.

Damon Carson talked with In the NoCo’s Brad Turner about how he built the company.

Check out a recent profile of the business in The Denver Post.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Psychedelic therapy is about to become more common in Colorado. Here’s how it works

KUNC — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Coloradans who struggle with anxiety or depression will soon have a new treatment option. Psychedelic treatment with a licensed therapist– will be as legal in Colorado as prescription antidepressants.

Colorado voters approved this. Starting in April, licensed healing centers can offer psychedelic therapy using psilocybin, the psychedelic component in some mushrooms.

We wanted to understand what psychedelic therapy looks like before it becomes more widespread.

Dr. Scott Shannon founded the Wholeness Center in Fort Collins, which offers an array of treatments for mental health, including for anxiety and depression. He’s offered psychedelic therapy for eight years and treated thousands of patients. (He’s worked with psychedelics while following the old laws that existed until this year.)

Scott and other therapists who support access to psychedelics say it could change the way we treat mental health problems in Colorado. He walked host Erin O’Toole through a typical psychedelic therapy session.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado sci-fi author X. Ho Yen’s new book reveals its story as the reader solves a series of puzzles

KUNC — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

When Colorado writer X. Ho Yen was a kid, he loved to read science fiction.

X. Ho Yen is autistic. He liked how some sci-fi stories, like the Star Trek series, depicted a more enlightened future society where neurodivergent people were treated equally.

Eventually he began writing his own science fiction novels. His newest release is titled Space Autistic Author’s Puzzling Innerverse. It’s different from his other books: It’s a series of puzzles that reveal the plot of a story as you solve them.

X. Ho Yen spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about the new book, his influences and how science fiction resonated deeply with him as a child.

Check out a recent profile of the author from The Colorado Sun.

Correction: An earlier version of this episode gave the incorrect city of residence for X. Ho Yen. He lives in Centennial.

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How two Latin American Baroque concerts in Denver highlight some surprising musical history

KUNC — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

If you think of Baroque music, it might bring to mind ornate-sounding pieces by composers like Bach, Vivaldi or Handel. But a pair of concerts in Denver this weekend will offer listeners a different flavor of Baroque music – one that blends European-style harmonies with rhythms and percussion from Mexico and other Latin American countries.

The performances, by the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado, focus on Latin American Baroque. The program will explore on the writings and music of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, an artist who lived in Mexico in the 1600s.

University of Denver musicologist and viola da gamba player Zoe Weiss will lead the concerts at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Denver. Zoe talked with host Erin O’Toole about why she’s eager to play this music in Colorado.

* * * * *

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Cuchara is tiny and has no operating ski lift. Here’s why supporters say its future is bright

KUNC — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Visitors to Colorado ski resorts can ride to the top of the mountain in a sleek gondola, or take a high-speed, four-person chairlift.

Or, if they head to one of the state’s smallest resorts, they can ride up in a trailer pulled by a snowcat.

Cuchara Mountain Ski Park in southern Colorado operates on weekends without a functioning ski lift, and serves just a few dozen skiers per day. They charge $40 for a daily pass when many of their gigantic competitors charge more than $200.

Cuchara recently received a $250,000 grant from the state to help with operating costs.

We wanted to know more about how a small, nonprofit ski resort sustains itself in a state where behemoth ski resorts are the norm. Ken Clayton is with the Panadero Ski Corporation that manages Cuchara. He talked with Erin O’Toole about why he believes the place has a bright future and what makes it special.

* * * * *

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Yes, Colorado has three different lab testing scandals. Here’s what you need to know

KUNC — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

You may have heard the recent news of a scandal involving state lab technicians who falsified some test results of drinking water. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment suspended further testing for now, saying the results couldn’t be trusted.

You may also have heard about bogus test results in monitoring for water contamination near oil and gas wells around the Front Range.

On top of that, you might also recall hearing about tainted DNA test results at the state crime laboratory earlier this year. The issue potentially may have affected hundreds of criminal cases.

Colorado has multiple investigations into mishandling of data at several state labs. These scandals might make you wonder if you should be concerned about your health and safety.

“The thing that really connects them is that they all involve some element of science, and some element of the scientific process being subverted,” says John Ingold, reporter with The Colorado Sun who focuses on health and healthcare coverage.

He’s been following these stories and joined host Erin O’Toole to offer some answers, and a bit of reassurance.

* * * * *

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Women sleep less soundly than men. A CU researcher asks if biology – or flawed research – is to blame

KUNC — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

When it’s time to get a good night’s rest, women have it harder than men. Women are more likely than men to have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But the treatments that doctors prescribe for sleep disorders, like medication or different bedtime routines, may be based more on data about male sleep patterns than female sleep patterns.

That's a key takeaway from a new study out of the University of Colorado. The findings could eventually lead doctors to rethink how they treat sleep problems -- especially in women.

Rachel Rowe is Assistant Professor of Integrative Physiology at CU, and she worked on the study. Rowe joined Erin O’Toole to explain her research and how sleep medicine as we know it may be short-changing women who experience sleep problems.

* * * * *

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Want a happier life in 2025? Try this simple advice from a CU happiness expert

KUNC — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Have any of your New Year’s resolutions included to live a happier life this year? If you said yes, one recent study suggests you’re probably not alone.

Americans feel less happy than in previous years, according to the recent World Happiness Rep, which collects data on happiness from countries around the world every year. The U.S. finished 23rd, behind countries like Kuwait and Slovenia.

So we wanted to find some expert advice on how to be happy in 2025. Luckily, the University of Colorado has its own happiness expert. Dr. June Gruber is Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at CU Boulder and she teaches a class on happiness.

Erin O’Toole talked with Gruber to get her best advice on being happy. She said it starts with shifting your perspective a little.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Want to foster strong relationships in the year ahead? A CSU friendship expert has some pointers

KUNC — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

The start of a new year often involves making changes in pursuit of a healthier life. For many of us, that means fewer processed foods, more veggies, and – maybe – a few more trips to the gym.

Or perhaps your resolution is to work on relationships – to make new friends or reconnect with existing ones. After all, friendships are a key part of our well-being. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says loneliness is an epidemic that harms mental health and even physical health.

But what’s the best way to make friends? How do you rekindle a relationship that’s gone quiet? And how do you nurture your current friendships?

For answers, we reached out to Natalie Pennington, assistant professor of communication studies at Colorado State University. She studies the importance of friendship in our lives, and co-leads the American Friendship Project, an ongoing study of the state of connectedness in the U.S.

She joined host Erin O’Toole to share practical tips on how to build new friendships – or reconnect with friends we haven’t seen in a while.

* * * * *

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Your Facebook or Instagram account may outlive you. A new CU project helps people plan for it

KUNC — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

When someone dies nowadays, their online accounts and social media profiles can become a poignant online memorial. Or sometimes, those accounts can become a hassle for grieving loved ones.

For many people who have recently lost someone, knowing what to do with a loved one’s online accounts is a mystery. Sometimes an account gets deleted by the organization that manages them. Sometimes the account gives the impression that the dead person is still alive. Or th account might simply sit unused.

A new clinic set up by a University of Colorado researcher provides guidance and aid in handling digital accounts after someone passes away. It’s a free help desk called the Digital Legacy Clinic. Professor Jed Brubaker founded the clinic and oversees its operation.

Brubaker joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the unusual task of managing our online accounts for after we’re gone. He said it’s a reflection of how we mourn in a more digital age.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Some students may have lost their ‘grit.’ Can teachers and parents help bring it back?

KUNC — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

Colorado teachers say their students are missing something that helps determine their academic success. Call it grit.

If a student who struggles with math studies hard and performs well on their math test, that’s grit. If they complete a homework assignment that was tough to finish, that's also grit.

Erica Breunlin covers education for The Colorado Sun. Since the pandemic, she says teachers have told her they’re seeing less grit in the classroom. And that’s leading to lower test scores for K-12 students.

Breunlin recently wrote about grit, and the strategies some educators and parents have developed to build more of it in their kids. She joined host Erin O’Toole to share what she learned.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

An electrical grid on the moon? Colorado School of Mines students work with NASA to make it possible

KUNC — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:30:00 -0700

An electrical grid on the moon.

It’s an idea that could eventually power a small lunar colony and help take space travel to a new level.

And research by two Colorado School of Mines graduate students may help make it a reality.

Chris Tolton and Ken Liang built a prototype of that lunar grid and presented it during a recent competition run by NASA. The prototype worked – and Chris and Ken won a half-million-dollar prize to continue developing their idea.

Their vision ultimately includes mining minerals found on the moon to fuel lunar habitats, rovers, and spacecraft heading to more distant points in the solar system. They’ve also launched a company, Orbital Mining Corporation, to pursue their goals.

Tolton and Liang joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about their work, and how the future of space travel may be just a step closer than we think.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why people love Colorado’s signature chile pepper, according to the man who developed it

KUNC — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

These shorter, colder days over the midwinter holiday are the perfect time to break out that bag of roasted Pueblo chile peppers some of us have kept stashed in the freezer since the fall. They're just waiting to be turned into a big batch of spicy green chile.

And for many pepper aficionados, only the Pueblo chile will do.

But the popularity of these Colorado-grown peppers is a relatively recent phenomenon. Farmers in Pueblo and other parts of Colorado have been growing different kinds of peppers for decades, but the state didn’t really have its own signature variety of chile until the early 2000s.

That’s when Dr. Michael Bartolo, an agriculture professor with Colorado State University, developed the unique Mosco variety of the Pueblo chile. And in a few short years, they’ve become a regional rival to New Mexico’s more famous Hatch chiles.

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with the now-retired Bartolo earlier in the year to learn more about why chiles are such a point of pride for some people. It was one of our favorite science-related interviews of 2024, which we’re revisiting this week.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

This tiny, scorpion-like creature is only found in caves near Boulder. Here’s how a family discovered it

KUNC — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science made an exciting announcement this year: A new species of cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion had been discovered in the foothills outside Boulder. Researchers named it Larca boulderica – a nod to the city of Boulder – and say the only place on the planet where you’ll find it is in just two caves near the Boulder Flatirons.

We reached out to David Steinmann, the research associate with the Museum of Nature and Science who found the new species. We thought he’d want to talk about his once-in-a- lifetime discovery. Instead, he told us that for him, it wasn’t a singular event at all. In fact, he kind of specializes in hunting for new species, and says he’s found at least 50 of them.

Steinmann joined host Erin O’Toole to talk about his unusual work, and what exactly a pseudoscorpion is. As we listen back to some of our favorite science-related interviews of 2024, we’re revisiting this one today.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

‘Forever’ chemicals are a big health concern. Colorado scientists found a new way to break them down

KUNC — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Scientists have found a promising new way to break down harmful “forever” chemicals.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are found in many household products including nonstick cookware or waterproof clothing. They’ve also found their way into our drinking water, our food and our bodies.

They’re called forever chemicals because they were designed and manufactured to never break down – which means, after they’ve been used in manufacturing or in our homes, they’ll continue to circulate in the environment for thousands of years. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to conditions like decreased fertility, cancer and a higher risk of obesity.

But researchers at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder say they’ve found a way to break down PFAS – using light. The process is similar to the way plants use photosynthesis to make energy from sunlight.

“We need to be able to produce these chemicals in a way that doesn’t compromise our future generations,” says CSU professor Garret Miyake, the lead researcher on the study.

Miyake joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about the results, which were published recently in the journal Nature.

Want safer roads? Start by rethinking how we build them, a CU Denver professor says

KUNC — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

It wasn’t that long ago that some doctors would use lobotomies as a treatment for mental illness, or insomnia, or severe headaches. That wouldn’t happen now – but modern medicine has made some weird, often tragic turns to get to where it is now.

Similarly, our modern roadways are designed with what amounts to junk science, according to author Wesley Marshall . He says it’s time for a wake-up call.

Marshall, who teaches civil engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, thinks the way our streets and highways are built contributes to tens of thousands of unnecessary crashes and deaths each year.

He recently published his research and ideas in a book, provocatively titled “Killed by a Traffic Engineer.”

In the third installment of In The NoCo’s Holiday Book Club, we’re listening back to a conversation between Wes Marshall and In The NoCo’s Brad Turner.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A unique version of 'The Nutcracker' illuminates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood

KUNC — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

A unique retelling of the holiday classic ‘The Nutcracker’ explores the history and cultural importance of Denver's Five Points neighborhood.

Duke Ellington’s jazz version of the music is the backbone of the production, and was the inspiration for the show’s director, Larea Edwards.

The production features actors and dancers from the performing arts group LuneASeas. Musicians from the Boulder Philharmonic will join jazz artist Tenia Nelson to perform the Ellington score.

Edwards spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about the production. Performances take place Friday through Sunday at the Savoy Denver.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How an ambitious project led by CU-Anschutz researchers could revolutionize eye transplants

KUNC — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Eye doctors today perform surgeries that would have seemed unthinkable a century or two ago. They can remove cataracts, correct someone’s vision with Lasik surgery, or do a cornea transplant to relieve pain or restore someone’s sight.

But one procedure they can’t do at the moment is a full eye transplant for vision restoration. And that prevents doctors from treating some more serious eye conditions.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus want to change that. A team there was recently awarded up to $46 million to figure out how to make successful eye transplants a medical reality.

Dr. Kia Washington is leading the team’s research. And she refers to the project as a “moonshot.”

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Washington about what makes eye transplantation so complex, and why this research could create huge advances in eye medicine.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Can’t stand throwing out your Christmas tree after the holidays? Try planting it in your yard instead

KUNC — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

When it comes time to decorate for the holidays, for many people a beautiful Christmas tree is the most essential piece.

And some people simply don’t want to let their Christmas tree go. So, they bring a live potted tree into their home, and then move it to their yard after the holidays to enjoy for years to come.

If that sounds like your kind of Christmas, our guest today has some tips to make it a reality. John Murgel is a horticulture specialist with Colorado State University Extension. He says opting for a living Christmas tree isn’t a totally off-the-wall idea, but it’s certainly not for everyone.

He spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about everything you need to know before you try to turn a potted holiday tree into a forever tree in your yard.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How to shrink your carbon footprint by rethinking what food you buy at the grocery store

KUNC — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

The ingredients you select when you cook dinner can make a huge difference in your household’s carbon emissions.

Mark Easter explores that idea in his book The Blue Plate: A Food Lover’s Guide to Climate Chaos, He’s a retired ecologist in Fort Collins who studies the carbon footprint of the food we eat.

His book walks readers through the typical ingredients of a home cooked dinner. Then, Mark explains the carbon footprint of each ingredient and how to reduce that footprint by making smarter purchases at the grocery store.

Today, in the second installment of In The NoCo’s Holiday Book Club, we’re listening back to a conversation between Mark Easter and In the NoCo’s Brad Turner.

How a Parkinson’s diagnosis took a Denver artist’s work in new directions

KUNC — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Tim McKay is a Denver artist who fills colorful, sprawling canvases with geometric figures. His paintings can span 12 feet or larger. But a year ago, a diagnosis threatened to disrupt his career. Doctors told him he had Parkinson’ s disease – a condition that would slowly take away his ability to use his muscles.

McKay responded by making art that reflects how the disease is changing his ability to paint. He started painting on smaller canvases, which require less energy and mobility than his larger pieces. And in some cases, when he had a clumsy moment as he was painting, he left evidence of those mistakes in the work.

He spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about how Parkinson’s has changed his work – and the process of documenting his journey through this project, called One to Somewhere.

Tim McKay’s paintings are on display at Pirate Contemporary Art in Lakewood through Sunday, December 15.

An ice-free day on the Arctic Ocean? It’s coming sooner than we realized, a CU researcher says

KUNC — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Picture this: It's a summer day. You’re on a ship on the Arctic Ocean. You scan the horizon... and you don’t see any sea ice on the surface of the water.

For much of our history, this would be a surreal scenario. The Earth’s northernmost region is typically covered in sea ice and snow year-round.

But a University of Colorado researcher says that vision is going to become a reality. And the first ice-free day on the Arctic Ocean may be closer than we think.

Dr. Alexandra Jahn, associate professor in the department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at CU Boulder, is part of an international research team that used climate models to predict when the first ice-free day in the Arctic might occur.

They found that day could happen within the next 20 years – and possibly in as few as three years.

“It will be a stark contrast, seeing this transition from this very white Arctic to now a blue Arctic,” Jahn said. “I think that will have a really big and stunning impact on people.”

The team’s findings were recently published in the journal Nature Communications.

Jahn’s prediction is getting plenty of attention from climate scientists who have been thinking about this scenario. She spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about the findings, and what the consequences for the planet would be.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

The new film ‘The Order’ looks at the white supremacist group that killed a Denver radio host

KUNC — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Forty years ago, a Denver radio talk show host named Alan Berg was assassinated. He was shot in his driveway by members of a militant, white supremacist group known as The Order. The group was active in the early 1980s, and one of their goals was to spark revolution against the American government.

A new movie tells that story, and explores the FBI investigation into the group. The movie, called The Order, is based on a book by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt, who were both investigative journalists at the Rocky Mountain News at the time Alan Berg was killed.

Kevin Flynn, who now works as a Denver city councilman, joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the story, why the new film feels relevant today.

A barbecue historian champions a forgotten Colorado culinary hero

KUNC — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Columbus B. Hill was a pivotal figure in Colorado’s culinary history. He was a Black man originally from Missouri – and he was possibly the most popular barbecue chef in Denver in the late 1800s. His food was so good that it was served to thousands of people at official functions at the state Capitol.

But even among hardcore barbecue fans, very few people know his name. And his legacy wasn’t always well cared for. In 1923, Hill was buried in Denver’s Riverside Cemetery without a headstone.

Denver author and barbecue historian Adrian Miller has been on a mission to change that.

He devoted an entire chapter to Columbus B. Hill in his book Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue. He championed Hill’s induction into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2023. And last September, he honored Hill with a memorial dedication at his burial site.

Adrian Miller joined ITN’s Erin O’Toole a few days before that ceremony to share the story of the “best barbecue man in the West.”

We’re revisiting that conversation as part of In The NoCo’s new Holiday Book Club, which will continue each week this month.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How your social media posts affect your job prospects – and what a CU researcher thinks you should do about it

KUNC — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Your social media use may affect your career prospects more than you think.

If you’ve been job hunting recently, you know what to do on LinkedIn:. You keep things professional and probably not too controversial.

But a University of Colorado researcher says what you do on other platforms – like Facebook or X or BlueSky – might matter more than you think. Jason Thatcher has been studying how hiring managers use social media to make decisions about candidates.

And he found 60 percent of hiring managers decide who to interview or who to hire, in part, by checking out applicants’ social media accounts.

So how do your Facebook rants about the recent election affect your chances of landing your dream job? What can you do to make your social media accounts more appealing to hiring managers? . And what are the red flags that hiring managers look for?

In the NoCo’s Brad Turner spoke with Thatcher about what he’s observed.

You can also check out Jason’s previous In The NoCo interview, on how to limit “technostress” that can drive you crazy at work.

What makes a great shopping mall Santa? This Colorado school has trained thousands of them

KUNC — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Every December, Santa Claus literally does the impossible: He delivers presents all over the world with a team of flying reindeer. So when someone becomes a stand-in for Santa at your local mall, or work party, those are big boots to fill.

But as it turns out, being Santa is a teachable skill.

Susen Mesco founded Professional Santa Claus School in Denver in 1983. She says more than 5,000 Santas have attended over the years. And that means she has four decades of expertise in getting your local Santa acting and looking his best.

Susan got her start back in 1982 when her event planning business got an offer to train and manage some Santas at local malls. And she saw a lot of room for improvement. "I went around spying on my competitor, and what I actually found was everything not to do,” she said. “Mommies were miserable. Children were being forced at Santa. Santa was cranky and slouchy, and his beard was falling off. So I went to work writing kind of a manual.”

Host Erin O’Toole talked with Mesco about what makes a great Santa, the extensive training her school offers, and how she trains Santas to answer particularly tough questions from kids.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Is political talk on the table this Thanksgiving? Here’s how to dial down the tension

KUNC — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0700

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And many of us are dreading the moment when someone brings up politics at the dinner table.

Family members might want to debate how Harris performed as a candidate or the merits of who Trump picked for his cabinet. Or a hundred other post-election topics that might make you feel a little bit less than thankful to be with your family on Thursday.

Natalie Pennington, an assistant professor of communication studies at Colorado State University, studies the dynamics of friendship and relationships – and the challenges of maintaining connections across the political divide. She spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole to share some simple strategies to help you avoid Thanksgiving dinner drama.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How Erie residents pushed back against a drilling project that would have reached 5 miles beneath the town

KUNC — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

One of the most unusual stories in recent memory about Colorado’s oil and gas industry popped up in the town of Erie. It was actually about what happens underneath Erie.

A company wanted to access some underground oil and gas located beneath the town. But Erie has more than 30,000 residents. So putting a fracking operation in the middle of neighborhoods and schools wasn’t going to be very popular.

Instead, the company, called Extraction Oil and Gas, proposed a plan to do what’s called horizontal drilling. They would set up their equipment on the outskirts of Erie – in unincorporated Weld County – which has fewer restrictions on drilling. Then they would drill horizontally for as far as five miles to the west – to tap into the oil and gas beneath the town.

But some residents in the town pushed back, saying they don’t want to live on top of an oil and gas operation. And now state regulators have had to get involved.

KUNC’s Rae Solomon has been following this story. Solomon spoke with In the NoCo’s Brad Turner and explained what might happen next – and what it could mean for how fracking is regulated at the local level.

For more on this issue, check out stories by the Boulder Reporting Lab and The Colorado Sun, which cover a recent hearing and decision by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission about the proposed drilling site.

Can new technology reconnect us with a dead loved one? Meet CU’s ‘generative ghosts’ expert

KUNC — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

In 2024, chatbots are part of ordinary life. They pop up on your screen while you’re checking your bank account or making an online purchase.

But a few years from now it may be just as easy to have a conversation with a chatbot who recreates a dead loved one. That’s the idea behind a kind of technology called a generative ghost.

Jed Brubaker is associate professor at the University of Colorado and one of the people leading the development of generative ghosts. Jed is part of a team that recently received $75,000 from Google to study how generative ghosts could become part of our lives.

In the NoCo’s Brad Turner spoke with Jed about what a visit with the generative ghost of a dead loved one would feel like.

By the way, Jed also leads the Digital Legacy Clinic – a free clinic at CU to help people who want to get a deceased loved one’s digital affairs in order.

Colorado winters are hard on your trees. Here’s a survival guide to help them through

KUNC — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

It may not feel like it right now, but winter is coming. And before it arrives... it’s time to think about extra care and nurturing for your trees.

Because on Colorado’s Front Range, the coldest season can be especially tough on the trees in our yards. Damage can take many forms: Sun scald, dry roots, or cracks in the bark from extreme temperature swings.

Fortunately, there’s hope. The tree specialists at Colorado State University Extension say they get lots of calls about cold-weather care for your trees so they’re ready to shine when spring returns.

CSU horticulture specialist John Murgel spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole to share some helpful tips for helping your trees make it through the winter.

You can learn more about wrapping your trees here. And find helpful tips for winter watering and using mulch to help insulate your trees here.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How we treat concussions in kids has changed. This doctor wants to make sure parents are getting the message

KUNC — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Millions of kids in the US will suffer a concussion during childhood, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Concussions are brain injuries that cause headaches and dizziness and nausea. And it can take weeks to fully recover.

In recent years doctors have changed the way they treat them. Instead of avoiding activity, doctors now recommend light physical activity while a child recovers from a concussion.

Julie Wilson is a pediatric sports medicine physician at the Sports Medicine Center, and co-director of the Concussion Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She says doctors and school nurses in Colorado have kept up with the new guidance – and the state Department of Education formally adopted those guidelines recently. But Wilson says some parents and caregivers haven’t gotten the message.

Host Erin O’Toole talked with Wilson about why she’s made it her mission to educate the public to think differently about kids and concussions.

Two slightly different chickadee birdsongs show how humans are reshaping Colorado’s ecosystems

KUNC — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

If you’ve spent even a little time outdoors in Colorado, you’ve most likely heard the song of the mountain chickadee. These adorable, chubby little birds are commonly found in higher-elevation forests in the Rocky Mountains.

And they have a close relative – the black-capped chickadee, which tends to live at lower elevations. But in areas like Boulder County, the habitats of these two types of chickadees overlap.

Historically, the two types of chickadees had identical birdsongs. Which could create a problem.

When birds from these two distinct species want to find a mate, it’s important that they can identify a bird of their own kind, and avoid getting mixed up with their close cousins.

But researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder say the birds found a clever solution. The mountain chickadee has changed its tune so it’s not the same as the song of the black-capped chickadee.

And new findings from the CU study suggest that the changed birdsong is a small example of how human activity and urban development can impact wildlife’s evolution.

Olivia Taylor is one of several researchers at the University of Colorado who have been studying this adaptation. She and fellow CU researcher, associate professor Scott Taylor (no relation) joined ITN’s Erin O’Toole to talk about their findings, which were recently published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology.

You can learn more about Scott Taylor’s work with the Boulder Chickadee Study here.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How an ancient Greek play being staged in Greeley taps into some intense post-election vibes

KUNC — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Of all the responses to the results of last week’s presidential election, one of the most unusual involves something called the 4B movement.

It calls for women to cut off or limit their contact with men. That includes dating, marriage, childbirth – and physical affections.

The 4B movement started a few years ago in South Korea, but gained attention on social media in the U.S. after Election Day. Some women equated president-elect Donald Trump's victory to a low point for women's rights — and said they’re cutting off relationships with men.

But women withholding physical contact from men is not a new idea. It's the subject of the Greek comedy Lysistrata by the playwright Aristophanes, which was first staged more than 2,400 years ago. The female characters in the play withhold their affections to protest a war, and it ultimately leads to peace and harmony.

Lysistrata is being performed through Sunday at the Ed Beaty Hall Theater on the Aims Community College campus in Greeley.

The show's director, Benjamin Kessler, spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about why this production is a conversation starter that taps into the current political mood in potent ways.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How creating dorm-style housing units out of unused office space could ease Denver’s housing crisis

KUNC — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Researchers have proposed a plan to transform high rise office spaces into living spaces to reduce the housing shortage in the Denver metro area. Denver is one of many American cities with a tight housing market and a glut of unused office space.

Alex Horowitz is the Project Director of Housing and Project Initiatives at Pew Charitable Trusts and he oversaw the study.

In the NoCo’s Brad Turner spoke with Horowitz about why he thinks these low- cost, dorm-style units in skyscrapers could help cities where attainable housing is hard to find and even dramatically reduce the rate of homelessness in the U.S.

Could this bold new strategy for replanting trees after a wildfire help save Colorado’s forests?

KUNC — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

The Hayman Fire burned through a huge swath of forest southwest of Denver in 2002. It left behind a massive burn scar. Workers quickly replanted thousands of trees to reestablish the forest.

But more than two decades later, large areas of the Hayman burn scar still resemble a moonscape, with some scraggly young trees here and there.

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Stevens-Rumann about what she thinks Colorado’s forests should look like in the future and why trees that have historically thrived in Colorado’s mountains don’t grow back quickly after a wildfire.

‘Junk fees’ from landlords can add hundreds of dollars to monthly housing costs. Here’s how tenants can fight back

KUNC — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

A $20 boiler maintenance fee. A $60 fee to drive your garbage to the dump. A $1 monthly pest maintenance fee. And a $6 fee to add up those other fees.

These are actual charges billed to renters by landlords in Denver, according to a recent article by the Denver Post. The fees are tacked onto a tenant’s monthly bill on top of their rent.

Critics call them junk fees – and say they usually aren’t clearly outlined in rent agreements or even mentioned to a renter before the first monthly bill arrives. Junk fees can sometimes add hundreds of dollars to what a tenant pays each month.

But the Colorado Attorney General’s office has taken note, resulting in lawsuits against some landlords and management companies who charge these fees. So what effect will those lawsuits have for the renters who fall victim to this?

In the NoCo’s Brad Turner spoke with Denver Post reporter Elizabeth Hernandez who’s been covering the issue. She’s spoken with dozens of renters who have horror stories about junk fees.

If you believe your landlord has charged you junk fees, you can reach out to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office for help.

This unique program lets military veterans become filmmakers – and learn how to process trauma

KUNC — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

The Patton Veterans Project is a traveling film workshop designed to give veterans who may be suffering from PTSD or depression a communal space to process their trauma.

Vets who participate learn a “narrative therapy” approach to dealing with emotional trauma. Over three days, the vets create a short film about their personal story.

The Patton Veterans Project was created by Benjamin Patton, grandson of the famous World War II General George S. Patton. Earlier this year, Patton and Mike Leeman, the program’s veteran coordinator and former participant, joined ITN's Erin O’Toole to talk about the program.

A selection of films created by participants will be screened from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Lory Student Center on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins.

How Coloradans voted on big cat hunting, ranked-choice voting, and a firearms tax

KUNC — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Tired of hearing about the election? And thinking about the election? We get it.

But before we move on, let’s walk through a few notable decisions that Colorado voters considered this week. Like whether we should ban the hunting of mountain lions and other big cats. And whether sales of guns and ammunition should help pay for mental health services. And a measure that would have transformed how Coloradans vote for candidates.

ITN’s Erin O’Toole spoke with Lucas Brady Woods, KUNC’s politics and elections reporter, to analyze what passed, what failed, and how Colorado voted this election.

Just a reminder that ballots in some contests are still being tabulated. KUNC will continue to provide updates as more election results are announced.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado election roundup: Abortion, same-sex marriage, Lauren Boebert and that slaughterhouse ban

KUNC — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

All eyes were on the Presidential election Tuesday night: Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris.

But there were plenty of important Colorado issues on the ballot, too. Like what the state constitution says about same sex marriage, who should review judges in ethics cases and whether the right to an abortion should be protected.

KUNC’s politics and elections reporter Lucas Brady Woods spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole to discuss some of the most noteworthy issues decided by Colorado voters.

Votes in some ballot measures and races – including the 8th Congressional District race between Democrat Yadira Caraveo and Republican Gabe Evans – were still being tallied late Tuesday when we recorded this episode. It may be a few days before we know the outcomes in some contests. KUNC will continue to provide updates as more results are announced.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

It's Election Day. Here’s how Colorado election officials make voting secure

KUNC — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0700

It's Election Day in Colorado. And along with who wins or loses, something that a lot of people are thinking about today is election security.

After all, elections are complicated: Millions of Colorado voters will fill out and turn in their ballots. And county election officials will gather and tally them – quickly.

On top of that, some recent headlines have called Colorado’s election systems into question. Mesa County officials reported recently that someone stole 12 mail ballots and returned them. And news broke last week that the Colorado Secretary of State’s office accidentally posted some security passwords on their website. State officials say they’ve fixed that problem, and election systems around the state have not been compromised.

Even so, we wanted to look at the steps that make sure your ballot is collected and counted securely. Two county clerks – people whose job is to keep ballots secure – walked us through some of Colorado’s election safeguards.

ITN’s Erin O’Toole spoke with Molly Fitzpatrick, a Democrat from Boulder County, and Carly Koppes, a Republican from Weld County.

* * * * *

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Workers at Rocky Flats helped build America’s nuclear arsenal. A new film digs into memories of the controversial plant

KUNC — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:30:00 -0600

If you visit the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Denver, you see different types of wildlife, miles of hiking and biking trails and acres of rolling prairie.

But you don’t see any trace of the astonishing history of what happened there during the Cold War: The Rocky Flats plant made plutonium triggers for nuclear weapons until it was shuttered in the early 1990s.

The buildings used in processing the plutonium were destroyed and the area was cleaned up under a Superfund site designation. And after a series of sometimes contentious public hearings, the wildlife refuge opened to the public in September 2018.

The film premieres Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Denver Film Festival. Find the complete lineup and schedule for the festival here.

You can watch the film’s trailer here.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

During a natural disaster, not everyone can evacuate. A CU researcher wants to understand why

KUNC — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Evacuating thousands of people during a natural disaster is a lot more complicated than simply telling everyone to move to safety.

A wildfire or tornado in Colorado, or the hurricanes that recently struck the southeast U.S., often hit vulnerable populations especially hard. Elderly folks, people with disabilities, or people who can’t afford to quickly pick up and leave have a more difficult time getting out of harm’s way.

Carson MacPherson-Krutsky is a researcher with the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder. In a new study, Carson laid out what she’s learned about how communication during natural disasters helps save lives – or, in some cases, fails to help. She conducted the study in part because officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wondered why more people didn’t take advantage of shelters it set up during hurricanes.

Carson spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about how she thinks emergency managers should rethink how they warn the public about natural disasters.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Hospitals in Colorado can charge wildly different fees for the same procedure. A new tool offers patients some clarity

KUNC — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Paying for a hospital visit often ends in a guessing game. For example, if you hurt your ankle and need an X-ray, you could pay a few hundred dollars – or nothing at all – depending on which hospital you go to and the deal they’ve negotiated with your insurance company.

That fluctuation in pricing from hospital to hospital is true for many procedures in Colorado.

But some new websites might help consumers find answers. One of them – ColoradoHospitalPrices.com – was developed by a nonprofit to let patients look up price estimates for various procedures and find the best value.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis was so impressed he promoted the site in a press conference last week. He said it’s a first step to creating market pressure that will level out price differentiation.

John Ingold is a health reporter for The Colorado Sun who has been covering this story. He spoke with In the NoCo’s Brad Turner about the these websites and how they could help Coloradans.

Some Colorado schools use facial recognition software to make students safer. Is it also a civil rights violation?

KUNC — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

More school districts across the state are exploring whether to adopt this technology, according to a recent story in the Denver Post. And it's highlighting a conflict between supporters who say it helps make schools safer and opponents who call it a violation of students’ civil rights.

In the NoCo’s Brad Turner talked with Denver Post education reporter Elizabeth Hernadez, who has been covering the subject and spoken with people on all sides of the issue.

An underground fire near Boulder has burned for more than a century. Here’s the plan to finally extinguish it

KUNC — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Crews recently began work to extinguish a blaze that has burned underground for more than a century.

It's happening on Marshall Mesa, south of Boulder in an area popular for hiking. A fire in a coal seam there has been smoldering beneath the surface for years. It's a remnant of a time when coal mining thrived in the area.

Because heat from underground blazes can sometimes set fire to grass and other brush nearby, residents of nearby Superior and Louisville have been more concerned about potential dangers since the Marshall Fire.

So in the weeks ahead, crews from Colorado’s Inactive Mine Reclamation Program will prepare to dig up the combustible material at Marshall Mesa and bring it to the surface. They’ll mix it with cooler dirt to prevent future fires.

Jeff Graves, Director of Colorado’s Inactive Mine Reclamation Program will manage the job. He spoke with In the NoCo’s Brad Turner about how crews will snuff out the blaze.

How to save yourself – or your employees – from overwhelming ‘technostress’ at work, according to a CU researcher

KUNC — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Endless work emails. Slack messages from coworkers. Virtual meetings on Zoom.

If these things boost your anxiety, you're experiencing something called technostress. Technostress can also include anxiety about keeping up with new technologies – or being replaced by them.

It makes employees miserable. And easing technostress at work is an ongoing struggle for employers, especially since technology seems to blur the boundaries between work time and personal time.

Jason Thatcher is a University of Colorado researcher who studies how people do their jobs and use technology in the workplace. He teaches at CU’s Leeds School of Business.

In a recent paper, he argues that the key to reducing tech-related stress is to understand that individual employees will react to different technologies in different ways.

Jason spoke with ITN’s Brad Turner about how you, and your boss, can lower the technostress you encounter at work.

Studying how pythons devour enormous meals may help doctors treat people with heart disease, a CU scientist says

KUNC — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Heart disease causes one out of every five deaths in the United States. Now, a University of Colorado researcher says she’s found promising clues that could help treat it, but the source of her discoveries might make your skin crawl.

Dr. Leslie Leinwand is a professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at CU Boulder. Her insights come from research conducted on a rather unwieldy animal to keep in your laboratory – pythons. Leinwand and her team observe Burmese pythons – snakes that go weeks or months between meals without eating. She has studied pythons for decades and she recently published a new paper on her research.

Erin O’Toole spoke with Lienwand about her research and learned that, while humans and snakes have very different physiologies, the way snakes eat in the wild may inspire new treatments for heart disease and other metabolic conditions in people.

There’s a shortage of veterinary care in Colorado, and it’s affecting pets. A possible solution is on the ballot

KUNC — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado and its pets are suffering from a shortage of veterinarians.

It's leading to long wait times at some clinics. And the Colorado Sun reports that many animal hospitals are so swamped they’re forced to turn away dogs and cats who need care.

On Election Day, Colorado voters will be asked to weigh in on a possible solution. Proposition 129 would create a new class of veterinary workers called a veterinary professional associate, or VPA.

VPAs would require less training than traditional veterinarians to become certified. If voters approve the plan, it could mean Colorado would see more professionals able to treat pets.

To help us understand the proposal, and the arguments for and against, ITN's Brad Turner talked with Jon Geller. He's a retired, Fort Collins-based emergency veterinarian, and a graduate of the school of veterinary medicine at Colorado State University. (He’s also the founder of the Street Dog Coalition, a nonprofit that helps provide pet care for people experiencing homelessness.) Jon has studied the issue but has not taken a stance on Prop 129.

Yes, wildfires can devastate communities – but they can also help strengthen them, this CU researcher says

KUNC — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Wildfires in Colorado rip through communities. They torch homes and disrupt lives.

But wildfires also cause some surprising – maybe even uplifting – things to happen. They make people more resilient. They strengthen the bonds between neighbors. And those stronger connections help people prepare for future emergencies.

That’s according to Lori Peek – a researcher who studies how communities come together during and after natural disasters. Lori is a sociologist and the director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Today, we’re listening back to a recent conversation she had with Erin O’Toole about the surprisingly robust field of study that examines how humans interact during and after a crisis.

A unique program gave a guaranteed income to 800 people experiencing homelessness in Denver. How much did it actually help?

KUNC — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:40:59 -0600

Since early 2023 hundreds of Denver residents experiencing homelessness received a monthly income whether they had a job or were unemployed.

Eight hundred participants received the payment as part of a program called the Denver Basic Income Project. It was a pilot program designed to study whether rates of homelessness decrease when people are given a base-line income. Participants received either $600 a year or $12,000 a year.

The money came from a combination of public and private sources, including $4 million dollars from the office of the Denver Mayor. But the mayor’s office recently announced it plans to end its funding of the project. A spokesperson from the mayor's office pointed to disappointing results documented in a study of the program.

So what were the results – and did the basic income payments help the people who received them?

Erin O’Toole spoke with Katie Calhoun -- an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University -- about the results of the study. She served as a research lead on the project and also advocates for guaranteed basic income. She and a team of researchers at the University of Denver worked with the Denver Basic Income Project to decide what the different levels of income would be for participants. Then her team interviewed recipients on how it affected their lives to receive a guaranteed income.

Correction: An earlier version of this episode misstated the amount of funding the office of Denver’s mayor contributed to the Denver Basic Income Project. The audio has been updated to reflect the correct amount, which is $4 million.

Women traditionally played a key role when a family mourned. A Denver museum offers a unique look at why

KUNC — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Victorian Death Experiences is a Halloween attraction with a historic twist.

“We’re really not focused on having a haunted house, but rather, experiencing some reverence around our understanding of death,” said Cat Jensen, education coordinator for the center.

“Certainly, death, for Victorian women, was a deep and sacred act. Women, regardless of race or class, have long been the arbiters of life and death,” Jensen said.

This is the second year for Victorian Death Experiences. It takes place on selected Thursday and Friday evenings throughout October. Find more information and tickets here.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

As Election Day nears, deepfakes and misinformation are serious threats. Colorado leaders have a plan to respond

KUNC — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Weld County’s Clerk and Recorder Carly Koppes has a noticeable online presence. She posts lots of informational videos around election time telling voters how to cast a ballot or get ready for Election Day.

But here’s something that keeps Koppes -- and a lot of other election officials -- up at night. Artificial intelligence is developing so quickly that a bad actor could take one of Koppes’ videos and convincingly alter her voice, so that it sounds like she’s saying something misleading -- such as giving the wrong hours when polls are open. Koppes and other clerks from Colorado’s 64 counties recently gathered to talk about those scenarios as Election Day approaches.

Koppes spoke with host Erin O’Toole in August to discuss how election officials like her are gearing up to respond to misleading emails, deepfake videos, and social media misinformation. With the election just three weeks away, and ballots showing up in voters’ mailboxes now, we’re listening back to that conversation.

Not sure if your voter registration is up to date? Check it at GoVoteColorado.com:

We discussed Mesa County clerk Tina Peter in this episode. Read more about her sentencing in The Colorado Sun.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Presenting: 'The Colorado Dream: Ending the Hate State'

KUNC — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Today we've got something special for In The NoCo listeners. It's the first episode of "Ending the Hate State," the new season of KUNC's podcast The Colorado Dream.

If you heard our Friday episode of In The NoCo, you already heard Colorado Dream host Stephanie Daniel talk about the new season. This first episode explores a time in the 1990s when Colorado voters refused to protect people from being discriminated against based on their sexuality. It's about civil rights, boycotts, activism and a legal battle that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Stephanie and the other KUNC reporters who make The Colorado Dream dig into recent history and capture how it changed the lives of everyday people here in Colorado.

If you want to hear the upcoming episodes of The Colorado Dream, follow that show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

How Colorado moved forward after being labeled ‘The Hate State’

KUNC — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Nearly three decades ago Colorado was known as The Hate State.

In 1992 Colorado voters passed Amendment 2, which banned anti-discrimination laws meant to protect gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. But the Amendment never went into effect because there was immediate backlash. It was challenged again and again for being unconstitutional, bringing it all the way to the supreme court.

Season 4 of KUNC’s Colorado Dream podcast retraces Colorado’s tumultuous history and evolving relationship with its queer and transgender population.

Stephanie Daniel is the Executive Producer and host for the Colorado Dream. Erin O’Toole spoke with Daniel about the new season, which began earlier this week.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A proposed tax on guns and ammo could fund millions in aid for victims of violent crimes. Will voters back it?

KUNC — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A new tax on sales of guns and ammunition could be used to fund services that help crime victims.

That’s the idea behind a proposal Colorado voters will consider on the November ballot. Proposition KK would add a 6.5 percent excise tax on guns, some parts and accessories, and ammunition. Buyers in Colorado already pay state and local sales taxes on the purchase of firearms and ammunition, and a federal tax of around 10 percent.

It’s a novel approach that its backers say will generate about $39 million dollars a year to fund programs that address some of the harms of gun violence, including mental health support services. But opponents say it will just make it more difficult for law-abiding Coloradans to buy guns.

To learn more about what this tax would do, host Erin O’Toole checked in with Lucas Brady Woods, who covers politics and state government for KUNC.

You can read up on all 14 statewide measures on the November ballot here.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

In Colorado, more officers are using artificial intelligence to write their police reports. Is that a good thing?

KUNC — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

More law enforcement officers in Colorado are using artificial intelligence to create their police reports.

Boulder Police launched a pilot program earlier this year allowing artificial intelligence to help officers generate reports related to minor crimes. A few months later, they expanded the policy to let AI help write police reports for all types of cases. That’s according to a story from Boulder Reporting Lab.

Boulder officers use a new technology called Draft One. Fort Collins police have also been using Draft One since April.

So how reliable is this technology? And will the police reports it generates hold up in court?

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Melissa Inglis, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Oklahoma – who studies how law enforcement uses artificial intelligence programs – to answer those questions.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

There's a doctor shortage in Colorado. UNC's new medical school hopes to address that

KUNC — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Patients in Colorado feel the brunt of a growing healthcare crisis every day. There’s a shortage of primary care doctors and other health care workers in most Colorado counties – and that has an especially big impact on low-income and rural communities.

That physician shortage is projected to get even worse, with roughly a third of doctors in the state aged 60 or older, and nearing retirement – according to a recent report by the American Association of Medical Colleges.

To help boost the number of primary care doctors, a new medical school – just the third one in Colorado – is being built at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. UNC officials celebrated the groundbreaking for the new College of Osteopathic Medicine on September 28. The new school has a price tag of around $200 million, and will eventually graduate 150 new doctors each year when it opens in 2026.

ITN host Erin O’Toole spoke with the founding dean of the new medical school, Dr. Beth Longenecker, back in May when the school was first announced. Today we’re listening back to that conversation.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Meet the man who gave Colorado its own signature chile pepper – and sparked a rivalry with New Mexico

KUNC — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Visit any farmers’ market in Colorado and you’ll see long lines of people waiting to buy produce that’s grown in the state.

And when fall arrives... it’s all about Pueblo chiles. The aroma of those dark green peppers roasting as they spin in large metal tumblers fills the crisp autumn air. People often buy extra bags of them – some to use now, some to freeze for use during the chilly winter months.

But the popularity of those Colorado-grown peppers is a relatively recent phenomenon. Although farmers in Pueblo and other parts of Colorado have been growing different kinds of peppers for decades, Colorado didn’t really have its own signature variety of chile until the early 2000s.

ITN host Erin O’Toole spoke with the now-retired Bartolo to learn more about what makes the Pueblo chile so beloved – and why he thinks green chile is such a source of pride for many Coloradans.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado schools are issuing more out-of-school suspensions. Here’s why that’s troubling – and how to address it

KUNC — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

School districts across Colorado have been suspending kids for problematic behavior at significantly higher rates than before the pandemic.

A recent analysis of data in The Denver Post found that school administrators across Colorado have been issuing out-of-school suspensions 25% more compared to the 2018-2019 school year. Those figures are even higher in Denver public schools, which have seen suspensions jump by 42% in that same time frame.

Many districts with higher suspension rates also struggle to hire school counselors or special education teachers – positions that often help curb problematic behavior.

Research shows certain students are more vulnerable than others to the long-term impacts of out-of-school suspensions or expulsions. A state legislative task force found those punishments tend to disproportionately target students of color or those with disabilities. And analysis from the University of Colorado found that students who attend schools with higher suspension rates are more likely to be incarcerated as adults

So, why is this happening more frequently now? And is there a better strategy?

To learn more, host Erin O’Toole spoke with Dr. Lauren Henry from Children’s Hospital Colorado. Henry is a clinical psychologist who works with both educators and students who struggle with behavior issues.

Read more about how to help children develop active coping skills here.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado cities are growing in population while shrinking their water use. Here’s how they make it work

KUNC — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

In 2002, Colorado saw a turning point for water use. It was the year Front Range cities got serious about how they use water and how to waste less of it.

Luke Runyon is a reporter who specializes in covering water issues for the University of Colorado Boulder’s Water Desk. (You might remember him as the host of KUNC’s Colorado River podcast Thirst Gap.)

In a new story, Runyon looked at how many Colorado cities grew dramatically since 2002 but also shrank their water usage.

Host Erin O’Toole talked with Runyon about how cities achieved water conservation and what they might need to do in the future as populations continue to expand.

What's behind Colorado’s surge in college enrollment? The pandemic, some strategic programs and Deion Sanders

KUNC — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 05:30:00 -0600

More students in Colorado are headed to college. And enrollment numbers at Colorado colleges are climbing faster than predicted.

At the University of Colorado, for example, enrollment grew by 3.5 percent this school year – that's substantially more than the 0.5 percent increase the school’s officials had expected.

So, what’s behind the increase? And how is it changing who’s attending college in Colorado? Spoiler alert: It might involve CU Boulder football coach Deion Sanders.

For answers, host Erin O’Toole checked in with Dr Angie Paccione – Executive Director of Colorado’s Department of Higher Education.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Looking to shrink your carbon footprint? A Fort Collins scientist says start with your grocery list

KUNC — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

If you want to feel empowered to reduce your carbon footprint and fight climate change, the meals you plan, and the ingredients you buy, may be a great place to make some changes.

That’s a central point in a new book by Mark Easter. He’s a retired ecologist in Fort Collins who studies the carbon footprint of the food we eat.

In his book, titled The Blue Plate: A Food Lovers Guide to Climate Chaos, Easter walks readers through the typical ingredients in a home cooked dinner, like steak, potatoes, and fruit pie. Then he explains the carbon footprint of each ingredient, and how to reduce that footprint by making smarter purchases at the grocery store. Mark shares his research from places like orchards and feedlots.

Mark will talk about his book at several upcoming events in Colorado:
Sept 27, 6:30 p.m.: Foothills Unitarian Church, Fort Collins

Oct. 3, 7 p.m.: Patagonia, Boulder

Oct. 8, 6 p.m.: Tattered Cover (Colfax), Denver

Brad Turner talked with Mark Easter about his new book, which was published this month.

A powerful Fort Collins art show highlights the words and portraits of immigrants in Northern Colorado

KUNC — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Shared experiences that echo across different cultures... and the unique perspectives that people from different places bring to our community.

An art show on display in Fort Collins explores those ideas through poems, letters and portraits of immigrants living in Northern Colorado.

Curator Brigid McAuliffe collected images and writings from people representing thirty-eight countries for two projects that make up the show. Querida Familia features members of families from Mexico who now live in Fort Collins who wrote letters and recollections prompted by photos of significant moments in their lives. And in Hyphens & Hemispheres: The Places We Come From, participants created poems reflecting how they have been shaped by where they’re from.

The dual exhibit marks the latest installment of Picture Me Here – a series of art and storytelling programs focused on immigrants and refugees, that started in 2012. McAuliffe says this show feels especially timely, as the topic of illegal immigration drives political debate during a presidential election year.

Host Erin O’Toole visited the gallery at the Carnegie Center for Creativity, to talk with McAuliffe and two contributors to the exhibit – Diana Castro and Rookhan Sherzad.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. It runs through September 29.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Is it ‘ballot box biology’ – or do Colorado’s mountain lions really need protection from hunting?

KUNC — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A measure on Colorado’s ballot this November asks voters to choose whether wildcat hunting in the state should be banned.

Supporters of the initiative point to what they say are cruel hunting practices, like using large teams of dogs to chase mountain lions up trees to then be shot and killed. Supporters also say the initiative would eliminate unethical “trophy hunting” – meaning hunting for sport without making use of the meat.

Opponents say a hunting ban would cause mountain lion populations to explode in the state – and that could devastate deer and elk herds, or lead to more livestock being killed or maimed.

So how badly do Colorado’s big cats need the protections being proposed here?

Host Erin O’Toole sat down with Denver Post reporter Elise Schmelzer who covers this issue. They discussed the reason this proposal is going before voters, what it might accomplish, and how it might affect Colorado’s mountain lion population.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

After guilty verdicts – and 10 life sentences – in Boulder’s mass shooting trial, a victim’s daughter looks back

KUNC — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600

A Boulder County jury reached a verdict Monday afternoon: They found the man who killed ten people in a mass shooting at a Boulder King Soopers guilty on all counts. That includes 10 counts of first-degree murder and 45 additional charges.

At sentencing later that day, the judge overseeing the trial issued 10 consecutive life sentences, among other penalties.

The verdict comes three and a half years after the shooting on March 22, 2021. And it followed long debates over whether the shooter was mentally competent to stand trial.

For the victims’ families, Monday was a milestone. Erika Mahoney lost her dad, 61-year-old Kevin Mahoney, in the shooting. Erika sat in court for most of the trial. She joined host Erin O’Toole shortly after the verdict was read to share reflections on the court proceedings, as well as the mass shooting that shocked the community.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Aspen trees could be a colorful addition to your yard – but experts say you’ll probably regret it

KUNC — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Fall begins Sunday – which means leaf-peeping season is here in Colorado. Soon the mountains will fill with people looking to drink in the glorious sight of all those orange and gold aspen leaves that cover the hillsides.

And you can bet that quite a few of those tourists will look at those vibrant aspen trees and wonder why they can't just plant one in their own yard. Experts with Colorado State University Extension say “how to plant an aspen at home” is one of the most commonly asked questions they get from the public.

"I think aspens have a special way of evoking strong memories of going to the mountains and looking at leaves,” says CSU Extension horticulture specialist John Murgel. “So it's a way to bring those experiences and those memories closer to home.”

Unfortunately, Murgel says that although the aspen is a uniquely beautiful tree, it may be a lousy choice for your landscape. He joined ITN host Erin O’Toole to discuss the science behind that.

If you’re looking to plant a tree this fall or in the spring, Murgel mentioned several alternatives to aspen – including the American Hornbeam and the Rocky Mountain maple. Here are a few more suggested varieties and a helpful guide to planting from the horticulture desk at CSU Extension.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Nearly 1 in 4 college students have limited access to nutritious food. Colorado schools have ideas to fix that

KUNC — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The college experience can seem like a carefree time, filled with social activities, weekend football games... and, of course, the occasional visit to the library or an all-night study session.

But reality paints a very different picture for many students.

Federal data shows that nearly a quarter of the nation’s college students struggle with getting enough nutritious food. That’s 3.8 million students, including thousands in Colorado. And being hungry makes it harder to focus on academics.

In response, most of Colorado’s colleges and universities maintain food pantries, mobile markets, and other services to help students who struggle to pay for food.

So how do these pantries and mobile markets make a difference for students who struggle to pay their bills – especially at a moment when inflation has driven food prices up ... and as state officials want to make college more accessible to students from different income levels?

Jason Gonzales, who covers higher education for Chalkbeat Colorado, wrote about this after spending time at one of these mobile markets. He talked with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about what he learned.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Many kids born during the pandemic behave differently in the classroom. Here’s how Colorado educators are responding

KUNC — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Kids who were babies or toddlers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic... are now preschoolers and kindergarteners in Colorado classrooms. And experts see signs that the pandemic changed their behavior compared to older children.

A recent round of data from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood seems to confirm that more kids now show signs of developmental delays. Behavior patterns like struggling to communicate or having emotional outbursts can often be a sign of those delays. And they can create extra challenges for families and educators.

Ann Schimke covers early childhood education for Chalkbeat Colorado. She’s been following this story for Chalkbeat, and reporting on how educators are helping kids adjust to preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

Stress can be quietly devastating for farmers and ranchers. The new documentary ‘Legacy’ looks at how to fix that

KUNC — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Being a farmer or rancher in Colorado means living with uncertainty on a daily basis. Hailstorms, drought and insects can wipe out an entire season of crops. Diseases and predators can devastate livestock without warning.

And then there are other pressures, like holding onto a farm or ranch that’s been in the family for generations so it can be passed on to future family members. Experts say these stresses add up to an almost silent mental health crisis for the agriculture community.

A new documentary film that explores this crisis will screen this weekend at the Breckenridge Film Festival. Legacy shares the stories of several Colorado farmers and ranchers who speak openly about the toll their livelihood can take on their mental health, and why they often struggle to ask for help.

Director Steve Vanderheide joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about the project – and how training more mental health professionals to work with patients in rural areas is crucial.

Legacy screens Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Breckenridge Film Festival. You can find the full schedule here.

Find more information about the Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program (CAAMHP) at campforhealth.org.

Armando Silva’s vibrant murals adorn walls across Colorado. He hopes a new festival will inspire more outdoor art

KUNC — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Greeley artist Armando Silva paints some of the most prominent artwork along Colorado’s Front Range. His vibrant, expressive murals depict sugar beet workers who helped establish Fort Collins ... or a steer to honor the Greeley Stampede.

And he’s working to create a space for more artists to create more murals. He’s part of the team launching WeldWalls, a brand-new mural festival in Greeley that launches next week.

That got us curious about how he hopes to grow the public arts scene in Colorado – and how he got started painting murals in the first place. Armando joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about his unique career, and what he hopes this new outdoor art festival will bring to Northern Colorado's arts community.

WeldWalls mural festival takes place September 17 – 21 in Greeley. Full schedule here.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Aurora, gangs and immigration: The facts are more nuanced than you may have heard

KUNC — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

If you follow national news, you might think the biggest story in Colorado right now is centered on an Aurora apartment complex that was reportedly overtaken by an armed group of Venezuelan gang members. If you watched the presidential debate this week, you likely heard former president Donald Trump mention that gangs had “taken over” the city.

Many right-leaning media outlets across the country have reported, without proof, that armed members of the Tren de Aragua gang had driven out the apartments’ property managers and were running the community through intimidation and violence. Conflicting statements from city officials and the Aurora police only added to the confusion. The whole viral story has become a flashpoint for the immigration debate during this presidential election year.

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown suspected there might be more to the story. She spoke with tenants at the complex as well as Aurora city leaders... and she found the situation is actually more nuanced. And while the apartments do have serious problems, being run by gang members doesn’t seem to be one of them.

She joined ITN host Erin O’Toole to walk us through what she learned.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Think wildfires and hailstorms are raising the cost of home insurance? Technology may be the bigger culprit

KUNC — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Homeowners in Colorado have been watching their insurance costs increase at rates faster than the national average. On average, they pay more to insure their homes than homeowners in other states – about $1,700 more, according to recent figures. You might hear that and assume it’s because wildfires and hailstorms cause more destruction in Colorado, and climate change seems to be making it worse.

But that’s only part of the story. The Denver Post reported recently that insurance companies are changing the way they decide how risky it is to insure a home – and to determine what its owners should pay for insurance. Boulder Reporting Lab reported that homeowners in the Boulder area are seeing skyrocketing rates, or being dropped, even if they don’t live in mountainous areas that are more prone to wildfire.

Amy Bach is executive director of United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group. She has been critical of how insurance companies use this new information. Bach says that traditionally, insurers might look at some straightforward details to decide whether to insure your home.

Now, companies are using technology to look at other factors like slope and vegetation data that they collect from aerial images. And the reams of data they are collecting often lead to higher rates for homeowners – and to more homes being deemed uninsurable.

ITN host Erin O’Toole spoke with Bach to learn more about why this is happening, and what consumers can do about it.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Cities like Boulder may have too many parking spaces. Here’s why that's a problem

KUNC — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Officials in the city of Boulder say they have a problem: too many parking spaces.

Some transportation experts believe having too many empty spots is a waste of space, especially considering some of that space could be used for housing, retail, or a park. By some estimates, Boulder has twice as many parking spots as it needs.

Some city leaders say that’s a missed opportunity in a city that struggles to make space for attainable housing. In fact, several Colorado cities are wrestling with this issue now.

Host Erin O’Toole sat down with Boulder City Council member Ryan Schuchard to discuss why Boulder and other Front Range cities are considering eliminating minimum parking requirements for developers.

Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!
Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A forgotten hero of Colorado barbecue history is about to get some overdue recognition

KUNC — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

But even among hardcore barbecue fans, very few people know his name. And his legacy wasn’t always well cared for. In 1923, Hill was buried in Denver without a headstone... until now.

Denver author and barbecue historian Adrian Miller is something of an expert on Columbus B. Hill. He championed Hill’s induction into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame last year. And this Saturday, he’ll honor Hill with a memorial at his burial site in Denver’s historic Riverside Cemetery.

Adrian Miller joined ITN’s Erin O’Toole to share the story of the “best barbecue man in the West.”

All are welcome at the dedication of the headstone, at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. And – to truly celebrate the legacy and spirit of Columbus B. Hill – Miller will serve up a barbecue dinner to those who attend the ceremony.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How a 100-mile run became a ‘lifeline’ for a Colorado athlete who struggles with depression

KUNC — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Drew Petersen’s career has been marked by extremes. As a professional skier, the Silverthorne native made a living carving turns on some of the toughest terrain in the world. But in recent years, he’s spoken openly, and made two films, about a different part of his life: his struggle with mental health and severe depression, which dates back to his childhood.

In his new film, Feel It All, Drew takes on another daunting challenge: running the Leadville Trail 100 – a grueling, 100-mile ultramarathon in Colorado’s high country. Drew weaves his story of training for and completing the race with thoughts on his own internal struggles. He says he hopes the film helps change the culture around mental health in mountain communities.

He spoke with ITN’s Erin O’Toole about his journey... and how preparing for the ultramarathon felt like a lifeline to him.

The film plays this Friday at the Winter Park Film Festival, and at several other festivals. Find a list of upcoming screenings here. Or watch the film on YouTube here.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado’s GOP leadership is divided, and the timing couldn’t be worse. How did this happen?

KUNC — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado's Republican Party is torn between people claiming to be chairman at the state level. And it's splitting the party leadership into two factions at a critical time. It’s a presidential election year, and a moment when the party is working to regain some of the seats they’ve lost at the state level.

The leadership of the state GOP recently voted out their chairman, Dave Williams, and installed a new chair named Eli Bremer. But Williams and his supporters says the vote was illegitimate, and he’s still chairman. Williams was reaffirmed at a second meeting held last weekend.

When something like this happens to one of the two major parties in the state it makes us wonder: how did we get here? ITN host Erin O’Toole talks with KUNC’s statehouse reporter Lucas Brady Woods to learn more.

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Four-day school weeks are the norm in many parts of Colorado. But do they set up students for failure?

KUNC — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Since the 1980s, a growing number of Colorado school districts have adopted a four-day schedule. Currently, about one in seven K-12 public school students in Colorado attends class four days a week rather than five – primarily those in smaller, rural school districts. These districts often have smaller budgets than schools along the Front Range and in mountain towns. And researchers say the four-day schedule is often used as an incentive to attract and retain teachers when the district can’t offer a more competitive salary.

But a new report from the Keystone Policy Center says the four-day school week may have negative impacts on student achievement. On top of that, it doesn’t appear to be effective in the goal of recruiting and keeping teachers.

Keystone senior policy director Van Schoales helped research and write the report, titled “Doing Less with Less.” He spoke with host Erin O’Toole about what they learned – and what they recommend for districts considering this in the future.

Keystone Policy Center, in conjunction with The Colorado Sun, created an interactive data map to accompany the report.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Love Palisade Peaches? Here's what makes them delicious, according to science

KUNC — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The Palisade peach might be one of Colorado's best-kept secrets.

Those grocery store peaches from California or Georgia are perfectly fine. But a good peach from Western Colorado is often juicier, sweeter and bigger than its out-of-state competition.

As peach season winds down for the year, the In The NoCo team wanted to find out: What makes the Palisade peach such a singular treat?

It turns out, much of it has to do with the microclimate in Palisade and other fruit-growing areas of Colorado’s Western Slope.

“Oftentimes we don’t have those massive temperature swings like you do over in the Front Range,” says Jeff Pieper. He’s a commercial horticulture specialist with Colorado State University Extension who helps growers in Palisade with everything from irrigation advice to dealing with insects.

He shared some of the science behind what makes Palisade peaches such sought-after Colorado produce with ITN host Erin O’Toole.

Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Tourists are flocking to Colorado’s busiest national forest. Can this mountain ‘playground’ be protected from overuse?

KUNC — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The Colorado Tourism Office recently published a report outlining the economic benefits of travel in different regions around Colorado. And the numbers show that tourism is growing.

The report labeled one region the ‘Rockies Playground’ – that's an area that includes parts of Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin counties. And visitor spending in that region grew by about 50 percent between 2013 and 2023.

But that surge in visitors -- and the ‘playground’ label from the tourism office -- caught the attention of Scott Fitzwilliams. He’s the supervisor of the White River National Forest, the most visited national forest in the country, which includes land near Breckenridge, Aspen and Vail.

Fitzwilliams joined host Erin O’Toole to discuss how this surge in tourism signals a moment where Coloradans need to decide: What’s the right balance between treating public lands as a playground, or as places that need to be protected?

Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org
Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!
Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

If deepfakes and other misinformation target Colorado voters, election officials have a plan to respond

KUNC — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

But here’s something that keeps Koppes -- and a lot of other election officials -- up at night. Artificial intelligence is developing so quickly that a bad actor could take one of those videos and convincingly alter her voice, so that it sounds like she’s saying something misleading... such as giving the wrong hours when polls are open.

Koppes and other clerks from Colorado’s 64 counties recently gathered to talk about those scenarios that give them nightmares as the November election approaches. She joined host Erin O’Toole to discuss how election officials like her are gearing up to respond to misleading emails, deepfake videos, and other social media misinformation.

Not sure if your voter registration is up to date? Check it at GoVoteColorado.com:

Read more about Mesa County clerk Tina Peters’ verdict in The Colorado Sun.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Can surviving a wildfire actually make a community stronger? This researcher says yes

KUNC — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Wildfires, like the ones that hit Colorado’s Front Range this summer, rip through communities. They torch homes and disrupt lives.

But wildfires can also cause some surprising -- even uplifting -- things to happen. They strengthen the bonds between neighbors. They make people more resilient. And those stronger connections help people prepare for future emergencies. In fact, there’s a whole field of study that examines and documents those silver linings after a disaster.

Lori Peek is a professor of sociology and the director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder. She joined ITN host Erin O’Toole to discuss how communities come together during and after natural disasters.

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Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A new podcast unearths Colorado’s forgotten uranium ‘Boom Town’

KUNC — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

On Colorado’s Western Slope a single sign represents a mining town that was once there. The town helped provide the uranium in the first atomic bomb. The town was called Uravan.

Journalist Alec Cowan has long been fascinated by stories of Uravan. Cowan grew up in nearby Grand Junction and remembers hearing urban legends about Uravan. Officials closed and buried the town in the 1980s due to radiation concerns.

Cowan set out to record interviews with former residents of Uravan, and recently turned his research into a six-part podcast series. It's called Boom Town: A Uranium Story.

In The NoCo’s Brad Turner talked with Cowan to hear about this largely forgotten corner of Colorado.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

A powerful new technology could transform search and rescue in Colorado’s mountains (Best of ITN)

KUNC — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

In Colorado, there are approximately 3,000 search and rescue incidents each year, according to the state's Search and Rescue Association. And when someone goes missing in the backcountry, every hour counts.

Heat, dehydration and exposure to the elements make a person's survival less likely as time ticks by. Rescuers in our state also deal with rugged mountains, steep canyons, dense tree cover, and extreme temperatures at high elevations. All this makes it more difficult to locate someone quickly.

But new technology could give search and rescue teams a powerful new tool.

It's called Lifeseeker – and it effectively turns a helicopter into a moving cell phone tower, able to detect a missing hiker’s mobile phone. A Durango-based company, Colorado Highland Helicopters, is testing the new technology as it seeks FCC approval in the United States.

Dr. Tim Durkin coordinates search and rescue programs for them. He joined host Erin O'Toole in June to explain how Lifeseeker works, and the potential impact it could have in Colorado. We're listening back to that conversation today.

*Note: This is an encore of our podcast that originally ran on June 18, 2024.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

This technology could save bicyclists’ lives. So why isn’t it mandatory?

KUNC — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A year ago last summer, a young bicyclist named Magnus White was struck and killed by a driver on Highway 119 near Boulder. A memorial ride for Magnus earlier this month drew more than 2,000 participants, with hundreds more joining virtually.

His parents spoke to the crowd and called for measures that would make roads safer for cyclists – including better bike lanes and stiffer penalties for careless driving.

And they also called for a more unusual measure: a federal requirement that all new vehicles be equipped by the year 2029 with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems that can sense bicycles. For example, if your car drifts into the shoulder where a bicyclist is riding, the car would automatically brake or be nudged back into its lane.

Data shows roads across the U.S. are becoming more dangerous for cyclists. In 2022, just over 1,100 pedalcyclists were killed in vehicle crashes – an increase of about 13% over the previous year, and more than 46,000 were injured. Here in Colorado, 20 traffic-related cyclist fatalities were recorded in 2023 – a 33% increase over 2022.

All of this got us wondering – how well do advanced safety systems like AEB or V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) work? And how feasible are they right now?

We reached out to Bryan Reimer with the Center for Transportation and Logistics at MIT to learn more. He researches driver behavior, and how humans interact with automatic braking systems and other advanced vehicle technologies.

Reimer spoke with host Erin O’Toole about the potential for this new technology, and its limitations.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio

It’s a brutal year for grasshoppers in Colorado. Here’s why – and how to deal with them

KUNC — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Grasshoppers are everywhere along Colorado's Front Range right now. They blanket the sidewalks and lawns – which makes them a pest. But they also devastate crops, which makes them a real problem for farmers.

Our friends at the Colorado State University Extension run a sort of hotline for folks with questions about gardening and lawncare. They confirmed that this is an extraordinary summer: They say grasshopper-related calls are up 600 percent in recent weeks as dozens of people call in with their hopper-related concerns.

Host Erin O’Toole got some explanation about why grasshoppers are so bad this year – and what to do about it – from Karim Gharbi, a horticulture expert and entomologist with the CSU Extension.

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Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What this CSU scientist found beneath Antarctica could offer new clues about climate change

KUNC — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A team of scientists, including a CSU seismologist, recently spent years peering beneath the largest mass of ice on Earth.

The unique study yielded fascinating insights about the relationship between the massive glaciers that cover much of Antarctica’s surface, and the ground underneath the ice. And the findings may help scientists better predict how climate change will affect sea level in the decades ahead.

Researchers discovered that the rock beneath Antarctica’s ice sheets actually rises and sinks under the weight of the continent’s glaciers. That geologic movement will likely affect how much sea level rises as the planet warms in the decades ahead.

Dr. Rick Aster, a professor of geophysics and the head of the Department of Geosciences at Colorado State University, gathered seismological data from underneath the continent’s surface. The results were published earlier this month in the journal Science Advances.

Aster joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about what his team discovered.

You can read more about the project here. And for fun -- check out this poem inspired by the team’s research.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How artist R. Alan Brooks uses comics and graphic novels to dissect culture and politics

KUNC — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

If you read the Colorado Sun, you might be familiar with the comic strip called ‘What’d I Miss?’ It follows conversations between Ossie – a young Black man – and Myra – an older white woman – who has awakened from a long coma.

Together they struggle to understand modern day politics and culture. Ossie and Myra talk about issues like artificial intelligence, disinformation on social media and more recently, the attempted assassination of Former President Donald Trump.

‘What’d I Miss?’ is written by Denver resident R. Alan Brooks. He also writes graphic novels and teaches graphic novel writing at Regis University. This weekend, he will be a featured guest at Fort Collins Comic Con.

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Brooks to talk about his work and life in comics.

Divorce and single motherhood are funnier than you think. Just ask comedian Stephanie Sprenger

KUNC — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Comedian and writer Stephanie Sprenger bares all in her comedy.

Through her standup, the Arvada resident broaches subjects that might make people blush -- but are very real portrayals of life as a middle-aged single mom. She jokes about topics like menopause, potty breaks and divorce.

Stephanie is part of a group of four comedians and four storytellers performing this Thursday in Lafayette at an event called “Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back.”

She spoke with host Erin O’Toole about what inspires her comedy and how she came to standup relatively late in life.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Could a tax on empty homes help solve housing shortages in Colorado’s mountain towns?

KUNC — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

As much as 40 percent of the homes in some Colorado mountain resorts sit unoccupied for much of the year. And housing is in such short supply in communities like Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs that many workers find themselves living in hotels, rather than a house or apartment.

Leaders in a coalition of ski towns called the Colorado Association of Ski Towns, or CAST, are asking lawmakers for a new tool to address the housing shortage. They want the ability to discourage those homeowners, who let their properties sit empty, from doing so.

And one way they might do that is by taxing those unoccupied homes.

Revenue from those taxes could then fund affordable housing programs and cut down on vacant homes.

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins, who has been covering this story.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Breaking is about to make its Olympic debut. This CU instructor is watching with pride

KUNC — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The 2024 Olympics are underway in Paris. And for the first time, breaking is an official part of the Games.

Breaking (or breakdancing as it’s sometimes called) originated in the Bronx during the 1970s, growing within the larger spectrum of hip-hop culture. But it’s more than just the music, the rhythms, and the athletic, visually stunning moves. There's a deep history and culture that surrounds the art - and sport - of breaking.

Rennie Harris is an artist-in-residence at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he’s the co-director of Hip-hop Studies. He spoke with host Erin O’Toole about what makes breaking such a unique and dynamic art form... and about what to watch for when 32 B-boys and B-girls from around the globe compete for Olympic gold.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Five days battling a wildfire in Lyons: A fire chief's perspective

KUNC — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Coloradans in recent weeks have seen a barrage of evacuation notices and news updates about four major wildfires along the Front Range. Beyond the ever–changing tallies of acres burned or the latest containment numbers, we wanted to see a wildfire from a fire chief’s perspective – from the first visible plumes of smoke, to when evacuees return home.

Rob Stumpf leads the Lyons Fire Protection District. He and more than 200 firefighters spent days working to contain the Stone Canyon fire near Lyons. That blaze, which sparked on July 30, triggered evacuations, burned five structures and is linked to one death. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation. On Sunday, crews announced they had fully contained the blaze.

Stumpf has worked on many wildfires in his 27 years as a firefighter. And while the temperatures were brutal, he noted the unusual terrain was a large part of what made the Stone Canyon Fire so dangerous. He spoke with host Erin O’Toole by phone from the firehouse in Lyons.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado is investing in geothermal. Here’s why

KUNC — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Geothermal is having a moment in the spotlight. It hasn’t gotten the attention that wind and solar have as the ‘powerhouses’ of Colorado’s electric grid. But energy officials say it’s time for the state to start building up other sources – including tapping the heat that’s under our feet.

The state is offering grants and tax credits to support research into new geothermal projects, with the goal of bringing some small- and large-scale projects online in the coming years. Some projects already underway, such as the geothermal system at Colorado Mesa University, are expanding.

With all this activity happening, we wanted to understand more about why geothermal has the potential to help reduce energy costs and stabilize the electric grid.

Will Toor is Executive Director of the Colorado Energy Office, which oversees the state’s geothermal energy grant program. He spoke with host Erin O’Toole about why the state is upping its investments in this renewable energy source.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Urban fires do more than burn structures. They leave a mark in our waterways

KUNC — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Four major wildfires burned along the front range in the last week. One person reportedly died in the Stone Canyon Fire. Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes and dozens of structures were lost in the four fires.

While fire is a normal part of the ecosystem of the mountain west, fires that push into urban areas are destructive to those landscapes. The effects of urban fires, known as urban conflagrations, can have long-term effects on our waterways' local ecology.

Host Stephanie Daniel speaks with Dr Lauren Magliozzi, PhD candidate in the University of Colorado Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research and Civil and Environmental Engineering. They discuss what we should be looking for in the water after a major wildfire.

Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.orgLike what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!
Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot SessionsIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Colorado’s newest fire prevention employee is cute, furry, and has a terrific nose

KUNC — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Ash is a cute yellow lab with a very big job.

She is Colorado’s newest employee in the Division of Fire Prevention & Control. Ash started on July 1 as the Division’s newest accelerant detector tool -- meaning she can sniff out if something suspicious was used to start a fire. Her powerful nose can help determine a fire’s cause, often more effectively than a mechanical device. And right now, she’s the sole canine detection tool for the entire state’s fire prevention division.

Host Erin O’Toole sat in on a training session and sat down to talk with Ash’s handler, Matt Morgan, who is also a fire investigator with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. They discussed Ash’s training, her apt ability for detecting scents, and her role as a therapy dog for fire victims.

Could an exclusive new development near Steamboat Springs open the door to more private skiing in Colorado?

KUNC — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado is home to world class skiing, with dozens of public resorts open to skiers of all levels -- and incomes. Private ski resorts – which tend to cater to the ultra-wealthy – are practically nonexistent here.

But a newly proposed private resort could add to Colorado’s short list.

Stagecoach Mountain Ranch would create an exclusive enclave of multi-million dollar luxury homes in Routt County. The area, near Steamboat Springs, was once home to a small ski area back in the 1970s. Now, an Arizona-based developer wants to turn those 6,600 acres into a private ski area and golf course. This concerns some nearby residents, who worry the project will change the nature of their quiet community.

Host Erin O’Toole spoke with Jason Blevins, who covers the ski industry and the outdoors for The Colorado Sun. They discussed the history of private resorts in the West and whether this development might open the floodgates for more of these private ski areas in Colorado.

Jason mentioned ghost ski areas across Colorado. Read more here.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Architects used ‘trauma-informed design’ to reimagine a Denver youth shelter

KUNC — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Architecture can provoke a powerful emotional response in us. Perhaps you've stopped on a sidewalk to stare up in wonder at a massive skyscraper... or stepped inside a beautifully designed building and felt a sense of peace or inspiration.

But the reaction to a building isn’t always positive -- particularly for people who have experienced trauma. Buildings that resemble schools, hospitals, or jails – can make a person feel helpless or anxious.

A relatively new movement in architecture considers this throughout the creation process. ‘Trauma-informed’ design thoughtfully incorporates elements that help people feel welcomed and safe. And it’s a key component in a new youth shelter opened by Denver nonprofit Urban Peak.

The ‘Mothership,’ as it’s called, will serve young people between the ages of 12 and 24 experiencing homelessness. The 136-bed facility offers not only a place to sleep, but supportive amenities like a garden, computer lab, and a full-service kitchen that will offer cooking lessons. And the building itself is designed to help its residents feel empowered.

Chad Holtzinger is the founder of Shopworks Architecture, the firm behind the facility’s innovative design. He joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about the roughly $38 million project -- which is set to start welcoming youth in early to mid- August.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why “mortgage handcuffs” are hurting Colorado’s housing market

KUNC — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Many people in Colorado bought homes or refinanced during the pandemic, when interest rates were at historic lows. Now, they feel trapped by that low mortgage rate. They might want to sell and move, but can’t afford to buy elsewhere, with interest rates at much higher levels than four years ago.

The problem has been dubbed 'mortgage handcuffs.'

This dilemma isn’t unique to Colorado, but it appears the problem is worse here than in any other state in the country, according to a recent article in the Denver Post.

Host Erin O’Toole sat down with Libby Levinson-Katz - chair of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors market trends committee, and a realtor with Kentwood Real Estate out of Denver - to explain how we got here and where we might be headed.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

This beetle is a voracious, unwelcome invader – and its range is growing

KUNC — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Of all the insects that could turn up in your yard, the Japanese beetle is one of the nastiest.

Its larvae chew up the roots of your grass, while the mature version of the beetle eats just about every plant in your yard. And worst of all, it’s tough to eradicate.

Japanese beetles are an invasive species that turned up across Colorado’s Front Range in the early 2000s. Recently, a new infestation appeared in the Grand Valley, which has peach growers in Palisade worried.

Host Erin O’Toole talks with Whitney Cranshaw, a retired insect expert with Colorado State University Extension, about how to contain outbreaks like this one.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Cave crawl leads to a Colorado family’s discovery of a tiny, new scorpion-like species

KUNC — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science recently made an exciting announcement: A new species of cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion had been discovered in the foothills outside Boulder. Researchers named it Larca boulderica – a nod to the city of Boulder – and say the only place on the planet where you’ll find it is in just two caves near the Boulder Flatirons.

We reached out to David Steinmann, the research associate with the Museum of Nature and Science who found the new species. We thought he’d want to talk about his once-in-a- lifetime discovery. Instead, he told us that for him, it wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime event at all. In fact, he kind of specializes in hunting for new species, and thinks he’s found at least fifty of them. He attributes that to his family's lifelong love of exploring caves to search for tiny creatures.

Steinmann joined host Erin O’Toole to talk about his unusual work... what exactly a pseudoscorpion is... and whether we should have nightmares about them.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Feeling overwhelmed by all these heat and air quality alerts? Here’s what you need to know

KUNC — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

You might be getting lots of push notifications this summer – from ozone action day alerts and air quality alerts, to heat and wildfire smoke advisories.

So far this summer, we've seen more than 25 days with highs over 90 degrees. And federal air quality regulators say Front Range cities have racked up multiple ozone violations this year, according to the Colorado Sun.

But how do you know which alerts to pay attention to, and what to do when you get them?

In today’s episode host Erin O’Toole talks with Kaiser Permanente Community Health Consultant Lisa Romero about whether you should change your plans, and how to stay healthy this time of year.

Doulas are now covered under Colorado’s Medicaid program. What does this mean for parents and babies in the state?

KUNC — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A new Colorado law that took effect on July 1st ensures that pregnant people on Medicaid will have access to doula services. Doulas can offer support and advice before, during, and after birth that complements a doctor’s guidance.

Joy Twesigye is a trained women’s health nurse practitioner and says this new law could make a huge difference for people on Medicaid. Lower-income patients who rely on Medicaid coverage often have the most to gain by working with a doula.

Joy Twesigye is vice president of health systems integration at Colorado Access, a nonprofit that works for better healthcare for marginalized populations.

Cities across the Front Range have a secret weapon to prevent wildfires: A herd of 300 goats

KUNC — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Two years ago, Jordan Sarazen lived a comfortable, perhaps even mundane life, working in an office as a financial planner.

Then one day, he decided to make a change. He set out to fulfill a dream of managing a goat herd and renting their services to landowners. Today, Jordan and his wife Toni own 300 goats, and a company called Goat Bros.

They travel around the Front Range and let the herd graze on vegetation for cities like Longmont, Northglenn, and Superior. And the goats provide a form of wildfire prevention by clearing out weeds and dense brush growth from open space land.

Using goats to clear out dry vegetation isn’t a new idea in Colorado, but its popularity has picked up in recent years, including after the 2021 Marshall Fire burned through neighborhoods in Boulder County.

The Sarazens live in a fifth-wheel camper that they park near where the herd is grazing. Jordan spoke with ITN host Erin O’Toole from a grazing spot near Superior.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

How a $70 million deal in Northwest Colorado creates a blueprint for future coal plant closures

KUNC — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

$70 million is the amount a utility company will pay to a community in Northwestern Colorado when it shuts down a coal plant that drives a large part of the local economy.

Tri-State Energy plans to close its coal-fired power station, and all three coal mines, in Craig by 2028. The closure comes as Colorado moves to do away with coal-fired power and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The $70 million payment to Craig and Moffat County sets a precedent. It’s the first time a utility company that closes a coal plant will pay money to address the hole that’s left behind in the local economy.

Host Erin O’Toole talked with Eli Pace, editor of the Steamboat Pilot & Today and the Craig Press, about how the settlement come together. He’s been covering the settlement and talked about how it creates a blueprint for Colorado communities facing similar shutdowns.

The 1955 bombing of a Denver flight has gone largely forgotten. A Colorado group wants a memorial

KUNC — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

On November 1, 1955, a man planted a bomb aboard a United Airlines plane shortly before it departed from Denver. The plane exploded in midflight over beet fields in Weld County, killing all 44 people aboard. It was a mass murder that grabbed headlines across the country. And viewers saw footage of the trial on TV – which was unusual then.

If you've never heard of this crime, though, you're hardly alone. There's no marker at the site of the crash, near what is now Firestone.

A local nonprofit group hopes to change that. The Flight 629 Memorial Committee wants to create a memorial to honor the lives lost in the tragedy, as well as the nearby residents who turned up to try to search for survivors. They hope to complete it before the 70th anniversary, which will happen in 2025.

Andrew J. Field is a retired Staff Attorney for the Colorado Supreme Court, where he specialized in criminal law. He’s the author of Mainliner Denver: The Bombing of Flight 629. He spoke with host Erin O’Toole about the bombing and its legacy for modern air travel.

The Flight 629 Memorial Committee plans to hold a number of fundraising events leading up to the 70th anniversary, including a concert at the Rialto Theater in Loveland on August 3. Read more in the Greeley Tribune here.

Donations can be made to the committee’s GoFundMe page.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why a Boulder group wants to turn the city’s airport into an affordable neighborhood

KUNC — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Boulder, like many cities in Colorado, has an ongoing shortage of housing for the middle class – which means many people who work in Boulder can’t afford to live there.

One local group is proposing an unconventional solution: They want to decommission Boulder’s municipal airport and turn that city-owned land into a neighborhood with around 2,000 homes. At least half of those homes would be designated affordable.

That group, the Airport Neighborhood Campaign, organized the two initiatives that, if approved, would put this plan into action. They’ve collected enough signatures to place them on the November ballot, although the idea faces opposition from organizations like the Boulder Chamber.

Laura Kaplan, one of the group’s organizers, sat down with host Erin O’Toole to discuss what they want to accomplish by repurposing the municipal airport.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Hop on board with the quirky history of the Fort Collins trolley

KUNC — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Summer in Northern Colorado means the return of an old-school mode of transportation -- in the form of a ride on the Fort Collins Trolley. Electric streetcars were once a common sight in the streets of Fort Collins, at least until the early 1950s, when car ownership rose and fewer people relied on public transportation. In the late 1970s, a group of dedicated volunteers began to restore the aged trolley cars and to reinstall the track.

This season marks 40 years since the restored trolley began once again to take passengers on a leisurely journey along Mountain Avenue into Old Town. Host Erin O’Toole hopped on board earlier this year, where she learned some of the trolley's quirky history – including the time the old depot became a victim of the CU-CSU football rivalry… and how a group of people opposed to bringing the trolley back nearly derailed the restoration.

You can learn more about the trolley's history and find schedule and fare information here.

Thanks to depot agent Kathy Mabry and conductor Kevin Mabry for sharing their stories. They co-authored and illustrated a children's book about the trolley (available at the depot). And a huge thank you to motorman Bethany O'Brien for sharing both her historical knowledge and her expert driving skills.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Why more Colorado communities are prioritizing the night sky

KUNC — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Adjusting streetlamps and other exterior lights to allow the stars to shine more brilliantly – that's part of the process for becoming a certified Dark Sky community. More than 200 places in 22 countries around the world have this designation. Advocates say limiting light pollution helps preserve expansive views of the night sky, and helps nocturnal creatures thrive. And the Colorado Tourism Office believes the Dark Sky designation helps attract visitors.

Town leaders in Grand Lake recently took the first steps toward becoming an official Dark Sky community. They would join five other towns in Colorado that already have that designation. About two dozen more Dark Sky places are in the pipeline, including communities and parks across the state.

Aaron Watson is with the group DarkSky Colorado. He joined host Erin O'Toole to discuss the problem with light pollution, and why a growing number of Colorado towns are taking this idea of dark skies so seriously. We’re listening back to that conversation, recorded in May.

Read more about the overview effect that Watson mentions near the end of the conversation. And check out a list of great places to stargaze in Colorado here.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Nervous about camping with kids? A Boulder writer shares how to avoid disaster

KUNC — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado has some of the best camping in the country, and Coloradans love their weekends in the wilderness. But does a night in the outdoors become daunting when kids are in the picture?

Boulder author Helen Olsson doesn’t think so. She just rereleased her book The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids. It’s full of unexpected tips on things like how to curb whining, along with fun anecdotes from her own family adventures.

In The NoCo host Erin O’Toole spoke with Olsson about being in the wilderness with her brood and why she thinks more families should embrace camping.

Why a CU Denver professor thinks the people who design our roads need a wake-up call

KUNC — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Not that long ago, some doctors would use lobotomies as a treatment for mental illness... or insomnia... or severe headaches. That wouldn’t happen now. But modern medicine has taken some weird, often tragic turns to get to where it is now.

Author Wesley Marshall argues that there’s a similarity between the science behind our transportation systems and these outdated practices in medicine and psychiatry. And, he says it’s time for a wakeup call.

Marshall, who teaches civil engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, thinks the way our streets and highways are designed contributes to tens of thousands of unnecessary crashes and deaths each year.

He recently published his research and ideas in a provocatively titled book, Killed By a Traffic Engineer.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News

For the owner of Estes Park's award-winning Taffy Shop, success means making memories

KUNC — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

People who come to Estes Park marvel at the sights they see... Longs Peak on the horizon... the Stanley Hotel above town... herds of elk just about everywhere.

And on Elkhorn Avenue in the heart of downtown, curious onlookers gather on the sidewalk to watch the hypnotic movements of the mechanical taffy puller in the window of The Taffy Shop.

Now, more people are checking out the iconic shop after it was named Best Candy Store in the country by USA Today in June.

The independent, family-owned store has essentially made one type of candy since it opened in 1935. The original saltwater taffy recipe is a closely guarded secret -- and is still used today, said Mark Igel, who bought the business in 2014 from the original owners.

“It’s funny, because my first impression was, how can there be a saltwater taffy shop in a Colorado mountain town?” Igel recalled about his first visit to the store as a customer. “Until you know what saltwater taffy really is, and that we can have the best saltwater taffy in the country, here in Colorado. It’s not salt or water, it's not the ocean; it's the way that you make the candy.”

Mark Igel joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about what it's been like to be recognized nationally... and why tradition is such an important ingredient in everything they do.

We mention The Taffy Shop’s online taffy cam at the end of the episode – you can find that soothing livestream here.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Heading to your first rodeo? Here’s how to cowboy up with confidence

KUNC — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Rodeo is a popular sport all summer long across Colorado and the West. There are large events like the Greeley Stampede or Cheyenne Frontier Days in June and July. And lots of other towns have their own rodeos, from Estes Park to Granby to Steamboat Springs.

Of course, anyone can buy a ticket and head to the rodeo – but what else should you know if you’re new to this world?

To help answer that question, we reached out to Abe Morris. Abe is a former professional bull rider who lives in Denver. He also spent nine years as a broadcast commentator for Cheyenne Frontier Days. And he encourages people who are on the fence to just go and experience the rodeo – no cowboy boots or hat needed.

“I think once you go to a rodeo and you see a good bull riding event or something like that, you're going to keep going. You're going to become a fan for life.”

Abe Morris joined host Erin O’Toole to share his perspective and insights on rodeo culture.

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Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org
Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

For veterans with PTSD, Fourth of July can be difficult. But there are ways to help

KUNC — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

For many veterans, Independence Day can be a hard day.  

Celebrating America’s birthday typically comes with booming, colorful blasts of fireworks. We don’t talk about it a lot, but for veterans with PTSD, that can be a struggle. It can remind them of combat or other traumatic experiences from their time in the military. 

“We often have veterans who describe, regretfully, dreading this time of year,” says Dr. Mandy Rabenhorst-Bell, PTSD program manager with the VA healthcare system serving Eastern Colorado. “Although they love the celebration and maybe used to find this a very joyful time of year, now they don't -- and find that they no longer kind of approach it with the same sense of joy and wonder as they once did.”

She joins host Erin O’Toole to give a glimpse at what the Fourth of July is like for those with PTSD – and how friends, family and neighbors can help support them.  

Find more information and resources for PTSD from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs here.

Boulder leaders think ‘embodied carbon’ is a key concept in fighting climate change. Here’s why

KUNC — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Limiting the carbon emissions of a new home or office, long before anyone lives or works in it -- that’s the goal of a key piece of Boulder’s new energy code that will take effect later this year.

Typically, people looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their home might install a heat pump or add solar panels. But those improvements could take years to substantially reduce a building’s carbon output. That’s why Boulder officials looking to fight climate change are embracing a concept called ‘embodied carbon.’

Embodied carbon looks at the components that make up a new building or major renovation project -- things like concrete foundations and insulation. And the concept considers the carbon emissions created by manufacturing and delivery of those materials.

Boulder City Council member Lauren Folkerts is an architect who pushed for the new guidelines. She joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the impact she hopes they’ll have in Boulder – and on a larger scale.

Read more about the embodied carbon incentives from the Boulder Reporting Lab here.

Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!

Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

Want a more drought-tolerant yard? Take these small steps first

KUNC — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

There’s no getting around it: it’s really, really hot on Colorado’s Front Range right now.

According to the National Weather Service, the Denver metro area typically sees about 45 days each summer when the temperature hits 90 degrees or hotter. And that’s when many homeowners wish for a more resilient lawn.

Allisa Linfield is a horticulturist with Colorado State University extension. She and the other lawn and garden experts there spend a lot of time researching the science of creating a more drought-tolerant yard.

A lawn makeover is a daunting project for most homeowners to tackle all at once, so Allisa joined ITN’s executive producer Brad Turner to share some guidelines for creating a more resilient yard – one small step at a time.

The newest climbing route on Boulder’s Flatirons is the first to be installed by women

KUNC — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

There are dozens of climbing routes on the famous Flatirons in Boulder. Until recently, all of the routes on those monumental rock formations were installed, or mapped out, by men. That changed recently when two female climbers collaborated to install a new route on a section of the Flatirons known as The Maiden formation.

Lynn Hill and Sasha DiGiulian are at very different points in their climbing careers, but they came together to create this unprecedented route.

The route, and why it matters to the climbing community, is also explored in a new documentary called Here to Climb, focused on DiGiulian's developing career.

DiGiulian began her career in climbing gyms when she was six and quickly began winning many competitions at a young age. Lynn is a veteran climber, who became famous as the first person – male or female – to scale an area on Yosemite's El Capitan called The Nose, unassisted.

Why one Colorado town might allow some LLCs to vote alongside residents

KUNC — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Who is allowed to vote in a resort town’s election when a large chunk of the town’s homeowners are not full-time residents? And how does it change the equation if many of the town’s homes are owned by private companies, rather than individuals?

These are questions that periodically come up in resort areas like Aspen or Vail. And leaders in Mountain Village, located above Telluride, are debating these issues now.

The town’s charter already allows people who own property in Mountain Village, but don’t live there year-round, to vote in municipal elections. It’s currently the only town in Colorado that lets nonresidents have a say in local races on issues like new regulations or taxes. Now the town board is studying whether Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) – which own hundreds of homes in Mountain Village – should also get to vote.

Jason Blevins has been covering the debate for The Colorado Sun. He joined host Erin O’Toole to unpack the issue – and what it says about the tension between residents in resort towns and the tourism business that traditionally shaped the local economy.

Using 3D printing to build homes could transform the housing business. A Greeley company wants to lead the way

KUNC — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

You’ve probably seen 3D printing used to create objects out of plastic – things like toys or chess pieces. A company that recently moved its headquarters to Greeley thinks that one day your new home might be created with 3D printing. And they want Greeley to be a major global hub for this approach to construction.

Alquist 3D was founded by Zack Manheimme. Alquist is the first company in the U.S. to build a lived-in 3D printed home. They use a process called concrete printing construction, meaning they build houses one thin layer of concrete at a time.

Alquist says it’s faster, and should eventually cost less, than traditional homebuilding, which makes it a potential strategy to reduce housing shortages.

Alquist already has a location in Greeley. Starting in August, the company will partner with Aims Community College on a new program to train students in the design and manufacturing of concrete printing construction.

Zack Mannheimer spoke with host Erin O'Toole about his company’s unique construction process, and how his creative background led him to think about solutions to the housing crisis.

Denver PrideFest celebrates a milestone this weekend. Here’s a look back at 50 years of the celebration

KUNC — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Fifty years ago in June, a small group of friends and activists from the gay and lesbian community gathered in Denver's Cheesman Park to be together and celebrate their identity. It was the first iteration of what's now known as Denver PrideFest.

The event has evolved over the years, growing during good times but also during times of adversity and challenge for the LGBTQ community.

This weekend, Denver PrideFest celebrates its 50th year. To help put those five decades into perspective, we spoke with Phil Nash, a longtime journalist, LGBTQ activist, and author of the new history book LGBTQ Denver.

Find a schedule of events for Denver Pride’s 50th anniversary here.

Boulder Comedy Festival organizer brings together comics from different backgrounds

KUNC — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

When she’s onstage, comedian Zoe Rogers talks about what she knows best: her kids. Her standup centers around her identity as a mom. She jokes about the difference between the proper mom etiquette she carefully displays to her children, and her internal monologue.

Offstage, Zoe appreciates a standup routine that’s a genuine reflection of the comedian’s perspective. So, in addition to her own standup act, Zoe focuses on booking comedy shows in Boulder that bring in comedians from all different backgrounds.

Zoe organizes the The Dairy Arts Center’s monthly comedy performances and the annual Boulder Comedy Festival. This year’s festival kicked off on Wednesday, June 18 and continues through Sunday, June 23.

How a Boulder museum exhibit celebrates overlooked Black Coloradans

KUNC — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

An exhibit at the Museum of Boulder illuminates the stories of Black Coloradans, highlighting their influence on the region's history and their impact on the future.

Proclaiming Colorado's Black History centers on places like the once-bustling farming community of Dearfield; and notable people like businessman Barney Ford and philanthropist Julia Greeley, a formerly enslaved person who is presently a candidate for Catholic sainthood.

It's about sharing the lives and stories of people who aren't necessarily in Colorado's history books, said Adrian Miller, co-Project Director and lead curator for the exhibit.

"It's important because we're in a time now, across the country, where Black history is actually being vanished, where there are laws being passed and other things to discourage giving a more comprehensive view of our history," said Miller.

The project was several years in the making, and was shaped with a lot of community input and collaboration, Miller said. It includes a variety of installations, collections of oral histories, and an art display that delves into Afrofuturism. The exhibit will be open through September 2025.

Miller joined host Erin O'Toole ahead of the exhibit's launch. We're listening back to that conversation today, in celebration of Juneteenth - also known as Freedom Day.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like our conversation with CSU Professor Ray Black. He led a Juneteenth bike ride in Fort Collins to illuminate and celebrate the city's Black history.

This is an encore of our podcast from Sept. 28, 2023.

How new technology could give rescuers an edge when searching for missing hikers

KUNC — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

In Colorado, about 3,000 people go missing each year, according to the state's Search and Rescue Association. And when someone goes missing in the backcountry, every hour counts.

Cold, dehydration and exposure to the elements make a person's survival less likely as time ticks by. Rescuers also deal with rugged mountains, steep canyons, dense tree cover, and extreme temperatures at high elevations. All this makes it more difficult to locate someone quickly.

But now, a new technology could give search and rescue teams a powerful new tool. It's called Lifeseeker – and it effectively turns a helicopter into a moving cell phone tower, able to detect a missing hiker’s mobile phone.

A Durango-based company, Colorado Highland Helicopters, is testing the new technology as it seeks FCC approval in the United States. Dr. Tim Durkin coordinates search and rescue programs for them. He joined host Erin O'Toole to explain how Lifeseeker works, and the potential impact it could have in Colorado.

A CSU professor’s Juneteenth bike ride offers a unique historic perspective

KUNC — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last of the enslaved people in our country learned of their freedom. It has been a federal holiday since 2021 – and a state holiday since 2022 – observed on June 19.

People celebrate Juneteenth in different ways. Some head to music festivals – like this long-running celebration in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Some go to community gatherings – including a three-day event in Fort Collins. Others make a point to frequent Black-owned businesses.

An associate professor teaching African American studies at Colorado State University will host a unique celebration this Saturday morning. Dr. Ray Black leads a bicycle ride through a historic Black neighborhood in Fort Collins. He joined host Erin O’Toole to share more about the meaning and significance of Juneteenth... and why a bike ride is a perfect way to experience history.

Professor Black says the bike ride is a relatively easy 5-mile route and open to anyone. It begins at 7:30 Saturday morning at Lee Martinez community park and ends at Foothills Mall where Fort Collins’ Juneteenth community celebration takes place this weekend.

How an unusual program helps military veterans process their trauma by making films

KUNC — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The Patton Veterans Project is a three-day film workshop designed to give veterans, who may be suffering from PTSD or depression, a communal space to process their trauma.

Vets who participate learn a “narrative therapy” approach to dealing with emotional trauma. At the end of three days, these vets walk away having made a short film about their personal story.

The latest three day workshop included veterans from the Greeley, area. Their films will be screening tonight, Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m. in the Aims Community College Welcome Center.

The Patton Veterans Project was created by Benjamin Patton, grandson of the famous World War II General George S. Patton. Patton joined us along with Mike Leeman, Veteran Coordinator and former participant, to talk about the program.

Women hold a fraction of music industry jobs. A new program seeks to change that

KUNC — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

If you listen to music at all in 2024 it’s clear that female artists are a dominant force. From Taylor Swift to Beyonce, Dolly Parton to Billie Eilish, women are some of the top-selling artists in the business.

But behind the scenes? It’s a different story.

Statistics show only a small fraction of people in the music industry are women – not on the performing side, but in behind-the-scenes jobs like engineering and production.

A new nonprofit called Project Traction has a mission to create opportunities for women and non-binary music producers. It was founded by Jim Eno – the drummer for the band Spoon. He hopes to boost the number of women in these important industry roles by providing mentorship and hands-on studio experience.

And the latest iteration of Project Traction is focused on Northern Colorado.

Briana Harris, a singer and saxophonist in Greeley, is one of the musicians participating in Project Traction. She got to fine-tune her studio skills alongside Eno, producing a new music track from Denver-based indie rock band Barbara. She joined host Erin O’Toole to discuss the project – and why it’s important to elevate women in all roles across the music industry.

Project Traction Volume 2 is accepting applications until Friday, June 14, 2024.

Hear Briana Harris’ solo work here – and check out her work with The Burroughs here.

“For Good Measure,” the Barbara track Briana co-produced is out now. Listen here:

Barbara: "For Good Measure" (co-prod. Briana Harris) - KUTX

Some key Colorado River decision makers got together in Boulder last week. There was plenty of disagreement

KUNC — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The future of the Colorado River is in the hands of seven people who represent the states that use its water. And right now, they can’t agree on a set of new rules to share the shrinking supply - despite a quickly approaching deadline.

Those negotiations typically happen behind closed doors, rather than in a public setting. But last week, representatives from Wyoming to California met at the University of Colorado Boulder for an annual water law conference. About 300 people with an interest in the future of the Colorado River were in the audience to hear what leaders had to say.

KUNC's water reporter Alex Hager was there, too. He joined host Erin O'Toole to share some details from that conference.

How pets and their owners are getting extra help from Colorado animal shelters

KUNC — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Pets give us companionship and keep us healthier. They can give us a reason just to get out of bed in the morning.

Unfortunately, some people have had a difficult time being able to keep their pets in recent years. The cost of housing is up. Inflation makes it harder to afford veterinary care, pet food and other supplies. Eviction moratoriums and financial assistance programs that helped people during the pandemic have largely gone away.

As a result, many shelters are at or near capacity. Now the people who run those shelters are turning to creative ways to help keep pets in their homes – with their owners.

To learn more about these approaches, host Erin O'Toole talked with Mouse Jewell, a client intake specialist with the Longmont Humane Society, and Judy Calhoun, CEO at NOCO Humane, which serves Larimer and Weld counties.

Why an artist is celebrating the memory of six Chicano activists killed 50 years ago in Boulder

KUNC — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Fifty years ago, in 1974, a pair of car bombings in Boulder killed six people. Five of the six were University of Colorado students and alumni who had been part of a Chicano student activist group on campus called UMAS.

Their names were Una Jaakola,Reyes Martínez, Neva Romero, Florencio Granado, Heriberto Terán and Francisco Dougherty. They were known as Los Seis de Boulder.

At the time, the police said the activists likely blew themselves up with their own explosives – a claim that’s still met with skepticism today. The case remains unresolved.

City officials recently unveiled a memorial in downtown Boulder. Artist Jasmine Baetz designed it to commemorate the tragedy. We spoke to Baetz about how she learned of Los Seis, and the artwork she created.

He wanted to create a community of foragers. Now he teaches others how to find wild food

KUNC — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

When we see weeds start to pop up in the yard or the garden, the first instinct for many of us is to figure out how to get rid of them.

But here's the thing: Many plants we might regard as ugly or invasive are, in fact, edible.

Orion Aon learned this in his early years growing up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He would go on camping trips with family and friends – who gave him some of his first lessons in finding food in the wild.

Today, he is the owner of Forage Colorado. He began the business in 2015, initially as a way to create a community with fellow foragers to share stories and knowledge.

"It turns out that there weren't that many people doing that, at least online, and sharing about it at the time," Aon says. "So it quickly turned into me teaching other people what I knew."

Now, he shows clients how to connect with nature by finding and and preparing wild foods like dandelions, tumble mustard, and curly dock.

Here at In The NoCo, we like to talk to folks with unique businesses. Orion was kind enough to take host Erin O'Toole out on a foraging lesson along a trail in her neighborhood.

You can read Orion's tips on harvesting and preparing lambsquarters; aka wild spinach. In 2023, he spoke with KUNC about the potential harm from AI-written foraging guide books, which you can read here.

A CU researcher finds a troubling link between youth diabetes and Alzheimer’s

KUNC — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0600

There is a deeper link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease than doctors may have previously understood.

New research at the University of Colorado could point the way to changing how, and when, doctors screen for Alzheimers. Dr Allison Shapiro, assistant professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at CU’s Anschutz Medical Campus, led a study that looked for biomarkers that are typically found in older adults with Alzheimer's, in young people with diabetes - specifically people in their teens and twenties.

The results were surprising, but also confirmed the deep connection between brain and body.

The sugar beet workers who helped shape Colorado

KUNC — Fri, 31 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The sugar beet industry began in Colorado right around 1900. Today it's only a small part of the state's economy, but through the early part of the 20th century, beets were the most significant agricultural product grown here. They were so important to the economy that people referred to sugar beets as 'white gold.' During this time, thousands of Hispanic and Mexican people came to Northern Colorado to work in the beet fields. Many of them eventually settled in Fort Collins - predominantly in what would come to be called the Tres Colonias – three neighborhoods that surrounded the Great Western Sugar Company.

Betty Aragon-Mitotes is something of an expert on the legacy of the families who settled in this area. She has been a longtime community leader, advocating for Hispanic and Latino communities. She co-founded a cultural center spotlighting the Tres Colonias neighborhoods, and is the founder and president of the nonprofit Mujeres de Colores, which educates and provides support to working-class and low-income families.

Last October, she was awarded the 2023 Polly Baca Raíces Fuertes Community Leader Award from Rep. Joe Neguse in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

She sat down with host Erin O'Toole to share more about the people who settled in the Tres Colonias – and their indelible contributions to Northern Colorado history. We're listening back to that episode, which originally aired Dec. 1, 2023.

Betty's foundation runs several charitable events every year in the Tres Colonias, including The Backpack Program which helps provide school supplies to students from working-class and low-income families. This event takes place the first Tuesday in August.

A tribute to baseball legend Jackie Robinson was destroyed. A Loveland foundry is recreating it

KUNC — Thu, 30 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

It was a shocking crime.

In January, thieves in Wichita, Kansas allegedly stole and destroyed a bronze statue of Jackie Robinson, the trailblazing baseball player and civil rights hero. Only the statue's bronze shoes were left behind. The statue had stood near ballfields used by League 42 – a youth baseball league named after the number on Robinson’s uniform.

News of the crime generated an outpouring of support, including more than half a million dollars in donations to replace the statue. And the work to create the new statue is happening in Loveland.

Art Castings of Colorado, which was started in 1972, specializes in bronze sculptures. The company worked on the original Jackie Robinson statue. Now, the staff at the foundry is creating the replacement, which League 42 plans to dedicate later this year..

Art Castings owner Tony Workman joined host Erin O'Toole to share what makes the statue so special.

Can a CU insect expert warn the U.S. about a honeybee crisis before it’s too late?

KUNC — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A tiny parasite is an emerging threat to honeybees globally. And a scientist at the University of Colorado is sounding the alarm.

Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an entomologist, someone who studies insects. Dr. Sammy, as he is also known, is assistant professor of entomology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado Boulder and talks about science on his YouTube channel.

The tropilaelops mite -- or as Ramsey likes to call them, tropi-mites -- have devastated bees in Asia and are spreading to Europe. Ramsey is studying how we might prevent this species from spreading to North America and becoming a honeybee pandemic.

Ramsey is a gay, Christian, Black scientist who attributes much of his research success to his unique perspective. We talked with him about what tropilaelops could mean for honeybees, as well as how a diversity of viewpoints makes for better scientific research.

Miller moths fascinate and frighten us each spring. We asked an expert why

KUNC — Tue, 28 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Each spring, the Front Range endures miller moth season. Even in relatively mild years like this one, the tiny winged visitors enter our homes, annoy us and even frighten us.

But they’re also fascinating.

So we asked Karim Gharbi – an insect expert and horticulture specialist with Colorado State University Extension – to help us unpack the mysteries of the miller moths.

Where do they come from? Where do they go when they leave? Are they dangerous? And why does Erin’s dog seem to love the taste of them?

The answers may surprise you – just like a miller moth darting out of your medicine cabinet first thing in the morning.

Craving less meat on Memorial Day? Try some of these meatless suggestions

KUNC — Fri, 24 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

For many of us, Memorial Day is the first day of the year we get to fire up the grill. We make hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks - all foods that taste good with a bit of a char and that added smoky flavor.

They’re also all meats.

So what if you want a plant-based Memorial Day cookout, but you don’t want that frozen veggie patty from the grocery store? Today on the show: some easy ideas for a meat-free or vegetarian-friendly barbecue.

To help with those plans we spoke with Justice Marcellus, owner and manager of The Mighty Vegans - a food truck serving all plant-based options. The Mighty Vegans just had their grand opening in Longmont this week.

You can see Justice’s recipe for her Smokin’ Herb Burger on our website at KUNC.org.

New to gardening? Find your green thumb by starting small

KUNC — Thu, 23 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The phrase "gardening season" may bring a few images to mind: large beds of colorful wildflowers… rows of neatly staked tomato plants… big bags of mulch stacked up against the side of the house. Or perhaps your mental image of gardening looks a little more modest. As in, potted herbs growing on a windowsill.

That's the case for KUNC digital producer Natalie Skowlund. She recently decided to research and write an introduction to gardening for novices. And she lives in an apartment, so she wanted to focus on the benefits of starting small as you work on your green thumb.

She joined In The NoCo host Erin O'Toole to commiserate over all the basil plants they've allowed to die over the years... and to share some of the tips she's learned – including why it's important to branch out when choosing drought-tolerant plants.

Why are Dark Sky communities spreading across Colorado?

KUNC — Wed, 22 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Advocates say limiting light pollution helps preserve expansive views of the night sky, and helps nocturnal creatures thrive. And the Colorado Tourism Office believes the Dark Sky designation helps attract visitors.

Aaron Watson is with the group DarkSky Colorado. He joined host Erin O'Toole to discuss the problem with light pollution, and why a growing number of Colorado towns are taking the idea of dark skies so seriously.

Read more about the overview effect that Watson mentions near the end of the conversation.

Artist Danielle SeeWalker on her canceled Vail residency

KUNC — Tue, 21 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Danielle SeeWalker is a Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta artist living and working in Denver. Her work incorporates traditional Native American materials and themes.

This past January, SeeWalker was approached and offered a residency by the town of Vail. The residency would have included SeeWalker creating a public mural. However, on May 9, town officials backed out on that plan. They stated a concern about the politicization of their public art program.

Vail officials pointed to SeeWalker’s recent social media posts sharing a painting she had created, called "G is for Genocide." The piece is a statement on the conflict in Gaza. The painting depicts a person wearing a keffiyeh – a traditional Palestinian scarf – as well as a braid, a feather and other traditional Native American imagery.

The rescinded offer became a social media firestorm for both SeeWalker and the town. Vail released another statement on May 14. They apologized for inconveniencing SeeWalker. But they also defended their decision, saying they could not “support messaging that targets one group of residents or guests over another.”

SeeWalker spoke with host Erin O’Toole about why she painted “G is for Genocide,” her ideas for the mural she had planned for Vail and whether this experience will change her approach to art.

To mow or not to mow? What science says about early season lawn care

KUNC — Fri, 17 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

One of the most definitive signs that spring has arrived is the sound of lawnmowers filling the neighborhood. But this month, that rumble may be a little quieter than usual. That's because of a recent trend in yard care called "No Mow May."

The idea is simple: wait until June to mow to allow flowers like dandelions and clover to grow and support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

The concept was started in 2019 by Plantlife, a UK-based conservation organization, in response to declines in pollinators and their natural habitat. It's since become a popular movement among some gardeners and conservation advocates in the U.S. – propelled, perhaps, by the catchy name and the #NoMowMay social media hashtag.

But is it a good idea for our region?

Before you decide whether to break out your lawnmower this weekend – or leave it idle – we asked for advice from our friends at Plant Talk Colorado at CSU. Extension professor of horticulture Alison O’Connor joined us to explain whether No May May is backed up by science.

If you have questions about plants or yard care that you’d like us to ask our friends at Plant Talk Colorado, send us an email at noco@kunc.org.

Why the historic Black community of Dearfield continues to fascinate

KUNC — Thu, 16 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Just off Highway 34 outside of Greeley sits a ghost town dotted with a couple of deteriorating buildings and a sign. In the early 1900s, this area was home to Dearfield. The thriving agricultural community founded by O.T. Jackson was Colorado’s largest Black homesteading site.

At its peak there were around 300 residents, and Dearfield boasted a number of businesses including a grocery store and a blacksmith shop, plus a school, several churches, and a dance hall. Settlers grew corn, winter wheat, melons and strawberries, and the community enjoyed great prosperity – until drought, the Dust Bowl, and the Great Depression forced most to leave and seek work elsewhere.

“I think it's been very, very important to have Dearfield be an example of what Black people could do and have done – and the future of what Black people could do,” said George Junne, a professor of Africana Studies at University of Northern Colorado who has studied Dearfield for decades.

Junne sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole in February to discuss the community's importance, as the National Park Service announced it is studying Dearfield for potential inclusion in the park system. We're listening back to that conversation in today's episode.

This Saturday, May 18, the Dearfield Preservation Committee holds its annual conference on Dearfield from the Michener Library on the UNC campus. Attendees can participate in person or virtually.

Can UNC’s future medical school help fix Colorado’s doctor shortage?

KUNC — Wed, 15 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Patients in Colorado feel the brunt of a growing healthcare crisis every day. Most Colorado counties have a shortage of primary care doctors and other healthcare workers – and that has an outsized impact on low-income and rural communities.

And that shortage is projected to get even worse as physicians near retirement age. About a third of doctors in the state are 60 or older, according to a recent report from the American Association of Medical Colleges.

On May 1, Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation to help address the shortfall. A new medical school – just the third one in Colorado – will open in 2026 at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. The new College of Osteopathic Medicine has a price tag of around $200 million, and will eventually graduate 150 new doctors each year.

The college's first dean, Dr. Beth Longenecker, joined In The NoCo to discuss how the new school will make a dent in a statewide and national shortage of doctors.

How education funding defined the recent legislative session for Colorado lawmakers

KUNC — Tue, 14 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Access to a great education – and finding a way to pay for it – was a common thread running through some of the most notable bills Colorado lawmakers introduced at the state capitol in recent months.

The 2024 legislative session wrapped up last week with lots of new laws on the books, including one that offers two years of free community college to some state residents. Another bill, designed to make sure rural K-12 schools are funded properly, marks the first major overhaul of the state's public education funding formula in 30 years.

KUNC's statehouse reporter Lucas Brady Woods followed these and dozens of other bills during the session. He joined In The NoCo to highlight a few of the most notable legislative accomplishments.

We want to hear from you! What questions do you have about Colorado laws, state politics – or something else entirely? Send us your burning questions, and we might look into some of them! Email us (or send us a voice memo) at NOCO@kunc.org

Take a trip through the hidden history of the Fort Collins Trolley

KUNC — Fri, 10 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Springtime in Northern Colorado means the return of a quintessential summer pastime. The Fort Collins Trolley resumed service last weekend. This season marks 40 years since the restored trolley began once again to take passengers on a leisurely journey along Mountain Avenue into Old Town.

The electric streetcars were once a common sight in the streets of Fort Collins, at least until the early 1950s, as car ownership rose and fewer people relied on public transportation. In the late 1970s, a group of dedicated volunteers began to restore the aged trolley cars and to reinstall the track.

Host Erin O’Toole took a ride and got a personal tour, where she learned some of the trolley's quirky history – including the time the old depot became a victim of the CU-CSU football rivalry… and how a group of people opposed to bringing the trolley back nearly derailed the restoration.

The Fort Collins Trolley operates weekends and holidays through Sept. 29, 2024. You can learn more about the trolley's history and find schedule and fare information here.

An affordable housing complex built just for educators takes shape in Eagle County

KUNC — Thu, 09 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A shortage of affordable housing – and a shortage of teachers – recently forced leaders in Eagle County to try an ambitious new project. They’ve taken the unusual step of becoming a builder and landlord for some of the school staff on their payroll.

Miller Flats is a 37 unit housing complex built exclusively for school staff in Edwards. Last year reporter Rae Solomon listened in while second grade teacher Julian Millares checked to see if he’s won a spot in the building. Julian, whose story was part of the KUNC podcast The Colorado Dream, had entered a lottery set up for prospective residents.

Recently, the apartment complex reached full capacity. And we are checking in with Julian to see how the living situation is.

Colorado River users face a big deadline to come up with new rules. Here’s where things stand

KUNC — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Last summer was brutal for the Colorado River - low water levels underscored the rising threats from a changing climate. Now, we're waiting on next moves from state and federal governments ahead of a quickly approaching 2026 deadline.

Several states have proposed new ways to divvy up water from the river, which serves about 40 million people in the southwest United States and Mexico. Tribes that use the river also want a seat at the negotiating table. And the federal government has said it’s up to the seven states that rely on its water to agree on how to use less of it.

Alex Hager covers the Colorado River for KUNC. He joins host Erin O'Toole to break down what different groups are proposing, why they can’t agree, and what comes next.

Be sure to check out KUNC's podcast Thirst Gap for a deeper dive into the current threats and challenges to the Colorado River.

The new president of Colorado Mountain College looks to the future

KUNC — Tue, 07 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado Mountain College isn't your typical higher education institution. Ski and snowboard repair, avalanche technician, ski area operator, and fly fishing guide are among the many career pathways that CMC offers. The school serves roughly 12,000 students across 11 campuses in mountain communities like Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Leadville. It also acts as a bridge to larger universities by offering bachelors and associate degrees in more traditional fields like business administration and social work.

And for the first time in 11 years, the college has a new president. Matt Gianneschi was recently named head of CMC after holding other jobs there for about a decade. Today on In The NoCo, Gianneschi discusses the school's priorities as a Hispanic-serving institution, how they're working to overcome the thorny challenges posed by the high cost of housing, and his advice for this year's graduating class.

With May the Fourth approaching, this Colorado science fiction author is a Force in her own right

KUNC — Fri, 03 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The Force is strong with Colorado. For starters, there's Gov. Jared Polis, who regularly invokes Star Wars and other sci-fi stories in press conferences and state of the state addresses. Then there's the fact that the first-ever Star Wars Celebration - the largest gathering for fans of the franchise - was held in Denver in 1999. And a recent survey shows that Colorado is the fourth-most passionate state when it comes to Star Wars.

Fans of the movies and books celebrate Star Wars Day this Saturday, May the Fourth. But George Lucas and his characters already get plenty of publicity. So today we’re celebrating a local sci-fi celebrity you may not have heard about. Connie Willis is one of the most prolific and highly awarded science fiction writers in the world – and she lives right here in Northern Colorado.

She spoke with In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole after the release of her most recent book, The Road to Roswell.

Note: This is an encore of our episode from Jan. 2, 2024.

Colorado’s first incarcerated professor is now a free man. He still plans to teach students in prison

KUNC — Thu, 02 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Back in January we learned about a man whose life took a huge turn. David Carillo had been serving a life sentence for his involvement in a murder that happened in 1993. While incarcerated, he began taking classes, and earned a degree. He continued studying, until he became one of the first professors in the country to teach from behind prison walls.

And now, after Gov. Jared Polis granted him clemency last December, Carillo's life has seen another seismic shift. Carillo was released from the prison in Canon City – and he plans to continue teaching incarcerated students... only now, while living as a free man.

Jason Gonzales, who covers higher education for Chalkbeat Colorado, has been following Carillo's journey. He joined In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole to share the latest.

What's on the minds of younger voters ahead of the 2024 election?

KUNC — Wed, 01 May 2024 05:30:00 -0600

It’s a presidential election year. And in the months leading up to November 5, 2024, we’re focusing our coverage around the issues people in our community, including younger voters, say they care about most.

To better understand what's most important to college students and other young voters, we're working with student reporters at Front Range Community College. Isabel Delgado and Julian Hanes write for the student newspaper The Front Page and FRCC's podcast Up Front. They joined In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole to share what they’re hearing about the election from their fellow students.

Voters are the heart of any election – and KUNC wants to know what you think candidates should be talking about this year. You can help shape our newsroom's coverage by sharing your hopes, priorities, and concerns with the election team. Visit our website to take a quick survey.

First came the wolves. Is wolf tourism next for Colorado?

KUNC — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Tourists choose to take vacations in Colorado for numerous reasons – like our breathtaking mountains and the chance to hurtle down them on skis or snowboards. There's lots of hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting – even cannabis tourism. But what about wolf-watching?

Since ten wolves from Oregon were released on the Western Slope last December, there's been plenty of interest in them. Ranchers, for instance, want to know how the wolves will threaten their livestock. Many other people are simply curious and want to catch a glimpse of the predators.

There's a Colorado Parks and Wildlife map that tracks the collared wolves based on GPS data. A Facebook group that was started to share sightings and keep tabs on the wolves now has thousands of members. And a recent sighting on a lonely road near Kremmling spawned a surge in traffic. Could these be signs that wolves might eventually become a tourist attraction here?

KUNC investigative reporter Scott Franz has been looking into that prospect. He joined host Erin O'Toole to share what he's learned.

"Something people are innately drawn to:" Celebrating National Poetry Month with Wolverine Farm

KUNC — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

We're closing out this week by commemorating National Poetry Month. And who better to celebrate with than Todd Simmons, founder and director of Wolverine Farm Publishing in Fort Collins? In 2002, Simmons left his job in the field of social science to focus full-time on literature and poetry.

"I think creative expression, and the ability to communicate and give voice, is something that people are innately drawn to do," Simmons said. "I've always worked out moments of doubt through writing, and through giving voice to my thoughts and emotions."

Simmons believes anyone can develop an appreciation for poetry, and that it's especially important in the early educational years to get books of poems into the hands of children. He sat down with In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole to share why he devoted his life to bringing a love of poetry and literature to Northern Colorado.

Wolverine Farm is in the process of selecting the next Fort Collins Poet Laureate! You can vote in person through Monday, April 29.

We put out a call to our listeners at the beginning of April for submissions of eight-word poems. You can read and listen to those poems in the bonus content section at our website, KUNC.org.

“Knowledge alone is really not enough:” Fostering ‘climate hope’ as a way toward climate action

KUNC — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

As human interaction with our planet has evolved over time, so has the human emotional experience of living on Earth. Perhaps it’s no surprise that, as we become more aware of the climate crisis affecting the planet, our emotions tend toward cynicism and sadness.

Charlotte Lin, the sustainability coordinator for the mountain town of Avon, thinks hope should be part of the emotional equation, too - especially if it inspires action. “Knowledge alone is really not enough,” she said. “We need to address that sort of inner awareness and who you are inside with regards to this topic.”

Last week, Lin helped Eagle County organize a Climate Action Week, capped off with a book club event she led. They discussed the book Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience and Creative Power by Joanna Macy and Christopher Johnstone. Lin joined In the NoCo's Erin O'Toole the day after the book club had met – which happened to be Earth Day – to talk about how she found herself a champion of climate hope.

‘My life, my future, my community:’ Boulder Valley students on taking climate action

KUNC — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Anxiety about climate change is hitting the youngest of us hard. And if you’re too young to vote, it may feel like there’s nothing you can do to change what your future looks like. But students in the Boulder Valley School District proved otherwise this past school year. A group of high school students successfully campaigned for the school board to adopt the Green New Deal for Schools resolution - a policy demanded by the Sunrise Movement.

The youth-led climate activism organization held a summer camp in 2023 that helped inspire two Fairview high school students to advocate for the resolution. Twins Emma and Molly Weber said they felt empowered by coming together with peers from across the nation and learning how to take a stand.

“We have our whole lives in front of us,” said Emma Weber. “But a lot of times the things that we want to do in our dreams are being destroyed by this issue that is devastating so many different aspects of our lives.”

After eight months of campaigning, Boulder Valley became the first school district in the nation to adopt the climate resolution.

In the NoCo’s Erin O’Toole spoke with both Molly and Emma Weber about what the experience was like.

If this conversation was of interest to you, check out this interview with youth activist, Madhvi Chittoor. She advocated for a statewide ban on styrofoam takeout containers that became law in 2024. .

Climate adaptation is essential for our future - but we can't ignore lessons from the past

KUNC — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Longmont author and journalist Stephen Robert Miller is fascinated by climate disaster stories. He says they’re often teachable moments.

“There’s so much to be learned from looking in the past — environmental histories and histories of instances of when people have tried to control nature and ultimately it's failed,” Miller said.

In his new book, “Over the Seawall,” Miller examines the deeper impacts of some of these failures. He investigates how governments and people are using infrastructure to slow or stop the effects or the symptoms of climate change – giant concrete barriers in Japan meant to stop tsunamis, for example, or dams and canals in Arizona meant to make a desert move-in ready for lots of people. Government policies created to manage the Colorado River and distribute water among its unquenchable stakeholders are another example.

In other words, Miller says people are keen to adapt and that seems great, “but it can also be tricky if it causes us to rush into rash decisions,” he said. Simple measures that work with nature, not against it, are often more successful in the long run.

Miller joined In The NoCo to discuss the book, and some of humanity’s attempts to adapt to climate change that have not gone according to plan. We're listening back to the conversation as we commemorate Earth Week.

NOTE: This is an encore of our episode from Dec. 8, 2023.

Fancy drinks in fun spaces: How mocktails are changing NoCo’s nightlife

KUNC — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

While Colorado is known for having breweries on every corner, there's a new trend in town: cocktails - without the alcohol. The popularity of non-alcoholic drinks is soaring – especially among young adults – and more bars and restaurants are starting to feature creative mocktails on their menus.

Currently, Colorado has only a few completely sober spaces where alcohol isn't served at all. But some mixologists are hoping to change that. KUNC reporter and host Emma VandenEinde visited some of these spaces and talked with mixologists who are focused on making exciting and delicious non-alcoholic drinks. She spoke with host Erin O'Toole about how this trend is shaking up the nightlife for the sober and sober-curious.

You can learn more about the sober space that mixologist Han Cassera hopes to open this fall in Loveland at his GoFundMe page.

The ‘paradise paradox’ affecting Colorado’s mountain residents

KUNC — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the nation when it comes to physical fitness. Perhaps that’s no surprise given how much there is to do in the outdoors. But when it comes to mental health, Colorado ranks in the bottom half of states, according to a 2023 report by Mental Health America. While there are a few reasons for this poor ranking, we’re going to zoom in on one factor that has to do with the culture of mountain resort life, and how it affects the people living and working there - alcohol and drug misuse.

Eric Turner is one such resident who was surprised to find himself sucked into a culture of heavy substance use. “I thought that the focus would be more on physical health and emotional well being,” said Turner. He came to Colorado with the goal of “getting out in nature and focusing on those aspects and not so much, you know, hiking to the top of a mountain and pulling out a bottle.”

Today, Turner is sober and works as a certified addiction technician and founder of Rock to Recover, a non-profit organization that hosts sober music events. Turner was featured by journalist Ryan Spencer in a Summit Daily News story that investigated the drug and alcohol epidemic plaguing the mountain communities of Colorado. This story is part of a larger series by the publication called The Longevity Project.

Host Erin O’Toole sat down with Turner and Spencer to talk about the issue of substance misuse and why it's so prevalent in mountain communities.

'Chicken pimping' helps at-risk youth grow sustainable career prospects

KUNC — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Today we’re listening back to a conversation with aquaponic chicken farmer Sean Short of Blooming Health Farms, located in Greeley, Colorado. And just what is aquaponic chicken farming?

Short says the farm uses aquaponics, “a fancy way of saying that we have some fish, and we use the fish water to grow plants.” In other words, aquaponics combines fish farming with hydroponics. Short is also using that fish water to grow chicken feed. He said that system helps him clean up wastewater from the messy process of producing the feed. All of this is connected to Short’s organic egg production to make some “really yummy eggs,” he said.

Beyond agricultural sustainability — hydroponic farming conserves water and land, and reduces pesticide use — what is also notable about Farmer Sean’s operation is the people involved. He is bringing at-risk kids into the fold and helping them to learn new skills and carve paths away from the criminal justice system. And one of the ways he engages youth’s passions is to talk like them.

'The stories are there, and they're worth telling:' NPR's Lori Lizarraga on her journalism journey

KUNC — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

A career in journalism wasn’t the plan for NPR’s Lori Lizarraga – at least, not until the day she found herself in the wrong classroom at Southern Methodist University. Lizarraga says she “stepped into Narnia” when she walked into the studio where journalism students were broadcasting the school’s daily newscast.

The Latina journalist has been telling stories ever since – and a lot of that work as co-host of NPR's Code Switch is informed by her cultural identity. To wrap up our spring membership drive, we're listening back to our conversation with Lizarraga about how race, culture, and lived experience are inextricably woven into the fabric of her work.

NOTE: This is an encore of our podcast from Oct. 13, 2023. You can listen to an extended version of her conversation with host Erin O'Toole here.

'Colorado Proud' isn't just a food label. It's a way of life

KUNC — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

It's spring… and a handful of Northern Colorado farmers markets are opening up for what's likely to be a busy season – at least, if the last few years are any indication. We've come to expect throngs of eager shoppers waiting in long lines to buy western slope peaches by the crate, boxes of Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo chiles, and other locally grown produce. But farming in Colorado comes with a lot of challenges – the growing season is short, the sun is scorching, and the rainy season can be very unpredictable.

Coloradans seem to appreciate how difficult it is for farmers, which helps explain some of the high demand. But there are plenty of other reasons for that homegrown produce pride, according to Colorado State University professor and agricultural economist Dawn Thilmany. She recently spoke with host Erin O'Toole to explain why there's so much importance placed on buying local. In anticipation of more farmers markets opening, we're listening back to that conversation.

In the episode, we brought up this story from KUNC's Rae Solomon about folks suffering from "peach anxiety." We also mentioned agritourism around local farms and ranches, including Miller Farms in Platteville. And while at this point in the season only a handful of Front Range farmers markets have opened, others will quickly follow suit over the next few weeks. Find a list of markets here, and a visitors' guide to Northern Colorado farms, pumpkin patches, and CSAs here.

Wildfire risk part of new reality for Northern Colorado homeowners

KUNC — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The risk of wildfire is a reality that is beginning to define life in Northern Colorado. This last weekend, tens of thousands of people in Boulder County were left suddenly without power for days when Xcel shut it off in anticipation of high winds and potential loose lines.

Today we’re listening back to an interview covering a 2023 report from the company CoreLogic, which showed that thousands of homes in Northern Colorado are susceptible to damage from wildfires. In Boulder, nearly 10,000 homes are at risk. In Fort Collins, that number rises to more than 14,000. Statistics in the report put Colorado in the number two slot nationwide for potential wildfire damage. We discussed these risks and more with Jude Bayham, who researches wildfire management at Colorado State University.

We mentioned the pay raise for federal wildland firefighters that's stalled in Congress. And you can learn more about protecting your home from wildfire here.

From 'ramshackle' beginnings to true community journalism: CU professor traces NPR's roots in new book

KUNC — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how NPR came to be? It certainly didn’t happen overnight. The history of National Public Radio is long and convoluted, starting in the early twentieth century with university-housed stations scattered across rural areas. These stations broadcast things like cooking lessons, and how to use indoor plumbing. But with the Communications Act of 1934 came the first congressional control over what was heard over the airwaves. With this, commercial media outlets enjoyed greater lobbying power than noncommercial broadcasters. This meant public media needed to evolve to meet the demands of a growing listening audience.

This complex history is chronicled in a new book, Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting, by University of Colorado media history professor Josh Shepperd.

“Public media is the last bastion in reporting upon communities from the community itself,” said Shepperd when reflecting on public media’s role today. “So I think we need to protect our local public medias, especially our rural public medias.”

In The NoCo host Erin O’Toole sat down with Shepperd to talk about what public radio looked like 100 years ago, and how Western states like Colorado helped create the NPR name.

Science says these are the best tomatoes to grow in Northern Colorado

KUNC — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Northern Colorado’s unique weather patterns can be a challenge for backyard gardeners. The climate is dry; the growing season is hot and short. And of course, we’re no strangers to wind and hail events. But new research out of Colorado State University can help gardeners choose crop varieties that thrive in those conditions.

KUNC's rural and small communities reporter Rae Solomon spoke to the researchers about what they learned. Just in time for early spring garden planting – she sat down with In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole to share intel on the best tomatoes and peppers to grow in Northern Colorado.

See the results of the Larimer County in-ground tomato trials here and the container varieties here. See the sweet pepper trials here.

And if you have a gardening question, share it with us! Email noco@kunc.org -- or send a text or voicemail to (970) 614-5323.

How an 1878 eclipse over the Rockies set the stage for modern-day celestial tourism

KUNC — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

On Monday, April 8 a total solar eclipse will darken the skies over 13 states, from Texas up to Maine. While Colorado is not in the path of totality, in which the moon completely covers the sun, our region will experience a partial solar eclipse.

A total solar eclipse over the U.S. is relatively rare – the last one occurred in August 2017. And cities and towns in the path have been gearing up for a massive influx of eclipse tourists for months.

They might want to take a cue from an earlier time in Colorado's history.

Back in 1878, a total eclipse over the Rockies helped lay the foundation for how to welcome flocks of curious visitors eager to witness a celestial event - and to get a first look at the Wild West. Steve Ruskin is a historian of astronomy based in Colorado Springs, and the author of America's First Great Eclipse.

"Colorado had just become a state in 1876 - so it was only two years old when they knew this eclipse was going to go over the Rocky Mountains,” said Ruskin. “Tourists came west, not only to see the eclipse, but also to see the Rockies for the very first time."

In The NoCo host Erin O’Toole sat down with Ruskin to learn more about that historic event – and with producer Ariel Lavery to reflect on how modern-day Americans are willing to drive thousands of miles to experience a total eclipse.

‘Mountain Dreamers’ gives immigrants a voice in Summit County

KUNC — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Immigrants are the backbone of a lot of mountain communities in Colorado. That’s because many work in service industry jobs that keep these towns thriving. But for immigrants in these places, certain disparities are more pronounced, like access to transportation. In one part of Summit County, this particular issue had become dangerous in the snowy winter months.

“We need to walk on the roads where cars are running all the time,” said Miriam Garcia, an immigrant and employee of an advocacy organization called Mountain Dreamers. “And then there was an issue with one of my neighbors, she was hit by a car. And the driver didn't stop.”

Garcia led an effort through Mountain Dreamers to get shuttle service to people in her neighborhood who were navigating a mile of snow and ice to catch a bus.

Host Erin O’Toole sat down with Garcia and founder Peter Bakken, to discuss this work and learn more about how - and why - they’re advocating for immigrants in Summit County.

From AI to fading sunshine laws: "A difficult year" for Colorado's local media

KUNC — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

It’s no secret there’s a crisis of shrinking local news across the U.S. And we know that in places where local news evaporates, democracy takes a hit. Government corruption tends to increase when powerful entities realize there's less media scrutiny on what they're doing.

"This year has been particularly difficult for the local media news business," says journalist Corey Hutchins. The co-director of the Colorado College Journalism Institute writes a weekly newsletter that goes behind our state’s headlines.

He recently sat down with In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole to discuss the health of Colorado media, including a few happenings that could have far-reaching impacts on our democracy.

You can subscribe to Corey Hutchins' weekly newsletter here.

“If I Could Stay” tells two mothers’ stories from inside a broken immigration system

KUNC — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Most people would agree that the immigration system in the United States is broken… but how it's broken – and how to fix it – are the real debate. As this debate persists, the stories of people caught in a messy immigration web continue to rise.

The documentary film If I Could Stay tells the story of two such people, Jeanette Vizguerra and Ingrid Encalada Latorre, two undocumented mothers living in Colorado. When they faced deportation and being separated from their young children, they chose to take refuge in churches in Denver and Boulder.

Ahead of the film's Colorado premiere at CSU's ACT Human Rights Film Festival in Fort Collins, In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole sat down with one of those two mothers who sought sanctuary in 2017, Ingrid Latorre, and Florencia Krochik, one of the film's co-directors.

If I Could Stay screens during the festival's opening night, Wednesday, April 3 at Colorado State University's Lory Student Center theater.

'We need all kinds of minds:' Temple Grandin on why neurodivergent thinkers are essential

KUNC — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Temple Grandin sees the world through a different lens. The Colorado State University professor of animal science is neurodivergent, and her differences as an autistic person have been foundational to her work – especially when it comes to advocating for the humane treatment of animals.

She is also an advocate for neurodivergent thinkers of all ages. Her new book for children, “Different Kinds of Minds,” is an adaptation of her book “Visual Thinking.” Both explain the need for a diverse range of thinkers and how different minds can thrive. Grandin recently joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss the book and much more.

This is an encore of our podcast from Jan. 4, 2024.

High cost of childcare in Northern Colorado comes with major tolls for families, communities

KUNC — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Advocates say failing to invest in childcare is a missed opportunity to address inequity. And the lack of investment is hitting Northern Colorado families in multiple ways. For one, it leaves rising kindergartners unprepared to enter public schools.

“The achievement gap is present well before children enter kindergarten,” said Tarryn Morrisey, a professor of child and family public policy at American University. “And so if we were to invest early, we could narrow that before it even began.”

In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with Morrisey to learn more about what is driving the high cost of childcare, and why it is critical to find solutions.

This is part of our ongoing coverage on the childcare crisis in Northern Colorado. Find more episodes on the challenges and solutions here and here.

At ACT Human Rights Film Fest, ‘How We Get Free’ pushes Coloradans to examine flawed criminal justice system

KUNC — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The cash bail system continues to face scrutiny in the U.S. Activists say it subverts the long-held American ideal that a person is innocent until proven guilty. In other words, under the cash bail system, if you can’t afford to post bail, you could end up sitting in jail for days, weeks or months waiting for a trial regardless of your innocence.

In Colorado, like other states, people of color are overrepresented in jails and prisons, making this a huge equity issue. State Rep. Elisabeth Epps recently won a seat in the statehouse in part because of her activism on this issue. She has been fighting to reform the justice system and eradicate cash bail in Colorado for several years and the documentary How We Get Free tells that story.

"It is incredibly challenging when you talk about folks who have been incarcerated, or even unjustly incarcerated, to get people to sit up and pay attention,” said co-director Geeta Gandbhir. “But it's just the nature of the way that in our country, folks who are economically more vulnerable have been vilified.”

Ahead of the film’s screening at the ACT Human Rights Film Festival in Fort Collins, In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with Gandbhir to learn why she made Epps’ grassroots efforts the subject of her documentary.

How We Get Free screens during the festival's opening night, Wednesday, April 3, at Colorado State University's Lory Student Center theater.

In Colorado schools, concerns grow about learning disabilities going undetected

KUNC — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The need to screen students for learning disabilities is on the rise in Northern Colorado and mental health providers are having trouble meeting the demand. Marybeth Rigali-Oiler, a child and adolescent psychologist with the Health District of Northern Larimer County, says finding answers isn’t always straightforward, either.

“You also have to kind of throw a broad net to see, well, is it actually ADHD? Is it actually anxiety? Is it because this child fell behind during Covid and just hasn't had the intervention to catch up? Or is there an underlying learning disability?” Rigali-Oiler said. “And it could be a combination of all of those things. And so testing really should have a broad net that's looking at social-emotional factors, cognitive ability and achievement in order to really see where the puzzle pieces land.”

When kids don’t get the screenings they need, questions about why they are struggling to achieve persist. Parents are also left to wonder when, say, kids are anxious about going to class, known as “school refusal,” Rigali-Oiler said. Is it a learning disability, mental health, or something else? In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with Rigali-Oiler to learn about the factors fueling this problem.

A gift from the tap: Appreciating Colorado water on this World Water Day

KUNC — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Water – and how to manage it – is a perennial topic in the parched American West. So today on World Water Day, we are looking at some of the most pressing water issues of the moment and how we in Northern Colorado can better appreciate and conserve this precious resource.

"I just wish people would realize the foresight it took to build some of these water systems that we take for granted now,” said Jennifer Gimbel, a water scholar at Colorado State University’s Colorado Water Center. “Over 100 years old, many of them are, and just the engineering that was involved to get it here. And so – appreciate when you turn on that water, and clean water comes out, we are blessed. There are people in the United States, people on the Navajo Nation who can't say that. They have to haul their water. So we are blessed."

In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with Gimbel to tap into what is happening with water in our state.

Twenty-somethings in Colorado and beyond are struggling. This psychologist explains why

KUNC — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Many of us have been told that our twenties are the best time in our lives. But some data suggests otherwise. At least one new report says 20-somethings in the U.S. are some of the most unhappy in the world.

"I have yet to meet someone who's like, ‘Gosh, I wish I could be in my 20s again,’” said Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist who specializes in this formative decade of life. “You know, your 20s are not going to be the best years of your life. Thank God, right? I mean, what if they were -- and then it was all terrible from there?”

Jay discusses her new book, The Twentysomething Treatment: A Revolutionary Remedy for an Uncertain Age, at Colorado State University on Tuesday, March 26. Ahead of her talk, In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with her to discuss the unique stressors 20-somethings face today and what she has learned about these pivotal years.

Staffing shortages in Colorado prisons creating dire conditions for incarcerated people

KUNC — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Prisons in Colorado are severely understaffed and that is hitting workers especially hard. But the effects of this shortage stretch far past the staff.

“You have not only the stress on the staff from the vacancy, you have the disruption of normal functionality for the department as a whole and, then of course, this incredible negative impact on the people who are incarcerated,” said Christie Donner, executive director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, which wants to see more money invested in community initiatives and less spent on the prison system.

Donner and her colleagues recently released a report surveying hundreds of incarcerated Coloradans about their living conditions amid the staffing shortage. She sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss what incarcerated people said about their experience.

In Summit County, teens want more safe indoor spaces. Here’s why those spots are essential

KUNC — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

In many communities across Colorado, teens say there are few things for them to do after school. In Summit County, as local leaders work on a long-term plan for the future, young people are asking for more affordable indoor spaces. KUNC senior editor and reporter Leigh Paterson sat down with local students to discuss why these hangout spots are so important to them and their well-being. She joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to explain what young people had to say.

All aboard? Plans for Front Range passenger rail inch forward

KUNC — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

The launch of a passenger rail line in Northern Colorado felt a smidge closer to reality last week at Union Station. That’s when the first passenger train in decades departed from Denver to Longmont. The passengers included state lawmakers, transportation pros and Governor Jared Polis, who did the honors of calling passengers aboard.

We have been dreaming about a Front Range passenger rail since plans were released several months ago. And hearing about this demonstration trip fueled those dreams even more. So today we are indulging that obsession by listening back to a conversation with Andy Karsian, general manager for the Front Range Passenger Rail District. In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with him shortly after he and his team unveiled their plans last December.

Amid Colorado’s childcare crisis, a nonprofit provider pushes forward for low- and middle-income families

KUNC — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Imagine keeping your cool with 10 crying babies in a classroom. Yes, childcare is hard work and it is crucial to our fast-growing community.

“We're not just babysitters, we just don't show up in a warehouse and play with kids all day. The work that we do is essential so that children are ready for school. To enter kindergarten, they're ready at third grade reading levels, and they're ready to graduate high school,” said Anne Lance with Teaching Tree Early Childhood Learning Center, a Larimer County nonprofit that serves low- and middle-income families.

It is among the childcare providers navigating a nationwide childcare shortage that is hitting Colorado hard. In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole visited her at the newly opened Loveland Youth Campus to learn more about how the landscape of care has changed and how the organization is hoping to make a dent in the rising need.

The compassion of first-person narratives with author and activist St. Clair Detrick-Jules

KUNC — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

Author and activist St. Clair Detrick-Jules uses words and images to capture personal stories that celebrate and center Black liberation, the immigrant experience, and women's rights.

“Historically in this country, Black people haven't been able to really control the narrative of our own stories, of our own lives and experiences,” she said. “And so I think that for us being able to share our first-person experiences and actually have a platform to be heard and to have our stories valued and appreciated is really empowering.”

On Thursday at CU Boulder’s art museum, Detrick-Jules discusses her book My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories.

Ahead of her talk, Detrick-Jules sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole. She began by discussing a moment that inspired the book, when her 4-year-old sister, Khloe, was in tears after her white classmates bullied her about her afro.

Alpine equity: How a Latino snowboarder is improving access to snow sports in Summit County

KUNC — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0600

When KUNC senior managing editor Stephanie Daniel journeyed into the mountains to work on her podcast The Colorado Dream, she met Javier Pineda, a snowboard instructor and Mexican immigrant. She was reporting on the housing crisis in Summit County, which has had a major impact on Pineda’s life. But as is often the case with journalism, telling one story led to the discovery of another.

Daniel learned that Pineda had launched a new program called Oso Outdoors where he provides free snowboarding lessons to Hispanic and Latino residents, many of whom are immigrants.

“Oso Outdoors is unique in that Javier is bilingual and bi-cultural and he can teach his snowboarding classes in Spanish. When we talk about diversity, oftentimes it's just around race and ethnicity. But language is also a barrier,” Daniel said.

She sat down with In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent to discuss her reporting that looks at how Oso Outdoors is helping to change the makeup of the slopes.

Spring anticipation: a stroll through CSU’s Annual Flower Trial Garden

KUNC — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Although it is technically still winter — at least until March 19 — the flowers will soon be in bloom at Colorado State University’s Trial Garden. That is where many of the flower varieties hitting garden stores in the coming weeks undergo a rigorous, real-world testing process to see which varieties are resilient enough for Northern Colorado.

The garden was started back in the 1970s on a small plot of land near the old stadium, with only around 100 plant varieties. It's now one of the largest university trial gardens in the nation – with hundreds of varieties and tens of thousands of plants.

"It's just rows of rainbows. There are so many different colors out there," said KUNC's Emma VandenEinde. She covered the final rounds of plant judging last summer.

As spring approaches and sunny days wait in the wings, we are listening back to a conversation with VandenEinde about her time in the garden.

A ‘cyclical, community issue.’ How the childcare shortage is touching life in Northern Colorado

KUNC — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0700

A national childcare shortage has its grip on Northern Colorado. It is affecting not only parents trying to hold down jobs, but also communities more broadly and local economies. The need is so great, in fact, that in February, Larimer County had to freeze enrollment in its state-subsidized childcare program because it ran out of funds.

“Childcare is this cyclical, community issue, where we need a workforce for the childcare sector and we need the childcare sector for our workforce,” said Joy Sullivan, president of the United Way of Larimer County. “So it's this, mutually symbiotic relationship, so to speak, that we hear from employers all the time who cannot hire good staff because they can't find childcare.”

Sullivan is working to raise awareness about the cascading effects of the local childcare shortage and what needs to be done to ease the problem. In the first of a two-part series, Erin O’Toole sat down with Sullivan to get a better grasp on the issue.

Residuals of redlining: Denver’s residents of color breathe dirtier air due to racist practice of the past

KUNC — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0700

People of color in Denver breathe some of the area’s worst air. New research from the University of Colorado Boulder not only shows that the air in some neighborhoods is more polluted than others, it also links that disparity to an outlawed practice called redlining. In the 1930s and 40s, lenders and governments used color-coded maps to identify areas where people of color lived and deny those residents mortgages. The practice was outlawed in the 1960s but many of the social, health, and economic impacts persist today.

Lead researcher Alex Bradley, a chemistry doctoral student, sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss the connection between redlining and poor air quality in Denver neighborhoods.

On this Super Tuesday, we check the pulse of young voters in Colorado

KUNC — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Today is Super Tuesday — traditionally the biggest day for primary elections and caucuses across the nation. In Colorado, unaffiliated voters can cast a ballot for either the Republican or Democratic candidates.

For more on the election and how KUNC is working to engage Coloradans in the democratic process, KUNC statehouse reporter Lucas Brady Woods joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole. In today’s episode, we also hear from Nick DeSalvo, student body president at Colorado State University. DeSalvo is studying political science at CSU and already has experience running for local office. When DeSalvo was 17, he ran for the Pueblo West Metro Board of Directors. Now he is helping to inform some of KUNC’s election engagement efforts with young voters. Spoiler — he says there is a lot of work to be done to get more young people to participate in the democratic process.

Song of fire and ice: The complex relationship between wildfire and snowpack

KUNC — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:30:00 -0700

In the West, two elements play an outsized role in our quality of life — fire and water. We know wildfire is part of the natural cycle of life here, yet climate change has intensified fires, making them deadlier, more destructive and more frequent. Meanwhile, our Western snowpack determines just how much water we have available to sustain our people, plants and animals. The relationship between the two is actually complex and it is central to Professor Anne Nolin’s work at University of Nevada, Reno.

She joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to unravel some of those complexities and what they mean for us in Northern Colorado.

Colorado’s historic Dearfield community exemplifies ‘what Black people have done - and could do’

KUNC — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Just off Highway 34 outside of Greeley sits a ghost town dotted with a couple of deteriorating buildings and a sign. In the early 1900s this area was home to Dearfield. The thriving agricultural community founded by O.T. Jackson was Colorado’s largest Black homesteading site. Settlers grew corn, winter wheat, melons and strawberries and the community enjoyed great prosperity until drought, the Dust Bowl, and the Great Depression forced most to leave and seek work elsewhere.

Junne sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss Dearfield’s significance. Their conversation comes on the heels of an announcement by the National Park Service that it is studying Dearfield for potential inclusion in the park system.

Could reintroducing wolves restore an ecosystem? Research says it's complicated

KUNC — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Wolves are a contentious topic in the West, especially in Colorado where they were recently reintroduced. They are also central to a new 20-year study looking at their removal and reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park and what that means for disruptions to the food web.

Tom Hobbs and his research team at Colorado State University found that reintroducing apex predators like wolves failed to restore the ecosystem to its original state. Still, he cautions against drawing certain conclusions from the research.

“I really don't want our work to be cast as sort of anti-wolf, to use it to say, ‘Well, it wasn't a good idea to reintroduce wolves.’ That's not what we're showing at all. What we're showing is that the benefits of a complete food web — that includes large carnivores like wolves — can take a long time to be realized.”

Hobbs joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss his research – and what it could mean here in Colorado.

Honoring history: How Colorado’s first Latina state historian uses the past to inform her present

KUNC — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:30:00 -0700

In 2021, Nicki Gonzales became Colorado’s first Latina state historian. History is a lifelong vocation for the Regis University professor – one that has helped to inform her own identity, and honor her family’s legacy.

"When I was state historian, I would dedicate my presentations and my activities to my paternal grandmother, who I never met, but who was a single, mother of three boys here in Denver,” Gonzales said. “Her family, they were miners and they worked in the agricultural fields of Northern Colorado, Boulder County. And I think the most satisfying thing has been being able to honor my family's history."

Gonzales’s work has helped to provide us with a fuller picture of Colorado’s cultural landscape, uncovering state history and acknowledging its sometimes problematic details. She will give remarks at an event Wednesday, Feb. 28 at History Colorado, during the launch of a new curriculum for K-12 students focused on Denver's Chicano movement. That starts at 2:00 p.m.

Gonzales joined In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole to reflect on her search for identity and deeper meaning, starting with her own family history.

This is an encore of our podcast from Sep. 22, 2023.

Northern Colorado students increasingly face housing insecurity. A KUNC series investigates why

KUNC — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:30:00 -0700

One in 27 students in Poudre School District is experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. That’s a statistic that KUNC senior editor and reporter Leigh Paterson recently stumbled on. Her reporting on youth mental health had suggested there was a problem, but this number told her the issue was more urgent than she’d thought.

“It is on the radar of all of the school districts that I interact with and it is just a very difficult problem to solve because it involves so many overlapping social and systemic issues,” Paterson said.

She directed the new KUNC series “Unseen but Everywhere,” airing Mondays on KUNC this month. It brings together the lived experiences of unhoused and housing-insecure students. The reporters who spent time with those students — Rae Solomon, Emma VandenEinde and Lucas Brady-Woods — joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss what they learned.

Uncovering legacy of Black life in the West impels Acoma Gaither in her work for History Colorado

KUNC — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Museum curator Acoma Gaither has been a student of Black history for as long as she can remember. She’s pored over rich historical accounts of Black life in America’s North, South and East. But she says a lot of the history of Black life in our state still needs to be uncovered.

“And that's what really drew me to Colorado,” Gaither said. “I think there's so much opportunity and learning about that Western lens in terms of Black history. It's rich with a lot of hidden stories and I think the spirit of Black folks who came out here to farm and homestead — it takes a certain personality. So that kind of story and spirit really drew me out here.”

Gaither recently moved to Denver from Minnesota to work as History Colorado’s associate curator of Black history. She sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss some of the untold stories she wants to uncover here.

Higher ed becomes higher priority in Colorado with new bipartisan effort, state investments

KUNC — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:30:00 -0700

Health care is a fast-growing industry in Colorado, but finding people to work these jobs is a constant struggle amid the state’s ongoing worker shortage. State leaders are hopeful that a new bipartisan bill will alleviate some of the pressure. It would fund healthcare training across the state, including a new medical school — the College of Osteopathic Medicine — at the University of Northern Colorado.

That move would have a big impact, said Angie Paccione, executive director of Colorado’s Department of Higher Education. Nearly two-thirds of osteopathic doctors are primary care physicians, and there’s a big need in this area.

The model for this new medical college also includes placements, addressing a reason why people may start a program but not finish, because they can't get the placement for another year, Paccione explained.

She expects a domino effect on nursing “and on all different kinds of positions where we have great shortage areas.”

In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole spoke with Paccione about this and other investments the state is making to help Coloradans further their education after high school.

You can read the report from the Lumina Foundation on the state of higher education that's mentioned in the episode.

Fort Collins singer-songwriter Cary Morin's new album brings the Old West to life

KUNC — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

One of Cary Morin’s guitars is proudly displayed at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. That black Fender electric speaks to his musical legacy here in Northern Colorado as an Americana artist — or rather, "Native Americana," as some have dubbed his musical style. It is a style with deep Indigenous roots that Morin brought with him from Montana and replanted in Fort Collins four decades ago.

"The people that I grew up around influenced the songs that I write and the music that I play, just like any songwriter is influenced by the people that they grew up around,” Morin said. “My Crow heritage is definitely rich in unique music and culturally unique. So that provided a different backdrop for me."

Morin’s new album Innocent Allies, is inspired by the paintings of Charles Marion Russell, whose work conjures vivid images of life in the Old West. In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole met up with Morin at the museum to talk about this new project.

This is an encore of our podcast from Jan. 5, 2024.

Repairing trauma, revering family: Indigenous author Oscar Hokeah headlines Fort Collins Book Fest with debut novel

KUNC — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

As a teen, author Oscar Hokeah was an avid reader. He devoured dark fantasy novels and envisioned writing Native American versions of those stories. His studies drew him on a more literary path — but it took a long time to get there.

"So the last grade I completed was sixth grade, and then I got a GED when I was 17," Hokeah said. "And so I didn't even think of myself as being [a writer] even though I read all the time and I would write all the time. I just never thought of myself as being someone who would go to college."

At the age of 29, Hokeah returned to school and began studying literary fiction. He was determined to bring his perspective as an Indigenous person to a field that has only a small percentage of novelists from tribal communities.

Now Hokeah, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, is headlining the Fort Collins Book Fest with his award-winning debut novel “Calling for a Blanket Dance.” He joined In The NoCo's Erin O'Toole to discuss the book, and the powerful cultural elements he brings to the page.

The literary festival continues through February 19. Find the 2024 Book Fest reading list here; and a schedule of events here.

Forced prison labor persists in Colorado despite a measure meant to outlaw it. CSU researchers explain why

KUNC — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

Forced prison labor is widespread across the U.S. and a recent investigation by the Associated Press details a large, complex web linking some of the world's largest food companies to work performed by incarcerated people. The two-year investigation featured data from Colorado State University’s Prison Agriculture Lab.

"The signal from the prison system is that you don't deserve more than this, that you are simply a labor input to help us save costs and to help us produce profits," said Joshua Sbicca, who directs the lab. "And that has a social psychic toll on people. This is why people refer to what goes on in prison as prison slavery."

Sbicca and lab co-director Carrie Chenault sat down with In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent to discuss prison labor in Colorado and beyond.

What a multi-million dollar price tag for Colorado River water says about the West’s unquenchable thirst

KUNC — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

In Colorado, the water that comes from our taps and keeps our fields growing can be in limited supply. That means heated debates over water – who gets to use it and how money should be spent to keep it flowing – are constant. That is evident right now, after a Colorado water agency announced plans to buy nearly $100 million of water from the Colorado River, even without plans to change how that water is used.

“The purchase represents the culmination of a decades-long effort to keep Shoshone’s water on the west side of Colorado’s mountains, settling the region’s long-held anxieties over competition with the water needs of the Front Range, where fast-growing cities and suburbs around Denver need more water to keep pace with development,” explained KUNC reporter Alex Hager.

He joined In The NoCo host Erin O'Toole to tell us more.

Colorado’s Green Book sites are powerful emblems of racism – and resilience

KUNC — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

During Jim Crow, and even after those laws were overturned in the late 1960s, green book sites were safe places where Black Americans could stop when they were traveling. The sites bear the namesake of what’s known as the Green Book. It contained listings for hotels, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and more.

Terri Gentry says her grandparents never left home without that book.

“We were traveling around the country, we were out exploring. We wanted to go see family members,” she said. “We felt like as citizens and with the National Park Service, we wanted to start engaging in different places and spaces around the country, but we had to navigate it very differently.”

Gentry is with History Colorado. She and her team are working to register green book sites throughout the state. For Black History Month, we're listening back to a conversation with Gentry about this chapter of Colorado’s recent past.

She spoke with In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent.

The Perils of Extremism: Coloradan Jason Van Tatenhove on his former life with the Oath Keepers

KUNC — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

Estes Park resident Jason Van Tatenhove used to live a very different life than the one he has now. The former spokesperson for the Oath Keepers had an inside view of the far-right militia group and its subversive strategies.

His skepticism of government and a need for adventure initially drew him to the Oath Keepers – but when he became an insider, he knew he had to leave. Since then, he has expanded our understanding of these groups with his book The Perils of Extremism.

His testimony before Congress during the January 6th committee hearings contained a warning…

“All we have to look at is the iconic images of that day with the gallows set up for Mike Pence — for the Vice President of the United States,” he said. “I do fear for this next election cycle because if a president that's willing to try to instill and encourage — to whip up a civil war amongst his followers, using lies and deceit and snake oil, regardless of the human impact, what else is he gonna do if he gets elected again?”

In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with Van Tatenhove to discuss his former – and current – life, and why Colorado has at times been fertile ground for extremist groups.

Greeley farmer strengthens community roots through youth outreach, sustainable farming

KUNC — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

Sean Short at Blooming Health Farms runs what he calls a working aquaponic chicken farm. First things first, what does that even mean?

“It's a great question,” Short laughed. “I've put a few of those words together.”

The farm uses aquaponics, “a fancy way of saying that we have some fish, and we use the fish water to grow plants.” In other words, aquaponics combines fish farming with hydroponics. Short is also using that fish water to grow chicken feed. He said that system helps him clean up wastewater from the messy process of producing the feed. All of this is connected to Short’s organic egg production, too — “really yummy eggs,” he said.

Beyond sustainability — hydroponic farming conserves water and land, and reduces pesticide use — what is also notable about Farmer Sean’s operation is the people involved. He is bringing at-risk kids into the fold and helping them to learn new skills and carve paths away from the criminal justice system. In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole sat down with Short to talk about this work and our increasing appetite for sustainable agriculture.

Fifty years and a lot of firsts: The legacy of NPR founding mother Linda Wertheimer

KUNC — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

One of NPR’s founding mothers, Linda Wertheimer, is leaving the mothership, as we public radio nerds like to call NPR.

Wertheimer is a senior national correspondent and her five-decade career marks a lot of firsts – she was the first director for All Things Considered when it debuted in 1971. Five years later, she became the first woman to anchor an election night as presidential candidate Democrat Jimmy Carter beat Republican incumbent Gerald Ford.

Her political prowess and reporting chops then took her deeper into the halls of power as the first person to broadcast live from inside the chambers of the U.S. Senate “and the men at first, you know, they might call her little lady,” said author Lisa Napoli. “And she would say, ‘hey, big Senator.’ And she'd playfully push back at them and, you know, she showed she knew her stuff. And that's really, in the end, what mattered and what got them the acceptance."

Napoli is the author of Susan, Linda, Nina & Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of NPR's Founding Mothers. In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole spoke with her in 2021, as NPR was celebrating its 50th anniversary. We’re listening back to that conversation today on the heels of Wertheimer’s announcement.

Colorado lawmakers confront funeral home improprieties as families grieve from the fallout

KUNC — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

Funeral homes in Colorado have been operating like they exist in a Wild West time capsule. The lack of regulations has been center stage after authorities recently discovered almost 200 bodies that had been improperly stored at a funeral home in southern Colorado. That shocking discovery wasn't the only example of funeral home improprieties. Now lawmakers are looking at ways to regulate the industry – and hopefully bring some closure to distraught families.

KUNC investigative reporter Scott Franz has been examining the issue for months. He sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to explain what he has learned.

Scott mentioned a database in this episode where you can research whether a funeral home has been investigated or disciplined by the state. Here’s his reporting on that.

From the scorebox to first base: Rockies scorer Jillian Geib on Todd Helton’s Hall of Fame trajectory

KUNC — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

When the Colorado Rockies’ official scorer Jillian Geib talks America’s favorite pastime, even baseball neophytes catch the excitement. The game is pretty central to her life.

“I have watched thousands and thousands of baseball games in my lifetime, so that in itself was training — just watching games and seeing all sorts of situations that could occur because I still feel like every time I watch a game I learn something new,” she said.

Many of those thousands of games Geib has watched have included Todd Helton. The first baseman spent 17 seasons with the Rockies and was recently elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. She sat down with host Erin O’Toole to talk about Helton’s storied career — and her own. Geib is the first woman to score for the Rockies, and among only a handful of women to ever have this role in the league.

Racial equity, housing, opioid epidemic emerge as big items this legislative session

KUNC — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0700

The legislative session is underway at the Colorado state Capitol and lawmakers have identified a long list of priorities that could have big impacts on life in Colorado. Strengthening renters’ rights has returned to the forefront after some successful bills and a few failed ones last year. Meanwhile, the Colorado Black Caucus is pushing for a comprehensive review of entrenched racial disparities affecting Coloradans across the state. Addressing the opioid epidemic and the massive problems stemming from it are also central to this year’s session.

It is the job of Lucas Brady Woods to tell us how successful lawmakers will be in addressing these issues. KUNC’s statehouse reporter sat down with Erin O’Toole for a quick tour inside the halls of power.

How doulas of color help marginalized patients navigate a system that wasn’t built for them

KUNC — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0700

We continue our look at doulas today and the crucial role they could play in addressing high rates of maternal mortality for Coloradans of color. Jannah Farooque is a doula with Mama Bird Doula Services. For the people of color she works with, she says just showing up at the hospital and being by their side makes a difference.

“As an African American Muslim woman doula, I know that my presence is so impactful in a positive way because I'm, I wear the hijab, so I'm easily identifiable as Muslim,” Farooque said. “I just remember working in one of the hospitals that largely works with immigrants … as soon as I would walk into the rooms of these women, you could immediately see relief.”

As a full-spectrum doula, she’s around before, during and after a baby’s birth. Her work acknowledges the many different stages when things can get complicated - and when people are most in need of an advocate.

In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent sat down with Farooque to learn more.

Coloradans of color face high maternal death rates. Could doulas be the answer?

KUNC — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0700

Colorado’s maternal death rate has been on the rise. It is a nationwide problem and the data tends to surprise people. The U.S. ranks higher than other countries in the so-called developed world for maternal death rates with people of color hit the hardest. In Colorado, this is especially true for Native Americans and Black residents. Research suggests systemic racism is often at play — a legacy of discrimination in the medical system deters some people of color from seeking care.

Today, we begin our two-part look at one solution to these high rates of maternal mortality: doulas. A new partnership between Mama Bird Doula Services and the healthcare nonprofit Colorado Access is expanding this kind of care. It is pairing Black Coloradans on Medicaid with doulas of color. Joy Twesigye, with Colorado Access, joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to talk about the important role doulas are taking on.

Blurring county lines may offer solutions to Northern Colorado’s most pressing issues

KUNC — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0700

We hear it mentioned a lot – that this region is growing quickly. And that increasing population puts pressure on a lot of different areas of life – things like housing, healthcare, schools, and transportation. But love it or hate it, growth is inevitable – so how do we make sure it happens strategically, equitably?

One solution is to stop making so many distinctions between Weld and Larimer counties — and start bringing these communities together. That’s what a new report from the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado suggests. It presents data from across the region to show how issues like housing and healthcare intersect across county lines — and how coming together might just be the smartest way to alleviate these problems.

"Nobody really had assembled the data in a way that allowed us to look at the health and well-being of the entire region," said Kristin Todd, NoCo Foundation president. "We want to promote solving really big, challenging issues as a region. We feel like we're better together; and so we're promoting regionalism as a way to solve some really challenging issues."

The report was more than a year in the making, and Todd believes it provides a new way of understanding Northern Colorado's interdependence.

"My hope is that this report can inform conversations. It can inform philanthropists, inform policymakers, and provide some common language and a launching pad so that we're all starting from the same place."

She joined host Erin O'Toole to unpack what's in this first-of-its-kind report.

NOTE: The NoCo Foundation is hosting a launch event for the report Tuesday, Feb. 6 in Loveland.

What a local newspaper theft in Ouray County tells us about the power of the press

KUNC — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0700

More than 200 copies of the Ouray County Plaindealer were recently stolen out of distribution boxes around town. The newspaper had just published a front-page story about an alleged sexual assault at the home of Ouray’s police chief.

Journalist Corey Hutchins has some thoughts on this. The co-director of the Colorado College Journalism Institute writes a weekly newsletter that goes behind Colorado headlines. In that newsletter, “small and mighty” are the words he used to describe the Plaindealer, which was purchased by residents Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre in 2019.

“This is not a vehicle for advertising with a little bit of, fun, fluffy news sprinkled in, like you might find in the diner in some small town somewhere. This is a newspaper, I believe that has, since they've owned it for the past few years, taking public service journalism seriously,” he told In The NoCo.

And that’s in a county of roughly 5,000 people, amid a crisis of shrinking local news.

It means the small paper is still managing to be a watchdog and hold local government accountable. A lot of Hutchins’ research tells us this isn’t the norm, though. He joined host Erin O’Toole to discuss the incident in Ouray County -- and what it tell us about the state of local journalism.

Read a letter from the Plaindealer’s publishers on why the paper reported about this incident here.

Corey Hutchins’ weekly newsletter covers all things Colorado media. Here’s how to subscribe.

In setting the stage for change, 12-year-old activist Madhvi Chittoor sets the example for adults

KUNC — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0700

Earlier this month a statewide ban on styrofoam takeout containers went into effect and 12-year-old activist Madhvi Chittoor, of Arvada, helped fight for the law.

“These laws over time are all about environmental justice, health, justice and intergenerational justice,” said Chittoor, who also pushed for a statewide plastic bag ban. “It protects the rights of children and future generations. So I'm really happy that what I do is making big changes.”

These new measures don’t come without challenges for the businesses that are affected, though. A representative from the Colorado Restaurant Association said the policy changes add to the stressors of inflation, supply chain issues, and the labor shortage.

Still, activists like Chittoor champion these moves as important progress. At 12, she has been working on ridding us of styrofoam for a while. The United Nations child advisor and self-proclaimed “No Styrofoam Ninja” joined In The NoCo to discuss her path into activism and why adults need to listen to young people advocating for the environment.

Colorado’s unique move to hire incarcerated professor highlights value, impacts of prison education

KUNC — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0700

Colorado has taken a bold step as one of the first states to employ an incarcerated professor in a prison education program. It is a move that could have big impacts on incarcerated people and society more broadly. Chalkbeat Colorado’s Jason Gonzales spent time at a state prison in Canon City to learn more. He joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to talk about what he learned and the people he met.

From Ghana to Denver, artist Amoako Boafo uplifts Black joy and carves new paths for burgeoning artists

KUNC — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:45:00 -0700

When Amoako Boafo was growing up in Accra, Ghana in the 1980s and 90s, art wasn’t a realistic or lucrative career path. But he didn’t put his paintbrush down.

"I kept making my paintings, and from time to time I would get lucky. I would have someone buy one," Boafo said.

In those days, he says it was a victory to sell a painting for a hundred dollars. Today, his works go for hundreds of thousands - even millions - of dollars. It’s the kind of sharp rise to fame that could really change a person. But Boafo remains close to his roots. He could live anywhere, but he chooses to stay in Ghana.

His exhibit at the Denver Art Museum, Soul of Black Folks, speaks to those roots and how they intertwine and expand upon leaving – and then returning to – your hometown. His portraits are vibrant, textured moments, with an emphasis on Black joy.

Boafo and curator Larry Ossei-Mensah sat down with In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent to discuss the exhibit – on display at DAM until Feb. 19, 2024.

‘Healer of the sick:’ Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado’s first Black female physician, saw her work as a true calling

KUNC — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Next week we celebrate the birthday of pioneering physician Dr. Justina Ford. At the turn of the 20th century, she became the first Black woman to practice medicine in Colorado.

In an archival clip featured in Rocky Mountain PBS’s “Colorado Experience,” we hear Ford musing on her life’s work: "Babies. Babies are little miracles. That's why I love to deliver them and help these miracles thrive in their new world.”

Ford transcended racial and gender barriers to deliver more than 7,000 babies during her 50 years in medicine. She practiced out of her home in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, and treated patients regardless of their ability to pay. She saw that work as her true calling and higher purpose.

"For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor, a healer of the sick,” Ford said. “I used to like to help dress a chicken for dinner so I could see what was on the inside. I watched my mother use her hands, heart and ways of our African ancestors using roots and natural herbs to take care of her patients. And I wanted to do the same."

A few years ago, In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole dialed up Terry Gentry to discuss Ford’s legacy. Gentry heads Black engagement efforts at History Colorado. Back then, she was working as a volunteer docent at the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center in Denver. It was just ahead of an unveiling of a mural in Five Points depicting Ford.

Read more about Ford’s life in this piece from the local newspaper Front Porch.

Fungi firefighters? A Boulder mushroom company’s solution to wildfires is quintessentially Colorado

KUNC — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

More than 3 million Coloradans live in the Wildland-Urban Interface, positioning their homes at greater risk from the smoke and flames of wildfires. As more people live, work and play in these areas, preventing wildfires becomes increasingly important. Now, one Boulder resident is confronting the heat, but he’s not using the typical mitigation measures you might expect.

“We believe by using fungi and biological solutions, we can help facilitate carbon sequestration, we can facilitate creating healthy soils, and do so in a way which is ecologically sound and sustainable,” says Zach Hedstrom of Boulder Mushroom. His company studies the benefits of mushrooms — from their medicinal qualities to their surprising potential to, yes, prevent wildfires.

Hedstrom points to saprophytic fungi, which he calls “nature’s recyclers” because of their ability to break down wood from dead or fallen trees — a fuel for wildfires.

KUNC reporter Emma VandenEinde joins host Erin O'Toole to share more about this potential solution.

Tracing the roots of Colorado's Black history - one story at a time

KUNC — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

A new exhibit at the Museum of Boulder illuminates the stories of Black Coloradans, highlighting their influence on the region's history and their impact on the future. "Proclaiming Colorado's Black History" centers on places like the once-bustling farming community of Dearfield; and notable people like businessman Barney Ford and philanthropist Julia Greeley.

It's about sharing the lives and stories of people who aren't necessarily in Colorado's history books, said Adrian Miller, co-Project Director and lead curator for the exhibit.

Miller joined host Erin O'Toole ahead of the exhibit's launch. We're listening back to that conversation today as we continue to think about the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is an encore of our podcast from Sept. 28, 2023.

Getting to the promised land: How former state lawmaker Wilma Webb created MLK Day in Colorado

KUNC — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

This coming Monday, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death,” King said in his 1967 speech “Beyond Vietnam.”

King gave the speech at the height of the Vietnam War and it is a window into his fuller legacy — one that was not only defined by peaceful protest and calls for unity. He also critiqued capitalism, American imperialism and the ways our policies abroad hurt people near and far.

We have come a long way in understanding King’s life and work, and the federal holiday bearing his name is an annual tradition celebrated across the country — a reminder to dig deeper into King’s words and actions. But it wasn't always this way.

In fact, a state law to honor King’s birthday wasn’t passed in Colorado until 1984. It took years of work at the hands of former state lawmaker Wilma Webb.

KUNC senior managing editor Stephanie Daniel spoke with Webb a couple years ago about her efforts. Today, we revisit that conversation.

Celebrate MLK Day in Denver during the Dr, Martin Luther King Marade. In Boulder, the Motus Theater hosts an event honoring King’s radical legacy. In Fort Collins, head to Colorado State University for a march to the Lincoln Center. Then on January 22, CU Boulder hosts a MLK Day convocation.

Lessons from ‘The Green Rush’ with the Denver Post’s first cannabis editor, Ricardo Baca

KUNC — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

Ten years ago on New Year's Day, the first recreational cannabis dispensaries opened their doors to long lines of excited people. Those first few years were known as "The Green Rush" – but now, with sales and revenue dipping from their highest point, some are wondering what the next decade will bring for the industry.

Ricardo Baca is among those close observers. The former journalist spent three years as the Denver Post's first-ever marijuana editor, even though he had only just tried edibles for himself.

“When the editor in chief of the Post came to me and said, ‘Hey, we want you to be the weed editor,’ I said, ‘You know that I'm not the biggest stoner in the newsroom right now.’ And they're like, ‘Oh, yeah, we know. And that's part of the reason we want you,’” Baca remembered.

Baca’s focus is still on cannabis, but he’s got some skin in the game now with the aptly-named marketing agency he founded, Grasslands. He joined host Erin O’Toole to share what it was like covering Colorado’s cannabis industry during its infancy.

New union gives Opera Colorado workers off-stage power and presence

KUNC — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

It has been several decades since performers at Opera Colorado had the representation of a union. That changed recently after a hard-fought battle. Artistic workers had the help of the American Guild of Musical Artists, an organization that is increasingly meeting the moment and helping artists to unionize across the country. They say when the soaring arias are over and the intricate costumes come off, opera singers and the workers who support them struggle to have a voice in the face of tough working conditions. Unions, they say, give them back the microphone.

For more, In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent sat down with Joshua Zabatta, a tenor based in Denver who sings with Opera Colorado, and Griff Braun, national organizing director for the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Many Colorado students are chronically absent. KUNC’s Leigh Paterson hit the hallways to study solutions

KUNC — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

Colorado kids are missing a lot of school. This past academic year, nearly one in three was chronically absent – that is more than 250,000 students.

“If you’re missing 10% or more of school days you are considered chronically absent,” Leigh Paterson told In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole. Both excused and unexcused absences count, and while the percentage of chronically absent students improved a bit last academic year compared to the year before, generally, this is a growing problem in Colorado, Paterson said. The KUNC senior editor and reporter visited schools in two Northern Colorado districts to speak with students and learn about potential solutions. She shared some of her reporting with us today.

'Native Americana' singer-songwriter Cary Morin brings the Old West to life with new album

KUNC — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

One of Cary Morin’s guitars is proudly displayed at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. That black Fender electric speaks to his musical legacy here in Northern Colorado as an Americana artist — or "Native Americana," as some have dubbed his musical style. It is a style with deep Indigenous roots that Morin brought with him from Montana and replanted in Fort Collins four decades ago.

"The people that I grew up around influenced the songs that I write and the music that I play, just like any songwriter is influenced by the people that they grew up around,” Morin said. “My Crow heritage is definitely rich in unique music, and culturally unique. So that provided a different backdrop for me."

Morin’s new album coming out later this month is inspired by the paintings of Charles Marion Russell, whose work conjures vivid images of life in the Old West. In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole met up with Morin at the museum to talk about this new project.

'We need those thinkers:' Temple Grandin on why neurodivergent minds are essential to our future

KUNC — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

Temple Grandin sees the world through a different lens. The Colorado State University animal science professor is neurodivergent and her differences as an autistic person have been foundational to her work, especially when it comes to advocating for the humane treatment of animals. She is also an advocate for neurodivergent thinkers, both young and old. Her new book for children is “Different Kinds of Minds.” It is an adaptation of her book “Visual Thinking.” Both explain the need for a diverse range of thinkers and how different minds can thrive. Grandin joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss the book and much more.

Recent landmark Colorado law is taking aim at crippling medical debt. Here’s how it works

KUNC — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

Many Americans are saddled with medical debt — and that’s true for both insured and uninsured people. Half of respondents to a recent survey by the Commonwealth Fund said it was "very" or "somewhat" difficult to afford their health care costs. The survey’s authors say this challenges the notion that simply having health insurance makes care affordable or accessible. These findings help us understand why advocates in Colorado pushed for a recent law that removes medical debt from credit reports.

Julia Char Gilbert, with Colorado Center on Law and Policy, worked on this pioneering law and joins us today, along with Denver resident Kayce Atencio. His medical debt had devastating impacts on his life and turned him into a vocal advocate.

If your medical debt is still showing up on your credit report, you can learn about the dispute process via Colorado Center on Law and Policy.

Sci-fi writer Connie Willis invites us to imagine new worlds this National Science Fiction Day

KUNC — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 04:45:00 -0700

It’s a fitting day to think about the future — it's the second day of the new year. It is also National Science Fiction Day – a date commemorating the birth of the late Isaac Asimov, one of the genre's most celebrated authors. Like Asimov, a lot of us are fascinated with tales of the future. One of sci-fi’s living legends, author Connie Willis, says that’s a good thing.

“We, I think, get to step out of ourselves and imagine worlds that are different from ours. One of the biggest problems right now is people who are unable to put themselves in anyone else's point of view. And I think that's a major thing that science fiction does,” Willis said.

Willis recently published a new book, “The Road to Roswell.” She lives in Northern Colorado and joined In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole in the KUNC studio to discuss the book, reflect on the past, and marvel at the future.

KUNC's sister station, The Colorado Sound, will celebrate National Science Fiction Day with special sci-fi themed programming all day.

'They speak to that great unknown:' Why we love tales of Colorado's haunted theaters

KUNC — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

“Before I even got there, I had been warned that the place was haunted, that there was a ghost there by the name of Lucy, and that all the people that had worked there for years not only believed in Lucy, but made decisions based off of like, what Lucy would or wouldn't like,” Kelley says. We sat down with her this past Halloween to unwrap that strange feeling some of us get when we spend time in old theaters and other storied places.

You can help Kelley deepen her research by filling out this theater ghost survey. And you can do your own research at one of the many Colorado theaters that Kelley says are believed to be haunted: the Boulder Theater, the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, the Dickens Opera House in Longmont, and the Rialto Theater in Loveland.

NOTE: This is an encore of our podcast from Oct. 31, 2023.

‘Stepping into Narnia’ and speaking truth to power with NPR’s Lori Lizarraga

KUNC — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Journalism wasn’t always in the cards for NPR’s Lori Lizarraga, until one day she found herself in the wrong classroom at Southern Methodist University. Lizarraga says she “stepped into Narnia” when she walked into the studio where journalism students were broadcasting the school’s daily newscast. The Latina journalist has been telling stories ever since – and a lot of that work is informed by her cultural identity. Host Erin O'Toole spoke with the Code Switch host about how race, cultural identity, and lived experience are inextricably woven into the fabric of her work.

NOTE: This is an encore of our podcast from Oct. 13, 2023.

Barbie is a big Oscar contender. A Colorado feminist scholar unpacks the movie’s mystique

KUNC — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced Oscar shortlists in 10 categories – and Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" is dominating those lists. Moviegoers in Northern Colorado helped fuel the Barbie phenomenon, not only for big cinema chains, but also infusing mom-and-pop theaters, like The Lyric in Fort Collins, with massive revenue from ticket sales.. Colorado State University professor Karrin Vasby Anderson has been watching this craze unfold. The feminist scholar was astounded when a film full of frills and pink turned out to be about feminism, and wrote about some of the backlash that provoked. She joins In The NoCo to unpack some of the messaging in the billion-dollar blockbuster.

NOTE: This is an encore of our podcast from Oct. 19, 2023.

‘I am not the same person I was:’ Candice Bailey reflects on years of fighting for racial justice

KUNC — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Much of what we understand about Elijah McClain — both his life, and his death in 2019 at the hands of Aurora police and paramedics — is thanks in large part to people like Candice Bailey. The Aurora activist led many of the protests that introduced people to the 23-year-old Black man, described by friends and family as gentle, creative and a free spirit. Her work helped people honor McClain’s life and examine the practices of Aurora police and paramedics that led to his death. As trials continue for the officers and paramedics charged for McClain’s death, Bailey joined In The NoCo to reflect on her fight for racial justice.

NOTE: This is an encore of our podcast from Oct. 24, 2023.

How to set the table for civil conversation this holiday season

KUNC — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

For many, the holidays are all about gratitude, reflection, and family – but they can also be a major source for tension. If you’re among the 60 percent of Coloradans traveling for the holidays, you’re likely navigating congested roads or chaotic airports. If you’re hosting dinner, you’ve got a whole other set of concerns, like catering to an array of dietary needs, and getting a hundred different dishes to come out of the oven at the same time.

But, here we are – you made it to your family's gathering, the wine is flowing like water and it’s time to relax. But not so fast… Even in the kindest of families, dinner table discussions sometimes turn into heated debate. And we’ve all got plenty of opinions, whether it’s on the war in the Middle East, reproductive rights, or this week's Colorado Supreme Court decision that former president Donald Trump cannot appear on our state's primary ballot. . We're talking about a lot of potential flashpoints… but there is a ray of light here. With some thought and intention, your holiday conversations can be peaceful — and maybe even bring people closer together...

“Sometimes when you have a pretty good conversation with someone, the main thing you realize is, wait, we don't disagree nearly as much,” says Martín Carcasson, a communications professor at Colorado State University and director of CSU's Center for Public Deliberation. “There's still going to be disagreement. I'm not saying we're all going to agree … but normally the disagreement is much more manageable than we think it is when we have a good conversation.

Then, Carcasson says, the goal becomes easier: “to develop a little more understanding about each other.”

Ahead of the holiday season, Carcasson gave us some guidance on how to have healthier conversations at the dinner table. And for more tips on how to navigate the holiday dinner conversation, Carcasson recommends this Monica Guzman TED talk, or the discussion guides at Living Room Conversations.

NOTE: This is an encore of our podcast from , Nov. 21, 2023.

Canine conundrum: What we know about the mysterious illness affecting some Colorado dogs

KUNC — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

A mysterious disease has been affecting some of our favorite — furry — friends. So, we had to learn what we could about canine respiratory illness because let’s face it — many of us love our dogs like people. (OK, some of us love them more than people.) In recent months, veterinarians in Colorado have seen a rise in this disease so we sat down with veterinarian Dr. Amanda Kavanugh. She gave us her insights from leading the emergency vet clinic program at Colorado State University.

A former life ‘living on the streets full-time' informs this advocate's solutions to homelessness today

KUNC — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Every Tuesday at Central Park in Boulder, Jen Livovich offered food and support to people experiencing homelessness through a nonprofit she founded called Feet Forward. Livovich knew a lot of the people she was helping at the time — and still does. That’s because she also struggled with homelessness for several years. Then in 2018, she received a state voucher that helped her secure a stable home. It was a rocky transition.

“I really grappled with the kind of survivor’s guilt that’s only familiar to homeless people. And I remember thinking I could move 40 people onto my floor and laid the tape out and knew that wasn’t gonna end well,” Livovich said.

Homelessness has reached crisis levels in Colorado and the City of Boulder is facing a lawsuit for how its been handling the problem. The ACLU of Colorado sued the city for its so-called camping ban. It prohibits people from sleeping on the street. Police then issue tickets to those who do — even when the homeless shelter has been full.

“We think that's a violation of the Constitution to criminally charge people for actions that they have to engage in as a part of being human, sleeping, laying down,” said Tim Macdonald, legal director for the ACLU of Colorado.

A court date for that lawsuit was recently set for next August. Livovich, for her part, was originally one of the plaintiffs but she has since withdrawn. She says the larger issue is getting unhoused people access to social services, especially when it comes to addiction, and she has proposed a way for city leaders to do that. In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent sat down with her to learn more.

'Messy compromise' on tap as Western leaders hash out what's next for the Colorado River

KUNC — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Millions of people rely on water from the Colorado River, but there’s just not enough to quench everyone’s thirst. In other words, there's a big gap between the amount of water in the river, and the amount that people are using. It is a conundrum that policymakers across seven Western states continue to grapple with. Last week, more than 1,000 people with a stake in the river’s future met in Las Vegas, giving a peek behind the curtain of ongoing negotiations, and some clues as to just how hard it will be to find solutions that make everybody happy.

KUNC’s Alex Hager was there to cover that conference. He told In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole about the potential for troubled waters ahead.

Ticket to ride: Front Range passenger train could finally be on the right track

KUNC — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Colorado has a rich railroad history, from mining trains carved through the mountains to freight trains chugging across the city. A lot of us hear them — sometimes too often — but we rarely get the opportunity to actually ride the trains. But that might change soon.

Last week, a plan to develop a passenger rail line using existing freight tracks along the Front Range was accepted into a federal grant program. That could help make a multi-city train line from Fort Collins to Pueblo a reality in the next decade. To see if this long-anticipated plan is on track, host Erin O'Toole sat down with Andy Karsian of the Front Range Passenger Rail District.

Keeping the faith: In the face of the migrant crisis, some churches have stepped in to help

KUNC — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

It’s a Christmas tale as old as the Bible.

During a cold snap in Denver last December, Pastor Eddy Hopkins responded to an urgent call from Larimer County leaders. They told him Denver was overwhelmed with migrants who’d recently arrived in the city from the U.S. southern border. They asked if he could help. The pastor sprang into action and Peak Community Church in Fort Collins became a shelter for 16 migrants over the holidays.

Pastor Eddy said the experience was “absolutely wonderful.” The people he offered temporary shelter to “brought a great deal of joy to us.”

Still, it was a big undertaking.

“We were wanting to provide the best space that we could,” the pastor said. “And so we spent a lot of time trying to figure out food, trying to figure out personal needs and and how people could be safe and clothed and all that kind of stuff.”

People from Latin American countries and other nations facing turmoil continue to arrive in Colorado. It’s an especially tough time for them to make that journey — the weather is unforgiving and the holidays are in full swing. In Larimer County, leaders argue that logistics have prevented them from doing more when it comes to sheltering the influx of migrants. But Pastor Eddy is starting to make plans for the people who do end up near his doorstep. Host Erin O’Toole visited him at his church to learn more.

Kill Bill: Death by secret ballot system at Colorado statehouse explained

KUNC — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

People tend to trust local and state leaders more than federal lawmakers. A recent Gallup poll found that 59% of Americans have faith in state government yet only a third of respondents trust federal legislators. But, as we’ve learned time and again from our reporting at KUNC, transparency is a problem at all levels of government. For the last year, KUNC investigative reporter Scott Franz has been uncovering an example of this at the Colorado statehouse. His reporting highlighted how Democratic lawmakers have been using a secret voting system to decide which bills to consider. Those lawmakers now face a lawsuit. And the first hearing in that suit happened last week. Scott joins us to explain some of the twists and turns of it all — and what’s next.

When activism is personal, spiritual: Immigration advocates on their 60-mile march from Denver to Greeley

KUNC — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

There’s a long history of Americans taking to the streets to make their voices heard. To march, and to protest has come to define one of the more powerful ways people participate in our democracy.

Recently a group of local immigration activists embarked on a long-distance march that mirrored the multi-day marches of the Civil Rights Movement. Members of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition walked for four days on a 60-mile journey that began at the Colorado State Capitol. They slept in churches along the way and talked with community members before ending the march in Greeley at the district office of Rep. Yadira Caraveo, Colorado’s first Latina member of Congress.

Activists want Caraveo, and Sens. Michael Bennett and John Hickenlooper, to sign onto what is known as the registry bill. The federal legislation would update a decades-old law, creating a pathway for citizenship for millions of immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for more than seven years.

We heard from one of the people who marched — Omar Gomez, a Boulder County resident from Mexico — and Raquel Lane-Arellano of the Immigrant Rights Coalition. She helped organize the march and offered support to activists along their route.

Humans are hard-wired to adapt. But adapting to climate change can be a thorny pursuit

KUNC — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Longmont-based author and journalist Stephen Robert Miller is fascinated by climate disaster stories. He says they’re often teachable moments.

“There’s so much to be learned from looking in the past — environmental histories and instances of when people have tried to control nature and ultimately it's failed,” Miller says.

In his new book, “Over the Seawall,” Miller examines the deeper impacts of some of these failures. He investigates how governments and people are using infrastructure to slow or stop the effects or the symptoms of climate change. For example, giant concrete barriers in Japan meant to stop tsunamis — or dams and canals in Arizona meant to make a desert move-in ready for lots of people. Government policies created to manage the Colorado River and distribute water among its unquenchable stakeholders are another example.

In other words, Miller says people are keen to adapt and that seems great, “but it can also be tricky if it causes us to rush into rash decisions,” he said. He joined host Erin O'Toole to talk about his new book and some of humanity’s attempts to adapt to climate change that have ended badly.

Colorado jazz artist Domi Edson reimagines traditional Hanukkah songs with new album

KUNC — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Musician Domi Edson’s move from Seattle to Colorado wasn’t fueled by the typical cliched reasons. She came for the jazz. “I had heard really good things about both the size and the quality of the jazz scene here,” Edson told In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole. It is a scene defined by sense of place — Edson says the local jazz world has a quintessential “Colorado vibe.”

“It’s just a very positive thing to be part of,” she said. Musicians challenge each other and clubs are committed to elevating local artists, she explained.

Edson is a bass player who heads her own jazz trio. Her latest project hits just right for this time of year — a collection of traditional Hanukkah songs reinterpreted in her signature jazz style. So, with Hanukkah beginning tonight at sundown, she joined us to talk about the genesis of this project and more.

You can hear the Domi Edson Trio perform an album release party Sunday, December 10 at The Muse in Lafayette. Find her newest album, A Jazzy Hanukkah, at domiedson.com.

‘To create peace upon the whole world:’ how the conversation about Israeli policies is changing among American Jews

KUNC — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Amid Israel’s intensifying military campaign in Gaza, more than 2,000 people gathered in Denver last week for the Jewish National Fund's annual Global Conference for Israel. The violence in Gaza follows an attack by Hamas militants in October that killed more than 1,200 people in Israel. Hamas took hundreds more hostage. Since then, Israel Defense Forces have killed more than 15,000 in Gaza and displaced roughly three-quarters of Gaza residents.

As the conference got underway, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Colorado Convention Center to demand a ceasefire and call attention to Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

“I've lost over 70 family members over the past two months in Gaza. I don't want my home to be destroyed,” said Abdullah Elagha, a Denver resident from Gaza.

Some Jews attending the conference felt vulnerable amid the protesters' shouts and the heightened reports of anti-Semitism nationwide.

“We're under attack as Jews and as Zionists, and I think we're so lucky to have this conference as a time to support one another,” said Cheris Kline-Berlinberg of Denver.

Ian Sachs traveled from Arizona to attend the conference. He said the protesters didn’t bother him, that he felt safe, especially with the presence of Denver Police. Still, rising anti-Semitism is top of mind for him right now.

“When it turns into Jews being targeted that aren't Israeli or have nothing to do with this, and I've got kids, and for me to have a military security guard at their Jewish day school … you know, my blood boils,” he said.

Outside the conference, many of the protesters also happened to be Jews with many of the protests organized in part, by the local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace. In the last few months, it has grown from 10 people advocating for Palestinian freedom to 120 activists, including 15 who were arrested on Sunday for blocking an intersection at Speer Boulevard and Champa Street. Across the country, more Jews are speaking out against the Israeli government and in support of a ceasefire.

Protester Franny Alani from Denver says that was once taboo in many Jewish communities. “I went to a very conservative synagogue growing up, If you expressed, you know, any critique or dissonance around Zionism, you were immediately alienated, silenced,” she said.

In The NoCo producer Mickey Capper spoke with protesters and people attending the conference about how the conversation is shifting in the Jewish community, including protester Allie Cannington. (Mickey was surprised to recognize them from his Jewish Day School.)

“It tears me up that supporting Palestine is equated to being anti-Semitic,” Cannington said. “It is critical that we show up, as Jews, that we communicate they're unapologetic, uncritical stand with Israel is wrong.”

Both inside and outside the conference, we heard people express that they want everyone —Jews and Palestinians —in Israel, Gaza, and beyond, to be safe. But it was difficult for them to agree on what safety looks like.

“I am an American Jew, but Israel is still my home,” said Kline-Berlinberg. “Right now there's a lot of anti-Semitism in the world — and in Israel, we can be safe.”

In Cannington’s eyes, it’s impossible to justify the loss of life in the name of Israel’s security and safety. “There is no way that our safety can be sustained if it comes at the expense of other people. We can't use our fear as a catalyst to murder other people.”

We unpacked some of these perspectives with Ira Chernus, professor emeritus of religious studies at University of Colorado Boulder. He has been speaking out against the Israeli government's actions since Israel’s occupation of Palestine began in 1967. He shared with In The NoCo how the conversation about Israeli policies within American Jewish communities has changed over the decades.

The holidays can intensify domestic violence situations. Here’s what we know and who can help

KUNC — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

The trauma of domestic violence is a scar that survivors carry with them for many years — and often silently. A recent report from the Colorado Attorney General’s Office tells us that more people in Colorado are enduring this kind of abuse, and not surviving it.

It shows the number of domestic violence deaths in 2022 was roughly 1.5 times higher in comparison to the last seven years. A lot of factors seem to be intensifying this crisis. For one, in Colorado, as in many other states, a lack of affordable housing makes it especially difficult to escape an abuser.

Firearms also play a major role. More than 80 percent of domestic violence deaths were the result of gun injuries. This tracks with recent research from Stanford University showing people who have a gun in the home face a much higher likelihood of dying from homicides, a risk of so-called second-hand gun ownership.

“When we think about the second-hand risks of gun ownership, we're really talking about a population that is predominantly female,” said David Studdert, the lead researcher at Stanford. Studdert’s research was focused in California, though the threats of second-hand gun ownership can be observed in many other places, like Colorado.

Given the holiday season is in full swing, we want to keep this issue front and center — because for people in domestic violence situations, this time of year can mean more time at home and more exposure to abusers.

Dani Souza, outreach coordinator for A Woman's Place, Weld County's only domestic violence shelter, sat down with In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole to discuss what she’s seeing.

RESOURCES: If you or someone you know is seeking help with a domestic violence situation, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233); and A Woman's Place has guidance for creating a safety plan here.

'Honoring forgotten people:' The enduring legacy of Northern Colorado's sugar beet workers

KUNC — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 04:45:00 -0700

This October, she was awarded the 2023 Polly Baca Raíces Fuertes Community Leader Award from Rep. Joe Neguse in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. She sat down with host Erin O'Toole to share more about this piece of Northern Colorado history.

Betty mentioned the Posada Christmas program, which is seeking donations of new, unwrapped toys, coats, hats, gloves and mittens. The event will take place Dec. 16, 2023.

‘At that moment the movie was Indian:’ Osages in Colorado reflect on ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

KUNC — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Hollywood has long depicted Native Americans in the most problematic of ways. American Westerns are some of the biggest offenders. Their portrayals of Indigenous people as savagaes has only deepened the intergenerational trauma Native people face. But these portrayals and the film industry more broadly are changing, somewhat.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” tells the story of a massacre that Osage people in Oklahoma faced in the 1920s. Its lead female character - Lily Gladstone who plays Molly Burkhart - is Blackfeet and Nez Perce. Her casting in the role is a huge deviation from what we normally see in popular films. A recent analysis by USC Annenberg found that Native women are nearly nonexistent in Hollywood movies.

Still, representation is but one piece of this, and some Osage people who saw the film had mixed reactions. KUNC reporter Emma VandenEinde spoke with Osage citizens in Colorado to learn more. She joined the show to discuss some of her recent reporting.

Once crucial for Black Coloradans on the go, the Green Book contains lasting lessons

KUNC — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

During Jim Crow and even after those laws were overturned in the 1960s, green book sites were safe havens — places where Black Americans could stop when they were traveling without fear of discrimination or violence. The sites bear the namesake of what’s known as the Green Book. It contained listings for hotels, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and more. Terri Gentry says her grandparents never left home without that book.

Gentry is with History Colorado. She and her team are working to register green book sites throughout the state and add to the list of 160 places so far. She sat down with In The NoCo’s Robyn Vincent to discuss Colorado’s recent past — and the ways that this history has touched her personally.

Colorado Crush: Climate, culture, characters define state's growing wine industry

KUNC — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Colorado’s wine producing roots trace back to the 1800s, when Italian miners brought wine culture to the state. The grape-growing industry would later become a casualty of Prohibition, when grape vines were torn from the earth at the government’s behest. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that wine started to make a comeback in the state.

Today, wine culture in Colorado is having a moment. A recent Colorado State University study suggests Colorado’s wine country could keep expanding into new parts of the state. KUNC’s Rae Solomon recently sorted through the grapes and vines of it all. She tells us more, just in time for your holiday menu planning.

How Arlo Guthrie's ‘Alice's Restaurant’ became an unlikely Thanksgiving tradition

KUNC — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Every year on Thanksgiving, radio stations around the country play Arlo Guthrie's 1967 track "Alice's Restaurant." But how did this 18-minute satirical song about littering and the Vietnam War become a Thanksgiving classic?

The song, based on a true story, is about Guthrie and fellow musician Rick Robbins.

“They were home for Thanksgiving, and they were hanging out with their friend Alice and they had a big Thanksgiving dinner at this church where Alice lived,” says Margot Chobanian, program director for The Colorado Sound. A series of absurd events ensues, and the resulting song is both a chronicle of those events and a scathing rebuke of bureaucracy and “the Man.”

A few years ago, Margot unraveled the mystery of “Alice’s Restaurant” for host Erin O’Toole. In the spirit of the most (and least!) Thanksgiving song we know, ITN revisits that conversation today.

Taming tense turkey talk: How to set the table for civil conversation this holiday season

KUNC — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

For a holiday centered on gratitude, Thanksgiving is also a recipe for tension. If you’re among the 60 percent of Coloradans traveling for the holidays, you’re likely navigating congested roads or chaotic airports. (Yeah, we're looking at you, DIA!) If you’re hosting dinner, you’ve got a whole other set of concerns, like catering to an array of dietary needs, and getting a hundred different dishes to come out of the oven at the same time.

OK, so you did it — you made it to grandma’s, or you cooked the turkey just right. Now the wine is flowing like water and it’s time to relax. But not so fast… even in the kindest of families, with the best of intentions, friendly dinner table discussions sometimes sour. And we’ve all got plenty of opinions, whether it’s on the war in the Middle East, reproductive rights, or the upcoming presidential election. But with some thought and intention, you don't have to dread the holiday dinner discussion.

“Sometimes when you have a pretty good conversation with someone, the main thing you realize is, wait, we don't disagree nearly as much,” says Martín Carcasson, a communications professor at Colorado State University and director of CSU's Center for Public Deliberation. “I'm not saying we're all going to agree … but normally the disagreement is much more manageable than we think it is when we have a good conversation."

'Threads of joy' connect communities in the fight for LGBTQ rights in Colorado

KUNC — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Colorado has made multiple strides toward representation and equality for queer residents. The Movement Advancement Project, an independent think tank, gives our state high ratings for a range of policies that protect sexual orientation and gender identity. This marks a big change from a few decades earlier, when Colorado was dubbed the 'Hate State' after voters approved a 1992 ballot initiative, Amendment 2, that prohibited state and local governments from granting protections for LGBTQ residents. Activists responded by organizing a successful boycott against Colorado, steering tourists and businesses away from the state. Amendment 2 was eventually struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Still, being queer in Colorado doesn’t come without anxiety or very real fears for your physical safety. Nearly one year ago, the mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, revived and deepened some of those worries.

Susy Bates, campaign director at One Colorado, says it’s critically important we hold onto the memory of the victims, the survivors, and of what happened at Club Q. She and her colleagues just wrapped up a monthlong statewide listening tour that stopped in more than a dozen communities across the state. We sat down with her to learn what she heard at those meetings — and why she remains hopeful through it all.

Connecting the dots between community and stable housing: A last look at The Colorado Dream, S3

KUNC — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Across the state, people are struggling to find and keep affordable housing. That’s especially true in Colorado’s mountain towns. KUNC managing editor Stephanie Daniel recently pulled back the curtain on this issue with the latest season of her podcast The Colorado Dream Season 3: Housing Wanted.

What separates these mountain towns from other communities confronting the state’s housing shortage is “that it is hard for people at all income levels to find housing,” Daniel said. “I'm talking about restaurant servers, police officers, nurses.”

Meanwhile, certain factors are intensifying the problem, particularly in the communities Stephanie and her team visited — Routt, Eagle and Summit counties. For one, they are all home to world class ski resorts. “Visitors flock to these communities throughout the year, and tourism really drives the local economies. And that leads back to one of the challenges, which is the huge increase in short term rentals,” Daniel said.

The pandemic and a subsequent increase in remote workers drove up home prices and made this problem even worse. But, there is a lot happening to try and keep community members housed. The third season of The Colorado Dream podcast lays this all out for us — and it’s now available in its entirety — so we brought Stephanie on the show to get some final thoughts about what she learned.

Mental health services should be covered by insurance. So why is it so hard to get care?

KUNC — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

In communities across Northern Colorado, people are struggling with their mental health, while also struggling to get the care they need. And the problem is widespread – around a quarter of residents reported having poor mental health in the most recent Colorado Health Access Survey. Of the 1 in 6 Coloradans who were unable to get needed care, nearly half said they had a hard time getting an appointment, while nearly 60% were concerned about cost.

Over the past few months, KUNC’s Senior Editor & Reporter Leigh Paterson has been reporting on the barriers residents face in getting help, despite laws in place to ensure insurance coverage. She joins host Erin O’Toole to break down what you need to know about mental health parity laws.

How to make a dent in Colorado’s trashy recycling rates

KUNC — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

A lot of Coloradans love the idea of recycling. But our recycling habits are in the dumps. In 2020, the rate of recycling statewide was just 15 percent — less than half the rate nationwide. That’s according to a report from the Colorado Public Interest Research Group and Eco-Cycle. Perhaps that's because the actual practice of it can be confusing. It seems like the rules are often changing – and let’s not forget that recycling is expensive, both for residents and municipalities.

Ahead of America Recycles Day on Wednesday, we're doing a little recycling of our own, revisiting our conversation with Mark Snedecor, director of recycling services for Waste Management (WM) of Colorado. He shares some of the big recycling blunders we're making, and why you don't have to worry too much about those little numbers within the “chasing arrows” recycling symbol.

The Boulder County Recycling Center is marking America Recycles Day this Wednesday evening with a "Reduce & Reuse" showcase, self-guided tours, and more.

NOTE: This is an encore of our podcast from Oct. 3, 2023. We'll be back in your feed with a brand-new episode on Wednesday!

Colorado restaurants are hungry for help. How one program is helping to feed that need

KUNC — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

There’s so much going on behind the scenes when you sit down at a restaurant. In the back of the house, cooks are rushing to prep, cook and plate your food. Dishwashers are trying to keep pace with those cooks — and hungry diners. In the front of the house, the servers are sweating, too. They’re deciphering complex requests, running through mazes of tables, chairs, and people, to deliver your dish without a hitch. And finding people to do this work has gotten tough. Beyond the frenzied nature of the job, long hours and physical demands, inflation is hitting the industry hard. In August, Colorado saw the sharpest restaurant inflation in the country.

Laura Shunk, president of the nonprofit Colorado Restaurant Foundation, says this is stressing almost every aspect of the restaurant industry. “If you've noticed that menu prices are going up, it's because every cost in the restaurant is going up,” Shunk said. A key part of Shunk’s work is helping restaurateurs find solutions to these challenges. She told us about Colorado ProStart, a program bridging the gap between an industry hungry for good people and students who want a career in food and hospitality, but might not have the means or knowledge to get there.

We mention a tasting event in Fort Collins on Wednesday, November 15 with Northern Colorado restaurants and breweries that benefits Colorado ProStart programs in Weld and Larimer counties.

‘It’s our right:’ Why voters hit the ballot boxes, plus some election winners and losers

KUNC — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

We’re sifting though some of the results from Tuesday’s election, which brought roughly 42% of registered voters to the polls.

Loveland resident Lee Rhodes visited a dropbox in Fort Collins this week to weigh in on Proposition HH. “That was important. I like the idea of the government keeping to a budget,” he told In The NoCo’s Erin O’Toole.

The complicated measure, which intended to address a looming spike in property taxes, was defeated. KUNC’s statehouse reporter Lucas Brady Woods explains why on this episode. We also discuss Proposition II, which voters approved. That measure allows the state to use more of the taxes it gets from tobacco and nicotine products that previously went back to manufacturers and distributors.

We talk about Boulder’s mayoral race, where voters for the first time made the call on who should lead the city, and we set the stage for some upcoming conversation on school board elections and their increasing politicization.

And you can find more KUNC election coverage here.

Colorado's Indian boarding schools require us to confront a legacy of ‘difficult truths’

KUNC — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Today we’re turning back the pages of Colorado’s not-so-distant past to better grasp the problems of the present with a discussion about Indian boarding schools. The U.S. government established hundreds of these schools across the U.S. to forcibly dismantle the cultural identities of young Native Americans.

A recent 140-page state report that is the result of a 2022 state law uncovers the trauma, abuse and death that occurred at these schools in Colorado, like Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School — now the site of Fort Lewis College. Heather Shotton, a citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated tribes, and also Kiowa and Cheyenne, is vice president for diversity affairs at the college. She joined host Erin O'Toole to discuss the hard truths that this report has uncovered — and how many descendants of the students who attended the schools continue to navigate intergenerational trauma.

A new state law aims to catch kids in crisis before they’ve ‘fallen through the cracks’

KUNC — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 04:45:00 -0700

Young people in Colorado continue to struggle with their mental health. KUNC senior editor and reporter Leigh Paterson has helped us to understand the complexities of this problem. She joins In The NoCo to discuss some of her recent reporting, which looks at a new law that will provide statewide mental health screenings for kids. She tells us how this effort holds promise — and why some experts remain skeptical. And, she takes us to Glenwood Springs High School, where the school has already spearheaded its own mental health screenings and services.

Meanwhile, Election Day is here and that means voters are hitting the polls and KUNC reporters are on the move. We’re watching the races and speaking with voters as they cast their ballots. In the coming days, we’ll be hearing from Northern Coloradans about what matters to them this election. We’ll also sit down with our statehouse reporter Lucas Brady Woods to make sense of the results later in the week.

‘It’s for everybody:’ Violinist and author Brendan Slocumb on breaking the classical music mold

KUNC — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Diversity isn’t exactly classical music’s strong suit. The work of white, European composers has been center stage for for centuries. Today, people of color comprise a small percentage of musicians in American orchestras, though that number appears to be growing. Black violinist and author Brendan Slocumb says representation plays a big role in this.

“When I was a kid, had I seen someone who looked like me playing the violin, I would probably never put it down — ever, ever,” Slocumb said.

Slocumb is a longtime music educator and when he goes into schools, students don’t believe he’s a violinist. He says he doesn’t fit the part for a few reasons. “If it's warm out, I usually have on a short-sleeved shirt and I've got tattoos. And, you know, I'm going to go ahead and say, I'm a, you know, muscular guy.”

Then he picks up his violin and plays. “And they're just like, are you serious? You really do this?”

Slocumb’s response is typically: “Yeah, it's for everybody. You don't have to live in a certain place or have a certain zip code or have a certain bank account.”

His experiences as a young aspiring Black musician navigating the classical music world are central to his book “The Violin Conspiracy,” which is the selection for this year’s Fort Collins Reads. The citywide event brings residents together to read, discuss and celebrate one noteworthy book. He sat down to talk with host Erin O'Toole ahead of his talk in Fort Collins on Sunday, November 5.

Coloradans contemplate life, death & identity for Dia de los Muertos

KUNC — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Dia de los Muertos is an ancient cultural tradition that has strong roots in Mexico and is celebrated in many of our Northern Colorado communities. The holiday is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. Not to be confused with All Hallows' Eve — it is a way to honor friends and family who have died. People write and recite satirical poems about the dead, calaveras literarias, which translates to skull literature, and create intricate altars known as ofrendas, or offerings. The holiday is also an opportunity to contemplate heritage, identity, and the Indigenous people in Mesoamerica who first practiced this tradition to honor the cycle of life.

We spoke with Justin Veach of the Longmont Museum, which, along with the City of Longmont, has a long-running tradition of Dia de los Muertos festivities. That includes this Thursday night's Noche de Museo at the Stewart Auditorium, an evening of live performances spanning the ages, from ancient Aztec dance to the contemporary Chicano funk of Denver-based Los Mocochetes.

Patricia Moreno has created a number of ofrendas over the years that have been on display at the Longmont Museum. She discussed their significance with us.

Other events we mention in this episode include an inaugural Día de los Muertos procession that begins at 5:15 p.m., November 2, at The New Local Annex in Boulder. And in Fort Collins, you can head to Old Town Square at 5 p.m., November 2, and watch the creation of a community altar.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold’s biggest election fear? That you’re not registered to vote yet

KUNC — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Election Day is less than a week away and Coloradans are already casting their ballots with early in-person voting at dozens of voting centers. Others are using the hundreds of dropboxes throughout the state, or they’ve already mailed in their votes. All of this happens under the purview of Colorado’s top election official, Secretary of State Jena Griswold. She says she has embraced the mission of making Colorado elections secure and more accessible. And although she says she rarely encounters confusion about how voting works here, there is one misconception that occasionally crops up…

"Maybe that there's just too many drop boxes at this point,” Griswold laughed.

We invited Griswold on the show to discuss Colorado's ranking as one of the easiest states to cast a vote, and why there really can't be too many dropboxes.

If you need to check your voter registration, find your polling location or locate one of those many dropboxes, GoVoteColorado.gov has you covered!

Haunted theaters and other ghostly matters: An All Hallows' Eve conversation

KUNC — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Ghost stories have been on Heather Kelley’s mind for a long time. Kelley is an actor and educator at University of Colorado Boulder where her research focuses on dark tourism, ghosts as manifestations of trauma, and haunted attractions, to name a few. Since the early days of her acting career, Kelley has heard no shortage of haunting tales about the theaters and venues where she’s performed, beginning with her time as an undergraduate student at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Connecticut. “Before I even got there, I had been warned that the place was haunted, that there was a ghost there by the name of Lucy, and that all the people that had worked there for years not only believed in Lucy, but made decisions based off of like, what Lucy would or wouldn't like,” Kelley told In The NoCo.

We sat down with Kelley on this All Hallow’s Eve to unwrap that strange feeling some of us get when we spend time in old theaters and other storied places.

Colorado's expanding access for adult education, despite funding hurdles and legislative snags

KUNC — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 08:57:17 -0600

Colorado spends a lot of money on K-12 students, but the state allocates much less for adult education, in fact it's near the bottom of the list nationally. That means some of Colorado’s more economically vulnerable adults aren’t getting the support they need. Chalkbeat higher education reporter Jason Gonzales says some new laws are helping to shift the focus to adult education. He told us about those measures and how state lawmakers are scrambling to repair a problem that could jeopardize some access to adult education.

Many undocumented residents are uninsured. A unique program is trying to change that

KUNC — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Nearly 200,000 undocumented people live in Colorado. It’s a life that comes with a lot of uncertainty, especially in accessing things like healthcare. A 2021 law expanded healthcare access for Coloradans regardless of immigration or documentation status. It paved the way for the creation of OmniSalud, which helped connect 10,000 undocumented low-income residents with affordable health insurance last year.

With Colorado's open enrollment period right around the corner (Nov. 1), host Erin O'Toole spoke with Dale Whyte, program manager of Boulder County's health coverage enrollment center.

Tap water is precious. Its price tag may soon reflect that

KUNC — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Water — we know it’s a precious resource; yet in many American households, it’s easy to take it for granted. We turn on our tap and expect a clean gush of H2O to always spill out. But our water supply is shrinking — and the infrastructure helping to quench our thirst is aging. All this could mean the price of our water bills is likely to increase. In some of his recent reporting, KUNC’s Alex Hager dives into some of the factors at play, like the state of the Colorado River and middle-aged utilities. He joins In The NoCo to explain.

'This is my why:' Candice Bailey on Elijah McClain and her ongoing fight for racial justice

KUNC — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Much of what we understand about Elijah McClain — both his life and his death in 2019 at the hands of Aurora police and paramedics — is thanks in large part to people like Candice Bailey. The Aurora activist led many of the protests that introduced Coloradans to McClain, a 23-year-old Black man described by friends and family as gentle, creative and a free spirit. Her work helped people honor McClain’s life and examine the practices of Aurora police and paramedics that led to his death. As trials continue for the officers and paramedics charged for McClain’s death, Bailey joined In The NoCo to reflect on her fight for racial justice.

Winter is coming. But we're already daydreaming about next year's flowers

KUNC — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Yes, winter is just around the corner. But today, let us take just a moment to appreciate flowers — one of the best souvenirs of summer — as we look forward to next year's garden. Many of the annual flower varieties you'll find in garden stores in the spring have just endured a rigorous, real-world testing process at the Annual Flower Trial Garden at Colorado State University. KUNC’s Emma VandenEinde covered the final rounds of plant judging at the end of the summer. She joins In the NoCo to sustain our summer dreams.

'Barbie' was a billion-dollar blockbuster. A CSU feminist scholar explains why that's significant

KUNC — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Moviegoers in Northern Colorado helped fuel the Barbie phenomenon, not only for big cinema chains, but also infusing mom-and-pop theaters with massive revenue from ticket sales. The Lyric - a local indie theater in Fort Collins - said Barbie was its number one grossing film of all time. Colorado State University professor Karrin Vasby Anderson has been watching this craze unfold. The feminist scholar was astounded when a film full of frills and pink turned out to be about feminism, and wrote about some of the backlash that provoked. She joins In The NoCo to unpack some of the messaging in the billion-dollar blockbuster.

What it means to make a dent in the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people

KUNC — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Dozens of Native people have gone missing in Colorado since the state activated a new alert system in late December of last year. But advocates say some of those alerts aren’t going out fast enough. Raven Payment, who is Ojibwe and Kanienkehaka, is on the task force that helped set those alerts in motion through a recent law. She works closely on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, who face disproportionately high rates of violence. She sat down with In the NoCo to talk about recent strides and setbacks in addressing the problem.

How a Semester at Sea charted a course for author Rachel Louise Snyder

KUNC — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Author and journalist Rachel Louise Snyder has spent her career shining a light on social justice issues, violence against women and domestic abuse, and human rights across the globe. In addition to several novels, she’s published work for NPR, in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The New Yorker.

Years ago, her experience in the Semester at Sea program helped set in motion a worldview that powerfully informs her work today. Northern Coloradans have the chance to hear from Snyder at Colorado State University, where Semester at Sea is headquartered and celebrating 60 years. Ahead of that talk, host Erin O'Toole sat down with her to discuss the power of travel and language, and her new book — an evocative memoir about survival: "Women We Buried, Women We Burned."

NPR’s Lori Lizarraga on giving people’s stories ‘a heartbeat’

KUNC — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Journalism wasn’t always in the cards for NPR’s Lori Lizarraga, until one day she found herself in the wrong classroom at Southern Methodist University. Lizarraga says she “stepped into Narnia” when she walked into the studio where journalism students were broadcasting the school’s daily newscast. The Latina journalist has been telling stories ever since – and a lot of that work is informed by her cultural identity. To wrap up our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, host Erin O'Toole spoke with the Code Switch host about how race, cultural identity, and lived experience are inextricably woven into the fabric of her work.

How one college is helping students mired in the mountain town housing crunch

KUNC — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

The housing crunch is getting a lot of attention these days, but how it's affecting college students is less talked about. Recent data shows it’s a big problem. In a 2020 survey [pdf], more than half of college students said they were struggling to meet basic needs, like finding stable housing. It was a period of uncertainty given the ongoing pandemic, but the numbers point to a persistent problem. Recent federal data shows 8% of undergraduate students experienced homelessness in the previous 30 days. Students of color are overrepresented in the data.

In Colorado's rural mountain communities, helping students stay housed is a huge challenge. In today's episode, host Erin O'Toole talks with Matt Gianneschi of Colorado Mountain College to learn how they're approaching that problem.

How Summit County residents are navigating the high country housing crunch

KUNC — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

The newest season of KUNC's The Colorado Dream podcast is exploring how our state's housing crunch is affecting mountain communities. In Summit County, the situation is especially dire. Housing was already in short supply there due in part to the region's high construction costs and relative shortage of buildable land. Meanwhile, the recent explosion in short-term rentals, like Airbnb and Vrbo, has drastically cut the number of homes that would be available as long-term rentals for locals. A recent survey of residents suggests the county will need more than 2,500 rental and for-sale units — at all price points — to meet the high demand for housing.

In today's episode, we talk with Stephanie Daniel, host and creator of The Colorado Dream: Housing Wanted, about how Summit County officials are addressing the housing crunch there.

Colorado ambulance services, paramedics are facing their own emergency

KUNC — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Many of Colorado’s healthcare workers are burned out, as we heard from Kaiser Permanente staff who walked off the job last week. Staffing shortages are largely to blame — and this is an issue that’s also affecting first responders. KUNC statehouse reporter Lucas Brady Woods recently reported on the dire state of Colorado’s ambulance services. He sat down with In The NoCo's Robyn Vincent to discuss how the situation is affecting some EMTs and paramedics.

‘We are still here:’ Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day

KUNC — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

For the last several decades, a small but growing number of states have begun observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday to honor Native Americans and celebrate their histories and cultures. In some communities, like Boulder, it's celebrated in lieu of Columbus Day. In other places, both are observed on the second Monday of October. It is not currently a federally recognized holiday, though in 2021, President Biden signed the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day.

To learn more about its significance, we reached out to Susan Faircloth. The former professor led Colorado State University’s School of Education and now runs a consulting company in Fort Collins focused on American Indian education. She's an enrolled member of the Coharie Tribe of North Carolina. Our conversation began with a land acknowledgment that included a deeply personal connection to her family.

Voices from the Kaiser picket lines and a symphonic century in Fort Collins

KUNC — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Thousands of Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in Colorado and other states have walked off the job for three days. They say they are stretched thin amid a serious employee shortage and want better pay. Meanwhile, the Fort Collins Symphony celebrates a century of music that began with a group of volunteer musicians back in 1923. Host Erin O'Toole talks with the organization's longtime music director, Wes Kenney, in today's episode.

In its third season, The Colorado Dream hits home with the state's housing crisis

KUNC — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

KUNC’s The Colorado Dream podcast captures the struggles and successes of residents determined to make a life in Colorado. They are striving for the so-called American Dream – and overcoming huge hurdles in the process. Their stories also reflect host and creator Stephanie Daniel’s longtime focus in the KUNC newsroom. Her work often unravels the barriers to thriving in America.

"I grew up in Denver and Colorado is my home," Daniel says. "I’ve been working at KUNC for nearly six years and during that time I’ve gravitated toward covering issues that really impact people’s quality of life — alcohol addiction and treatment, higher education and jobs, access to health care, social justice, immigration, the list goes on."

The Colorado Dream podcast releases its third season this week, which unpacks how Colorado’s housing crisis is affecting our mountain communities. Ahead of the launch, Daniel sat down with host Erin O'Toole to preview some of these stories and how they reflect the grit and resilience of Coloradans.

How to stop ‘wish-cycling’ and learn to love the recycle bin

KUNC — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:45:00 -0600

To help sort through the confusion, host Erin O'Toole sat down with Mark Snedecor, who's the director of recycling services for Waste Management (WM) of Colorado. He shares some of the big recycling blunders we're making, and why you don't have to worry too much about those little numbers in the 'chasing arrows' recycling symbol.

For one music teacher, mariachi creates a connection to culture

KUNC — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with conversations featuring Hispanic and Latino changemakers, innovators and creators. Today's episode is about music - specifically, mariachi. The style is rooted in Mexico's history, dating back to colonial times, and started to grow in the United States around the 1930s, when people began hearing it on radio stations and in films.

These days, it's showing up more often in Colorado schools' music programs, alongside the usual jazz, orchestra, or symphonic band options for students. That provides the opportunity for more culturally relevant programming to serve increasingly diverse student populations, says Ben San Martin Kellogg.

Kellogg isn't from Mexico himself – he's of European and Peruvian ancestry – and he didn't grow up listening to or playing mariachi. But he fell in love with the style when he was brought in to play trumpet in a mariachi ensemble while a student at Metropolitan State University of Denver. He's now a music educator at Edgewater Elementary, where he guides students in learning several styles of music, including mariachi.

In today's episode, he shares why it's so important to train more educators to teach different genres of music, and what we should pay attention to when we listen to mariachi.

You can hear Ben perform with his ensemble for a Hispanic Heritage event on October 14 at Luki Brewery in Arvada. And he was featured in this 2017 KUNC story about the MSU mariachi program he went through.

Colorado has an all-state youth mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Estelares de Colorado. And the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley has a new Bachelor of Arts in Latinx Music degree program that launched this year.

Illuminating Colorado's Black history, one story at a time

KUNC — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

A new exhibit opening this weekend at the Museum of Boulder promises to illuminate the stories of Black Coloradans, highlighting their influence on the region's history and their impact on the future. "Proclaiming Colorado's Black History" centers on places like the once-bustling farming community of Dearfield; and notable people like businessman Barney Ford and philanthropist Julia Greeley.

It's about sharing the lives and stories of people who aren't necessarily in Colorado's history books, said Adrian Miller, co-Project Director and lead curator for the exhibit. The project was several years in the making, and was shaped with a lot of community input and collaboration, Miller said. It includes a variety of installations, collections of oral histories, and an art display that delves into Afrofuturism. Miller joined host Erin O'Toole to discuss the origins of the project, how it came together, and why now is the right time to launch.

Proclaiming Colorado's Black History opens Friday evening with a special kickoff event and tours. Saturday will feature a discussion with hip-hop scholar Adam Bradley, and music on the museum rooftop. Find details and tickets for the opening weekend events at the Museum of Boulder website.

Libraries lead the charge for intellectual freedom

KUNC — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

On June 25, 1953, a group of librarians and publishers issued a statement affirming the right of Americans to read freely. But that right has been challenged continually over the decades, including right now. Within the last several years, there’s been a surge in efforts across the country to challenge and remove books from library shelves. According to an analysis by PEN America, a free speech advocacy group, book bans have been reported in more than 30 states.

Many of the challenges commonly target books about race, racism, or with LGBTQ characters or themes – but in some places, those challenges have expanded to include titles that discuss grief and loss, violence, and adolescent health and well-being.

Banned Books Week was developed as a way to celebrate the freedom to read, and to draw attention to efforts at censorship. For librarians and book fans alike, it feels especially weighty this year, the 70th anniversary of the issuing of the Freedom to Read statement.

For Diane Lapierre, executive director of Poudre Libraries, the week is an important acknowledgement of our First Amendment rights, and the critical role of libraries in defending intellectual freedom and the right to read. She spoke with host Erin O'Toole ahead of Banned Books Week, October 1 – 7.

Poudre Libraries will host programming and events throughout the week, including the Let Freedom Read Challenge (ages 12 and older). The Lyric in Fort Collins will host "Let Freedom Read: Uncensored" – which features live readings of passages from books that are frequently challenged.

And Colorado Press Women will host a discussion on book banning and information suppression at the Columbine Library in Littleton on Oct. 7. You can find more information and resources here.

The pain and promise of Elijah McClain’s legacy as police face trial for his death

KUNC — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

All eyes are on an Aurora courtroom as trials get underway in the Elijah McClain case. Mclain, a 23-year-old Black man, died four years ago during a violent encounter with Aurora police and paramedics. His death has had major reverberations in Colorado and far beyond. The first of three trials involves two police officers charged in his death — Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt. They have pleaded not guilty. Today we focus on what we know about police’s involvement in McClain’s death with KUNC reporter Rae Solomon. She covered his death and many of the developments that followed.

In the episode, we mention a conversation host Erin O'Toole had with Elijah's mother, Sheneen McClain. You can listen to that here.

"Our history shapes how we see the world:" A talk with Colorado’s first Latina state historian

KUNC — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

In 2021, Nicki Gonzales became Colorado’s first Latina state historian. History is a lifelong vocation for the Regis University professor, one that has helped Gonzales to pay tribute to her family’s legacy and inform her own identity.

Gonzales’s work has helped to provide us with a fuller picture of Colorado’s cultural landscape, uncovering state history and acknowledging its problematic details. In 2020, she was appointed by Gov. Jared Polis to serve on the state's Geographic Naming Advisory Board, which helps replace the names of geographic features and areas bearing derogatory titles - something Gonzales says helps the state reckon with problematic elements of its racial racist past. She and board members recently took on the high-profile renaming of Mount Evans, the namesake of a disgraced Colorado territorial governor. The iconic 14er is now Mount Blue Sky.

On today's episode, Gonzales reflects on her search for identity and deeper meaning, starting with her own family history.

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of conversations featuring Hispanic and Latino changemakers, innovators and creators.

Strides and setbacks punctuate Colorado's ongoing housing crisis

KUNC — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Colorado's housing crisis is impacting residents in different ways. Recent survey responses point to housing affordability and homelessness as top concerns. And the data reflects those concerns. In Denver County alone, there were around 1,200 eviction filings in August – nearly double the number a year earlier. And for people who are displaced, either by eviction or because they simply can't afford their rent and move out, there are very few affordable housing options to turn to. In today's episode, executive producer Robyn Vincent talks with eviction attorney Zach Neumann, who helped found the Community Economic Defense Project.

You’ll fall for this season’s vivid colors, says 'Mr. Aspen'

KUNC — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Fall officially begins on Saturday, September 23. After a long, hot summer, many of us are eagerly anticipating what the change of season brings: enjoying cool evening air, getting your favorite sweaters out of storage, and visiting the nearest pumpkin patch or corn maze. And for thousands of tourists, this time of year means an annual trip into the high country to marvel at the beautiful changing autumn leaves.

But when it comes to how spectacular and vibrant that display of fall colors is – it's safe to say that some years are better than others. For more on what we can expect this autumn, host Erin O'Toole talks with renowned leaf-peeping expert, Dan West. He serves as the state's forest entomologist, working out of the Colorado State Forest Service at CSU.

Wildfire risk places Northern Colorado homeowners in the hot seat

KUNC — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

The impacts of wildfires are something Northern Colorado homeowners are increasingly confronting. A recent report from the company CoreLogic shows thousands of homes in Northern Colorado are susceptible to damage from wildfires. In Boulder, nearly 10,000 homes are at risk. In Fort Collins, that number rises to more than 14,000. These statistics position Colorado in the number two slot nationwide — right behind California — when it comes to the level of property damage homeowners could face here. We discussed these risks and more with Jude Bayham. He researches wildfire management at Colorado State University.

We mentioned the pay raise for federal wildland firefighters that's stalled in Congress. And you can learn more about protecting your home from wildfire here.

Rep. Yadira Caraveo on ‘a lifetime of being the first’

KUNC — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

We’re kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of conversations highlighting Hispanic changemakers, innovators and creators in Colorado. Democratic Representative Yadira Caraveo knows a lot about duality, about the different cultural identities many people try to balance and preserve as they navigate life. “It’s really been a lifetime of being ‘the first’ or ‘the only’ in a lot of rooms,” she says. Caraveo is Colorado’s first Latina member of Congress, representing the newly drawn 8th Congressional District. In today’s episode, the pediatrician and daughter of Mexican immigrants discusses how her upbringing and life experiences have informed her work as a physician — and now as a member of Congress.

Why Coloradans are cultivating connections with local farmers

KUNC — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Summer may be winding down, but many northern Colorado farmers' markets are still humming, with people lining up to buy crates of Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo chiles, and other locally grown produce. But growing in Colorado can be challenging – the growing season is short, the sun is scorching, and the rainy season can be very unpredictable.

Coloradans seem to appreciate how difficult it is for farmers – which may help explain some of the demand for fruits and vegetables grown here. But there are plenty of other reasons for that homegrown produce pride, according to Colorado State University professor and agricultural economist Dawn Thilmany. In today's episode she talks with host Erin O'Toole about why we place so much importance on buying local.

In the episode, we brought up this story from KUNC's Rae Solomon about folks suffering from "peach anxiety" this Spring.

We also mentioned the idea of visiting local farms and ranches in the episode - including Miller Farms in Platteville, which celebrates the Fall harvest by allowing you to come harvest your own veggies through mid-November. And there are plenty of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and CSAs near you if you're ready to get out and celebrate the coming of autumn.

Remembering the flood that changed the Front Range

KUNC — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

In September 2013, a large storm parked itself over the mountains and foothills of Northern Colorado – where it lingered for days, dropping a lot of rain that eventually made its way down into a number of Front Range communities, washing out roads, bridges, and dams - and forcing thousands to evacuate.

The KUNC newsroom is marking the anniversary of those devastating floods in a special series, Ten Years Later: The Flood that Changed the Front Range. In today's episode, we talk with Luke Runyon, who was here covering the floods in 2013, and is following up on recovery efforts that, in some communities, are still ongoing.

And if you're looking for more of KUNC's past coverage of the flooding, Erin spoke with Pinewood Springs resident Kerry Grimes in 2013, just after he, his wife, and his dog had to be evacuated from their home via helicopter. We also checked in with him five years later to see how the recovery process was going for the tight-knit community near Estes Park.

In Colorado's push toward plant-based medicine, Indigenous healers want to be at the forefront

KUNC — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0600

Coloradans recently approved the legalization of certain plant-based psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and psylocin found in so-called magic mushrooms – paving the way for licensed healing centers where people can legally obtain these plant medicines in the coming years. Indigenous people have long been the historical facilitators of this kind of medicine, leading ceremonies in lesser-known locations. As this movement sprouts above ground, some Indigenous healers and activists say they should be at the forefront. In today's episode, we talk with Kuthoomi Castro, a Boulder-based clinical mental health counselor, and one of those calling for greater representation.

Trailer: In The NoCo

KUNC — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:45:35 -0600

Northern Colorado is a fascinating and fast-growing part of the Front Range. It's a region brimming with its own history, culture, food and music; and opportunities abound in education, civic life, and outdoor recreation. Of course, life here isn't without its share of challenges - from health and safety to housing and the environment.

KUNC's new podcast In The NoCo is a daily slice of stories, people, and issues important to the region. We help listeners lead better, more informed lives by providing context and clarity around the conversations shaping our communities, and highlighting the stories and voices of the real people who live here.

The show unravels the big issues of the day and the untold stories of the moment. And we also make the time to celebrate all the things that make Northern Colorado such an incredible place to live, work, and play.

"It's as if there's no world around you... just the movies:" 50 years of the Telluride Film Festival

KUNC — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Welcome to a special preview of KUNC’s new podcast In the NoCo – a daily slice of Northern Colorado news and happenings.

The Front Range is home to some of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, but bicyclists and pedestrians are facing increasing danger on many Colorado roads. In today's episode, we talk with KUNC investigative reporter Scott Franz about what's being done to try and change that. And we talk with our film critic Howie Movshovitz about the Telluride Film Festival, which is celebrating its 50th year this weekend.

Colorado Edition: The search for affordable accessible housing, and Aurora PD pledges to bring more women into the force

Beau Baker — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 12:03:22 -0700

On this episode of Colorado Edition, affordable housing is even more elusive for Coloradans with disabilities and KUNC’s investigative reporter Robyn Vincent looks at the challenges many are facing. Plus a conversation with officials from Aurora’s Police Department about how they plan to increase female recruitment.

Colorado Edition: A Greeley couple’s desire to return to their home in Haiti, and the Iranian film 'No Bears'

Yoselin Meza Miranda — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 14:49:08 -0700

On this episode of Colorado Edition, we hear from a Northern Colorado couple who have not been able to return to their home in Haiti due to ongoing violence there. Plus, a review of the film “No Bears,” directed by an Iranian filmmaker who is currently imprisoned and banned from making films.

Colorado Edition: Colorado's secret ballot system, and solutions for youth mental health

Yoselin Meza Miranda — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:46:46 -0700

On this episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about the battle over a secret ballot system that many Colorado lawmakers continue to defend. We also journey to Rocky Mountain High School with reporter Leigh Paterson to examine the state of childhood mental health.

Colorado Edition: Lawmakers vs. the Office of Gun Violence Protection, a wet start to winter, and a remake of a Japanese film

KUNC — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:06:45 -0700

Featured Segments

Updates on the office to prevent gun violence: Colorado lawmakers are growing increasingly frustrated with an office they created a year and a half ago to prevent gun violence. They’re demanding answers and vowing to create a new oversight panel because they say the office has made little progress. KUNC Investigative reporter Scott Franz has been covering the ongoing story and has more on how lawmakers are trying to turn things around.

Is snow news is good news? The Western U.S. has been slammed by wet weather so far this winter. That’s good news for the Colorado River, where snow could turn into a boost for major reservoirs that have shrunk to historic lows. But climate scientists say there’s a lot of winter left, and the 40 million people who use the river’s water should take the good news with a grain of salt. KUNC’s Alex Hager reports.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of the water in the West, produced by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Film remake falls flat: The new movie Living, is a remake of a 70-year old masterpiece from Japan about the death of a minor bureaucrat. KUNC film critic Howie Movshovitz teaches film at CU-Denver and says that taking on the great film Ikiru is more than this new version can handle.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Jenn de la Fuente.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Colorado Edition: EV chargers in rural areas, access to abortion pills, and the film 'Women Talking'

KUNC — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:28:16 -0700

Featured Segments

An EV charger in a place where there aren’t a lot of electric vehicles? Policymakers in Colorado envision a future with close to a million electric cars on the road by 2030. But before all those electric cars can hit the roadways, we’ll need a way to charge them. That includes in rural areas, not typically electric vehicle hotbeds.

KUNC’s Rae Solomon spent the day at an EV fast charging station in rural Colorado to learn more.

Expanded access to abortion pills: Major drug stores will soon be able to distribute abortion pills. The Federal Drug Administration made changes to a rule last week that gives women access to the pill at retail pharmacies.

Kate Coleman is an expert on abortion access and teaches at the College of Nursing at the University of Colorado Anschutz and talks about what these changes mean.

Film review: Women Talking: As an actor, Sarah Polley’s films include The Sweet Hereafter, The Weight of Water and The Secret Life of Words. Then, as a writer and director, Polley made the challenging Stories We Tell. And now she has a new movie called Women Talking. KUNC film critic Howie Movshovitz says that what the women talk about is disturbing and important.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Jenn de la Fuente.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Colorado Edition: The Marshall Fire one year later

KUNC — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:15:48 -0700

Intro: You’re listening to Colorado Edition from KUNC. I’m Yoselin Meza Miranda. It’s Friday January 6th. In our first episode of 2023 we are looking at the legacy of the Marshall Fire. The fire destroyed more than one thousand homes and damaged at least 150 more. The cost of the fire is estimated to top 2 billion dollars. In December, just before the Marshall Fire anniversary, KUNC Reporter Leigh Paterson produced a three-part series that featured personal stories about the fire. In this first installment, Leigh checks in with a firefighter who was on scene.

FIRST FEATURE

INTRO: As part of her Marshall Fire series, Leigh also spoke to residents who lived through the disaster but are still dealing with the aftermath.

SECOND FEATURE

INTRO: The Marshall Fire’s flames destroyed entire neighborhoods in Boulder County. But communities just outside the fire’s boundary were impacted too. Hundreds of mobile homes were damaged by high winds. In the third part of Leigh’s series, she reports from a mobile home park called Table Mesa [MAY_sah] Village.

OUTRO:

That’s all for today on Colorado Edition. Thanks for listening.

The Colorado Edition podcast is posted every Friday, just hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app.If there's a story you'd like to hear, send us an email at coloradoedition@kunc.org

Our theme music is composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burr-ohs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

I’m Yoselin Meza Miranda.

Colorado Edition 2022 Highlights: Recovery residence, norovirus in the Grand Canyon and John Denver

KUNC — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 16:30:21 -0700

Featured Segments
Recovery residence: Early in the year, KUNC’s Stephanie Daniel visited a Greeley home where a small group of women are supporting each other to stay substance-free. They call it a “recovery residence.”
And as Stephanie reported, they’re growing in numbers as more people choose to live in substance-free environments.
This story was produced in February.

Grand Canyon norovirus: KUNC’s Luke Runyon leads our Water Desk coverage. In September, he brought us this story about a nasty stomach bug usually associated with cruise ships and buffets — the norovirus.
The virus can sicken people for days with nausea and vomiting. Runyon reported that the virus is so contagious that outbreaks can pop up in unexpected places, such as the Grand Canyon.
This story originally aired in September.
It’s part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

John Denver: There was one story we couldn’t pass up in this Colorado Edition episode of memorable stories.
This past October marked 50 years since John Denver released “Rocky Mountain High.” KUNC’s Emma VandenEinde explains the legacy of his life and his music.
Emma first reported this story in October.

Credits
Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata.
The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.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.

Colorado Edition: Questions about the Office of Gun Violence and Prevention, and the shrinking Ogallala Aquifer

KUNC — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:06:08 -0700

Featured Segments
Slowdown at the Office of Gun Violence and Prevention: Some Colorado lawmakers are upset with the state’s new Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Legislators created the office almost two years ago in an effort to save lives by focusing on firearm safety and using the state’s new red flag law to take guns away from those flagged as dangerous.
KUNC reporter Scott Franz has found the office has done little of that work, leaving lawmakers with questions.

The Ogallala Aquifer drying up: The Ogallala Aquifer is a vast, underground water supply that lies beneath eight states, including parts of Eastern Colorado. Many farmers on the eastern plains depend on it as a reliable source of water to irrigate their crops — but the aquifer is drying up.

KUNC reporter Rae Solomon asked what that means for the future of agricultural communities in the area.

This story is part of the “America Amplified” initiative. America Amplified is a national public media collaboration focused on community engagement reporting.

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.

Colorado Edition: Grim news for Glen Canyon Dam and dealing with grief and loss during the holidays

KUNC — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 12:30:58 -0700

Glen Canyon Dam: New forecasts for the Colorado River paint a grim picture. Climate change and steady demand are shrinking the water supply for 40 million people.

At the nation's largest dams, that means the ability to generate hydropower could soon be under threat. KUNC's Alex Hager introduces us to the Glen Canyon Dam. What was once a mighty piece of Western infrastructure is now possibly unable to function.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Holiday grief: The holiday season is here. It's a festive time for many, with families getting together to celebrate — but the holidays can be especially hard for some.

Many are mourning the loss of a loved one and dealing with profound grief. University of Colorado College of Nursing Nurse Practitioners Heather Coats and Kerry Peterson gave some insight into how to manage grief and depression over the holidays.

If you or anyone you know is struggling during the holidays, you can connect with these sources:
Crisis and Emergency information, CU Denver
Grief and Loss, CDC
Grief & The Holidays, Caring Info
Grief, APA

Credits
Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.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.

Next steps for 'magic mushrooms', and no return home for some Marshall Fire survivors

KUNC — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 11:57:44 -0700

Featured Segments

Psilocybin's next steps: Proposition 122 was one of the ballot measures approved by voters last month. It decriminalizes the psychedelic substance psilocybin for personal use and mental health treatment. But as KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods reports, Coloradans won't see clinics offering psychedelics quite yet.

No return for some Marshall Fire survivors: It's been nearly one year since the Marshall Fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes in Boulder County.However, there's another group of affected homeowners — their houses are still standing, yet they don't feel safe returning home due to issues such as smoke damage.The story is a collaboration between students at the CU Boulder Center for Environmental Journalism, the Boulder Reporting Lab, and KUNC. We spoke with CU Boulder student Zain Iqbal about their team effort.

Credits
Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Home repairs one year after the Marshall Fire and Colorado forcing farmers to reduce irrigation

KUNC — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 11:32:56 -0700

Featured segments

Wind repair: While the Marshall Fire was burning down over 1,000 houses last December, the 100-mile-an-hour winds that day were also damaging nearby mobile homes.

Roofs, siding, windows and doors were blown off and smashed. In the freezing days that followed, pipes burst. KUNC's Leigh Paterson reports on the rush to finish repairs almost a year after the fire and before winter arrives.

Eliminating acres of irrigated land: Colorado Parks and Wildlife has pledged to eliminate thousands of acres of irrigated agriculture in a focused region on the eastern plains as a part of an agreement with the states of Kansas and Nebraska to conserve water used from a shared underground aquifer.

The burden falls mostly on private landowners, but as KUNC's Rae Solomon found, the state also has irrigation wells there. Local farmers say they shouldn't be the only ones to sacrifice their water rights.

This story is part of the "America Amplified" initiative. America Amplified is a national public media collaboration focused on community engagement reporting.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Front row seats to the Colorado River crisis, and the Colorado River Compact turns 100

KUNC — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 13:15:13 -0700

On this episode of Colorado Edition, we focus on water. We have two stories from our ongoing coverage of the Colorado River: Checking in with the people who have a front row seat to the crisis, and seeing if the Colorado River Compact is still working.

Front row seats to the Colorado River crisis: The Colorado River is drying up, and the communities that rely on it are already feeling the pinch.While many large cities throughout the Southwest are well-positioned to weather the coming crisis, the threat of losing their water supply is no longer hypothetical in some small towns such as Page, Arizona.

The Colorado River Compact: The Colorado River’s foundational legal document turns 100 years old this month. The agreement among seven western states was groundbreaking for its time, but as KUNC’s Luke Runyon reports, it continues to contribute to the Southwest’s water crisis.

These stories are part of ongoing coverage of water in the West. It’s produced by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Credits
Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata.
The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
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.

Midterm election debrief and the fight to preserve one of Fort Collins’ oldest Mexican restaurants

KUNC — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 23:43:00 -0700

Midterm Election Debrief: The midterm elections were held just last week. KUNC’s Statehouse Reporter Lucas Brady Woods talks about the results and how things shook out post-election.
Pobre Pancho’s: One of Fort Collins’ oldest Mexican restaurants — Pobre Pancho’s — closed last spring. The owner wants to sell the property to a fast food change planning to knock the building down.But reporter Mickey Capper says the family who ran the restaurant for decades is now fighting to preserve the building and its history.
Credits
Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata.
The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
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.

Green roofs, a tap water taste test and pedometers on dairy cows

KUNC — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Green Rooves: A researcher in our region is looking at a new way to grow vegetables and flowers at home, but as KUNC’s Emma VandenEinde reports, it might be more difficult than anticipated.

Tap Water Taste Test: There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cold glass of water straight from the tap — but it takes a lot of work to make your water clean and tasty.City water providers from all over the Mountain West put their supplies to the test at a recent event in Colorado. KUNC’s Alex Hager was invited to judge.This story is a part of ongoing coverage of water in the West, produced by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

A study into the health activity of dairy cattle: A research team at Colorado State University is using pedometers to monitor the activity of dairy cattle. The goal is to improve milk quality while maintaining a cost-effective solution for local farmers.Heading the study is CSU’s Department of Animal Science, Associate Professor Dr. Pablo Pineda. KUNC’s Yoselin Meza-Miranda spoke with him to learn more about the research.

Credits
Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.
It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Explaining Proposition FF; and an interview with State Attorney General Phil Weisner

KUNC — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:49:54 -0600

Voting is underway in Colorado, and ballots are due on Election Day by 7 pm. As a reminder, Election Day is Nov. 8, which is less than two weeks away.

Proposition FF: If approved, Proposition FF would raise the money needed to provide free school lunches at all public schools in Colorado.

Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General Incumbent: Colorado voters are deciding this election whether to keep incumbent candidate Phil Weisner in the State Attorney General seat or bring in challenger John Kellner. KUNC's Beau Baker spoke with Weiser about what he's been doing on the job. Their conversation begins with how the state is distributing opioid settlement funds to help stem a major drug crisis.

John Kellner, Colorado Attorney General Challenger: KUNC reached out to Republican candidate John Jellner several times but did not hear back.

Kellner currently serves as a district attorney for the 8th judicial district, which includes Arapahoe, Douglas Elbert and Lincoln Counties. His platform centers largely around public safety and cracking down on crime. If he's elected, he wants to use the Attorney General; 's office to deal with high rates of fentanyl misuse, violent crime and cart theft.

Kellner supports the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. He is in favor of abortion being dictated by states, as opposed to the federal government. In Colorado, he said he will uphold abortion access because it's codified in state law ad does not support a federal abortion ban.

Kellner has also rejected claims that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent and has said that former President Donald Trump holds some responsibility for the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

What to expect on your 2022 midterm election ballot; Colorado’s gubernatorial race

KUNC — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0600

What to expect on your ballots: Ballots for the November election are hitting mailboxes this week, and there’s a lot at stake. Not only will Coloradans decide who will represent them in Congress and at the state House, but there are also 11 statewide questions that could affect everything from how much people pay in taxes to where they can buy wine.

Colorado’s gubernatorial race — Heidi Ganahl: Colorado’s governor ticket is expected to be one of the most heated races on the ballot. Republican Heidi Ganahl is hoping to replace incumbent Jared Polis in the governor’s mansion. She said Polis is not doing enough to move the state forward. Here’s what she said she would do differently.

Colorado’s gubernatorial race — Jared Polis: Gov. Polis has been busy crisscrossing the statem toting his record over the last for years — namely his administration’s delivery of free full-day kindergarten and his leadership through the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what he said about his vision for a second term.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by Digital Editor Megan Manata. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Interviewing U.S. Senate race candidates; Yuma high school teacher unites community

KUNC — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:38:17 -0600

On this Colorado Edition election special, we speak with the U.S. Senate candidates Joe O’Dea and incumbent Michael Bennet. Then we head to Yuma to hear about a charismatic music teacher uniting his community through music.

Featured Segments

Interview with Joe O’Dea: State capitol reporter Lucas Brady Woods spoke with Republican Senate candidate Joe O’Dea about his platform, which includes shrinking government and limited access to abortion. He also says he would vote to codify same-sex marriage.

Interview with Sen. Michael Bennet: Woods also spoke with the incumbent candidate, Sen. Michael Bennet. His platform includes expanding tax benefits for parents, increasing transparency in healthcare and getting special interests out of American politics.

Yuma County Music Teacher: In the midst of endless cornfields in Yuma, high school music teacher Robert Zahller has carved out a special place in the Yuma High School music program. Small and rural communities reporter Rae Solomon tells the story.

This story is part of the “America Amplified” initiative. America Amplified is a national public media collaboration focused on community engagement reporting.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Lucas Brady Woods and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

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.

Assessing wildfire risk; helping first-generation college students; 'Rocky Mountain High'

KUNC — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:02:19 -0600

On this episode of Colorado Edition, we listen to KUNC's three-part series "Fire Risk", which examines how the Marshall Fire prompted changes in building homes and how people are evacuated. Also, how can homeowners protect their existing homes? We meet a first-generation college student helping others like her through social media. Finally, John Denver's iconic "Rocky Mountain High" turns 50.

Featured Segments

Evacuating in an emergency: As the threat of wildfire grows in Colorado, so does the likelihood of mass evacuations. Perhaps no one knows this better than the survivors of last year’s Marshall Fire. In the first part of KUNC’s new series Fire Risk, Brittany Cronin reports on how the Marshall Fire has prompted changes to how these communities evacuate.

Building fire-resistant homes: Homeowners in Boulder County are finally starting to rebuild, nine months after the Marshall Fire devastated the area. Many residents are constructing their new homes using fire-resistant techniques. In the second installment of our three-part series, Fire Risk, which focuses on how Northern Colorado communities are adapting to the threat, KUNC’s Leigh Paterson reports on the effort to build fire-safe homes.

Making existing homes less fire-prone: While some fire-impacted communities in Northern Colorado rebuild their homes, other residents are thinking about how they can make their existing homes more fire resistant. In the final installment of our series Fire Risk, Leigh Paterson joins KUNC’s Desmond O’Boyle to talk about low-cost improvements.

Helping first-generation college students: Being a first-generation college student can be challenging. For a lot of them, the main concerns are not having enough money for tuition, lack of support and even language barriers. Yahaira Hernandez, a senior at the University of Colorado Denver, is a first-generation student who is using social media to help other students like her succeed.

John Denver's Rocky Mountain anthem: It started as a song about the beauty of the mountains – and became an anthem for our region. John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” turns 50 years old in October. KUNC’s Emma VandenEinde explains the legacy of his life and his music.

Many organizations are holding tributes to Denver, as it is also 25 years since he passed away. A John Denver Celebration will be held in Aspen from October 5-12.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Jenn de la Fuente.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

If there's a story you'd like to hear, send us an email at coloradoedition@kunc.org.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

Climate change and the economy; the norovirus outbreak in the Grand Canyon; and a Colorado Sun recap

KUNC — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 12:56:03 -0600

Climate change and the economy: Climate change and the economy are becoming more and more inseparable. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, climate-related disasters have caused an average of $3 billion in damage in Colorado over the last several years.

Some view transitioning to a greener economy as meeting climate priorities and saving money. KUNC’s Beau Baker spoke with Bob Keefe, executive director of the advocacy group, Environmental Entrepreneurs and author of Climatenomics: Washington, Wall Street and the Economic Battle to Save Our Planet.

Norovirus outbreak in the Grand Canyon: Norovirus is a nasty stomach bug usually associated with cruise shops and restaurants. It can sicken people for days with nausea and vomiting. As KUNC’s Luke Runyon reports, the virus is so contagious that outbreaks can pop up in unexpected places — like the Grand Canyon.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

The Colorado Sun Roundup: We touched base this week with our colleagues at the Colorado Sun to learn more about the news they’re covering. Reporter Michael Booth spoke with KUNC’s Beau Baker about State Representative Tracey Bernett facing questions about her residency, universal pre-school and updates on the state fish.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Megan Manata.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Updates on the Clear Creek County police shooting; water scarcity in the Mountain West

KUNC — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:55:28 -0600

On this week’s Colorado Edition, we hear updates on the police shooting of a young man in Clear Creek County. Then, we travel to Nevada to hear how water scarcity is affecting one ranching community in a real way. Finally, we check in with the Colorado Sun and discuss what news they’re following.

Featured Segments

Updates on Clear Creek County police shooting: The parents of a young man shot and killed by police in Clear Creek County in June are demanding answers and accountability. Boulder resident Christian Glass, a 22-year-old white man, died near Silver Plume after calling 911 when his car got stuck on the side of the road. A warning for listeners, this story contains descriptions of violence and audio that may be disturbing. KUNC Reporter Leigh Paterson spoke with KUNC host Beau Baker about the latest developments.

Water scarcity in Nevada: Few things are more valuable to a farmer in the West than water. And when there’s not enough to go around, figuring out whose use matters the most can lead to heated arguments. In rural Nevada, a shrinking aquifer forced one ranching community to grapple with water scarcity in a real way. The Mountain West News Bureau’s Kaleb Roedel has more on what they decided to do.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of water in the West, produced by the Mountain West News Bureau and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Checking in with the Colorado Sun: We caught up with our colleagues at the Colorado Sun this week to find out what stories are crossing their reporting desks. Sun editor Larry Rickman joined KUNC's Beau Baker to talk through some of the news they're following.

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Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

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.

Mushroom scientists, recycling wastewater, Oath Keepers, and a Telluride Film Festival recap

KUNC — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 16:21:58 -0600

On this episode of Colorado Edition, we check out a group of citizen scientists who are passionate about studying mushrooms in the mountains and find new species. We examine how cities in the West are trying to reuse water as the Colorado River dries up. We hear about concerns that elected officials, law enforcement officers, and military members are on the Oath Keepers roster. Finally, a recap of the Telluride Film Festival and its respect for both old and new films.

Featured Segments

Mushroom science: Despite ongoing drought in parts of Colorado, it was a wet August in the mountains, and heavy rains brought an abundance of wild mushrooms — including some new to science. As KUNC’s Rae Solomon reports, novel mushroom species are more common than you might think. And a lot of them are found by citizen scientists.

Creatively re-using water: The Colorado River is drying up, and major cities in the West that depend on it are scrambling to boost their water supplies and keep taps flowing. Climate change is already cutting into the amount the river gets from Mother Nature, which means some cities need to reuse the water they already have. KUNC’s Alex Hager has more.

Oath Keepers members: Last week, the Anti-Defamation League released a report identifying law enforcement and elected officials on a leaked list of members of the Oath Keepers. The ADL identified nearly two dozen Colorado elected officials, law enforcement officers and military members on the list. The report has raised concerns about the presence of law enforcement and military in extremist anti-government groups. Joining us to talk about this is Jessica Reaves, the Editorial Director with the ADL’s Center on Extremism.

Telluride Film Festival recap: The Telluride Film Festival, which takes place each year over Labor Day weekend is unusual in several ways – its remote location, its downplaying of celebrity and its short length. KUNC film critic Howie Movshovitz teaches film at CU-Denver. He says Telluride gives equal respect to films of the past and the present.

You can hear Howie on Friday afternoons on KUNC, or check out more of his reviews on our website.

Credits
Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital editor Jenn de la Fuente.

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.

‘Newcomers Welcome’ episode 5

KUNC — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:51:08 -0600

On this special episode of Colorado Edition, we highlight the new season of The Colorado Dream podcast called “Newcomers Welcome.” The series explores the Black immigrant experience in Colorado as told through the eyes of one African immigrant and Aurora, as the city - and its residents - strive to become an inclusive home for all.

Featured Segment - Episode five of The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome.

Aurora is home to immigrants and refugees from around the world. To help them succeed, the city created an integration plan, one of the first local governments in the country to do so. Aurora has made a conscious decision to welcome foriegn-born residents but should the city get all the credit for embracing newcomers?

“I think it just happens to be the city that people were relocated to,” said Mathew Mengesha, a policy advocate who works on city and state level policies that support the successful integration of immigrant and refugee communities. “Like it more so had to do with the affordability of Aurora, in my opinion, than it had to do with Aurora wanting immigrants and refugees in their city.”

The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode five explores what stands in the way of Aurora being a welcoming home for all immigrants. Also, Salwa Mourtada Bamba achieves one more big milestone.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

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.

Colorado River gets popular on TikTok; tackling truancy; new CU president; Telluride Film Festival

KUNC — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0600

On this episode of Colorado Edition, we check out how a river guide is turning information about the Colorado River drought into digestible TikToks. We speak with the new president of the University of Colorado. From Chalkbeat Colorado, we hear how one school district is trying to get students back in the classroom. Finally, we hear about this year’s Telluride Film Festival and what keeps the festival great.

Featured Segments

TikToking through the Colorado River drought: A 25-year-old river guide from Colorado is racking up hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok explaining the megadrought in the Colorado River basin. The reasons for the drought, and potential solutions, can be hard to wrap one’s head around, but as KUNC’s Luke Runyon reports, Western Water Girl makes it snarky and fun.

New CU President: Todd Saliman was officially selected as the 24th president of the University of Colorado system this year. He has served as interim president since July 20-21. Todd grew up in Colorado and graduated from CU Boulder. KUNC’s Beau Baker spoke with him recently to find out what he’s working toward for the CU system.

Tackling truancy in Colorado: When a student starts missing school, things can go sideways. It can be hard for them to keep up with coursework, pass classes, and even to graduate. In Colorado, about 26 percent of students are chronically absent, missing ten percent or more of school days. Ann Schimke, a senior reporter at Chalkbeat Colorado, recently reported on how one Colorado school district is trying to get students back into the classroom. She spoke with KUNC's Beau Baker.

Telluride Film Festival brings the goods: The 49th Telluride Film Festival took place last weekend. The four-day celebration of movies began in 1974 in what was then a run-down old mining town. Today, the festival is an international destination. For KUNC film critic Howie Movshovitz, who teaches film at CU Denver, what counts is that the festival still champions some of the finest films of the present and the past.

You can hear Howie on Friday afternoons on KUNC, or check out more of his reviews on our website.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

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.

‘Newcomers Welcome’ episode 4

KUNC — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 09:30:40 -0600

Featured Segment - Episode four of The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome.

Episode Four - Newcomers Welcome: Identity

The Black immigrant population in Colorado is growing faster than anywhere else in the U.S. They come from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond and many settle in Aurora, where about one in five residents is foreign born. What does it mean for these immigrants, and their kids, to be Black in America?

“There's a tension between the African immigrant and the Black community. Why? Because of misconception and assumption from both (parties).” said Papa Dai, founder and president of African Leadership Group. “So for me, coming together, being united as Black, as African immigrant, as African in the Diaspora, however you want to identify yourself, it's a must and it's time.”

The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode four examines the relationship between Black African immigrants and African Americans. It also shares how Salwa Mourtada Bamba and other Black immigrants in Aurora identify themselves.

“I am Black and proud,” Bamba said. “Yes, it's undeniable.”

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Veteran outreach; bear encounters; student loan forgiveness; Ethiopian coffee ceremonies

KUNC — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 11:23:19 -0600

On this week’s Colorado Edition, we learn about a new mobile outreach unit to connect veterans experiencing homelessness with resources. As bear encounters get more common, we hear how one community is looking to reduce bear-human interactions. We get a breakdown of how the student loan forgiveness plan will affect Coloradans. Finally, we learn about Ethiopian coffee ceremonies happening in Aurora.

Featured Segments

This week, the Veterans Community Project of Longmont launched a brand new mobile outreach unit. The van will connect veterans experiencing homelessness in rural parts of northern Colorado with resources like transportation and temporary housing. KUNC’s Beau Beaker spoke to the project's executive director, Jennifer Seybold, about the mobile unit and efforts to aid unhoused veterans in our region.

Around here, it’s not unusual for a bear to wander into a neighborhood, especially as we head into fall. That can be dangerous – for the residents and bears. The Mountain West News Bureau’s Will Walkey reports on a community looking to reduce these encounters.

Last week President Joe Biden announced a sweeping student loan forgiveness plan that would erase up to $20,000 of debt for many borrowers. To learn more about how this debt forgiveness plan will impact Coloradans, we spoke with Jason Gonzales from Chalkbeat Colorado. He reports on higher education and has been covering the student debt crisis.

The Colorado Dream podcast from KUNC shares the stories of Coloradans who are overcoming obstacles to create a better life for themselves and their families in an effort to achieve the American Dream. Hosted by Stephanie Daniel, the latest season, called “Newcomers Welcome”, explores the Black immigrant experience in Colorado as told through the eyes of one African immigrant and Aurora, as the city - and its residents - strive to become an inclusive home for all.

In this bonus episode, Stephanie profiles an Ethiopian immigrant who loves to share a piece of her culture with others.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

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.

'Newcomers Welcome' episode 3

KUNC — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 01:00:00 -0600

Featured Segment - Episode three of The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome

Episode Three - Newcomers Welcome: Education

English is the “language of opportunity.” That’s a line from Aurora’s 10-year Immigrant Integration Plan. Before creating this plan, the city conducted focus groups in 2019 with community members and found the two top priorities for immigrants and refugees were learning English and finding employment.

Research shows that immigrants who are proficient in English have higher paying jobs. Not only can they better support their families but the city of Aurora benefits too. The more money residents make, the more they can spend, and the more the city prospers.

To help foreign-born residents succeed, Aurora’s integration plan emphasizes education. How well are schools serving Aurora’s immigrant families?

The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode three looks at efforts by two educational institutions and some of the unique challenges facing first and second-generation African students.

“A first generation African kid, my child can tell you, that goes to school acting like an American and then comes home and has to act like an African kid,” said Anne Keke, an immigrant from Côte d'Ivoire and Aurora Public Schools Board of Education Director.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

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.

Indigenous water management; deep rattlesnake lore; ‘Spin Me Round’ review

KUNC — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

On this week’s Colorado Edition, we hear about efforts to elevate indigenous approaches to water management to conserve Colorado River water. We set out into the brush to learn more about rattlesnakes. We also check in with our colleagues at the Colorado Sun, and hear a review for Spin Me Round from our resident critic.

Featured Segments

The seven western states in the Colorado River Basin are still looking for a way to conserve an unprecedented amount of water after failing to meet a federal deadline for a plan. The river’s two largest reservoirs are approaching critically low levels.

Native people have lived in the Southwest for thousands of years and have traditional ways to manage water that worked for them. When settlers arrived, they up-ended that system. Now, with so much pressure to find a solution, tribes in the Colorado River Basin are trying to elevate indigenous approaches to water management. Megan Myscofski from Arizona Public Media reports on how one tribe is doing that.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced by Arizona Public Media, and supported by the Walton Family Foundation. You can hear more about this story and other Southwestern water issues on the AZMP podcast Tapped.

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People have always feared the unknown. That fear transforms some animals into monsters in our minds, like sharks in the ocean — or rattlesnakes in the West. But just how evil can an animal be? The Mountain West News Bureau’s Madelyn Beck set out to learn more about those villain-ized snakes.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, you can call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or visit poisonhelp.org. This story is part of the Mountain West News Bureau, a regional reporting collaboration, of which KUNC is a member.

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Every week, KUNC gets an update from our colleagues at the Colorado Sun to see what stories they’re covering. This week KUNC’s Beau Baker spoke with Colorado Sun editor and co-founder Larry Ryckman about forever chemicals, wild mushrooms, and more.

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The new movie Spin Me Round tells a story about a young restaurant manager sent to Italy by her company, only to find something other than food education. For KUNC film critic Howie Movshovitz, the picture lies somewhere between comedy and horror, but not even the filmmakers seem to know where.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. 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.

‘Newcomers Welcome’ episode 2

KUNC — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0600

Featured Segment - Episode two of The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome.

Episode Two - Newcomers Welcome: Integration

Aurora is one of the most diverse cities in Colorado. In fact, about one in five residents is foreign born. Over half came from the Americas, mainly Mexico. After that the largest groups hail from Ethiopia, Vietnam, Korea, El Salvador and India. To help immigrants and refugees succeed, the city created an integration plan. It was among the first in the country to do so.

“Our city leaders at the time, intentionally they (made) a very important decision,” said Ricardo Gambetta, manager of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. “They realize that in the last 20 years, we have a new face of the city.”

To implement the integration plan, Aurora partners with dozens of organizations including Village Exchange Center. The non-profit supports immigrant and refugee communities with a range of services including the Natural Helpers Program which is staffed by volunteers who are immigrants themselves.

“The natural helpers are like this bridge between their country and here,” said José Gómez , who manages the Natural Helpers Program. “ I feel that one of the biggest things that has kept our immigrant or refugee community, you can say down, is the lack of knowledge.”

The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode two examines the city’s immigrant integration plan. Meanwhile, more than 15 years earlier, Salwa Mourtada Bamba gets a job and enrolls at the local community college as she settles into her new life in Aurora.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

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.

Creating a more diverse outdoors; Colorado River cuts; state of evictions

KUNC — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0600

On this week’s Colorado Edition, we learn about grants aimed at helping people of color feel more comfortable in Colorado’s outdoors. Also, the Colorado River has hit an important deadline and cuts are impending. We hear more about the future of water in the states affected. Finally, we learn more about evictions in Colorado and what some are doing to protect people from them.

Featured Segments

Colorado’s trails, campgrounds and parks are getting more crowded, but surveys show the droves of visitors are overwhelmingly white and wealthy. A new initiative launching this summer hopes to change that. As KUNC’s Scott Franz reports, the state’s new outdoor equity grants are helping people of color feel comfortable in nature.

Water cuts are coming to some users along the Colorado River next year. They’re not enough to keep the river’s largest reservoirs from declining though. The federal government promises to take action to keep water flowing to 40 million people in the southwest, but as KUNC’s Alex Hager reports, without firm agreements to conserve among the states that rely on it, what comes next for the river remains unclear.

Earlier this month, the White House gathered stakeholders from around the country to discuss evictions in the U.S. The goal of the summit was to build on resources created during the pandemic to protect people from eviction. An organization from Colorado was invited to contribute to the conversation. Zach Neumann is the co-founder and executive director of the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. KUNC's Beau Baker spoke with Neumann this week about the project and the state of evictions in Colorado.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

'Newcomers Welcome'

KUNC — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:53:36 -0600

Featured Segment - Episode one of The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome.

The Black immigrant population in Colorado is growing faster than anywhere else in the U.S. They come from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond, and many settle in Aurora, where about one in five residents is foreign born. A lot of them have overcome great challenges to emigrate here, including Salwa Mourtada Bamba.

Episode One - Newcomers Welcome: Arrival

Salwa was born in Liberia, West Africa and endured the country’s brutal civil war. She was displaced, her sister was murdered and she literally fled for her life, moving to Ghana for four years. But during moments of relative calm she would daydream about coming to the United States.

“To me, the American dream was just being afforded the opportunity to come here and attain the highest level of education that I possibly could,” she said. “It was always touted on television to be this place where you can be and grow and and gain the best at anything and at any dream you wanted to.”

Her dreams became a reality in 1998 when she arrived alone at JFK International Airport in New York City. A year later she was settled in Aurora, Colorado, ready to take on her new world.

Credits

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!

Desalination to water the West; Yuma County Fair’s focus on farmers

KUNC — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 07:30:00 -0600

On this week’s Colorado Edition, we look into the potential of turning the ocean into drinking water for the ever-drying West. We also visit the Yuma County Fair and what it’s doing to promote farms and farmers. We also hear from our colleagues at the Colorado Sun, and get a look at the latest episode of The Colorado Dream.

Featured Segments

For users of the Colorado River, all signs are pointing to a future where they get less water. But cutting back is hard work. That makes finding a new source for the regions, cities and farms a seductive proposition — even if it is expensive and energy-intensive. From KUNC, Alex Hager has more on the tradeoffs that come with turning the ocean into drinking water. This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced and distributed by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

It’s county fair season, and things are getting back to normal this third summer of the pandemic. In the coming weeks Lincoln and Routt counties, among others, will have their fairs, and it all builds up to the state fair at the end of this month in Pueblo. KUNC’s rural and small communities reporter Rae Solomon went to the Yuma County Fair, where the focus is on the farm and future farmers.

Credits

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

5K’s first nonbinary winner; Lake Powell’s historic low; wheat farmer’s pest problem

KUNC — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 19:25:46 -0600

Sports are often divided by gender: women or girls on one team, men or boys on another. Trans people face barriers to joining the team that matches their gender, and there are few options for people that aren’t one of the binary genders. This year, the FireKracker 5K in Fort Collins decided to do things differently. They offered participants the options to sign up as male, female, or nonbinary. KUNC’s Yoselin Meza Miranda spoke with FireKracker 5K’s first nonbinary winner, Steph Campbell.

For decades the Colorado River filled Glen Canyon to the brim. That’s where Lake Powell is, the second-largest reservoir in the country. But climate change and overuse are causing the reservoir to decline to a new record low, leaving the water supply for tens of millions in the Southwest uncertain. To show us what Lake Powell looks like at this historic moment, KUNC’s Luke Runyon took a boat trip with longtime river runners. This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced by KUNC and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Last fall, Colorado farmers planted more than 2 million acres of winter wheat for the 2022 harvest. But persistent drought is hurting Colorado’s crop. As KUNC’s Rae Solomon reports, a small, native bug has found a new home for its larva in that wheat, and that has become a huge problem for local growers.

A few years ago, as anti-immigrant rhetoric was rising across much of the country, the community of Aurora decided to go the other way. Officials there decided to do whatever they could to attract new immigrants to the city — and to support immigrants once they arrived. That effort began in 2015. Now we want to know: Is it working? What’s been the result? KUNC reporter and editor Stephanie Daniel has talked with immigrants about their experiences in Aurora — looking at what kinds of support community leaders put in place. And it’s all in the second season of her podcast, The Colorado Dream. KUNC’s Christina Shockley spoke to Stephanie, to learn more.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

Abortion attitudes in Weld; fixing smoke damage; queer people’s impact in NoCo

KUNC — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0600

One month ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to an abortion.Some in Colorado are working to expand access, while others are trying to push back. KUNC’s Beau Baker spoke to reporter Leigh Paterson about efforts and attitudes in Weld County.

A wildfire tore through Superior in December, destroying hundreds of homes before the fires were extinguished the next day. But the fire left its fingerprints on homes all over town. Months later, residents whose homes were unscathed by the fire had a smoky taste and smell in their water. As KUNC’s Alex Hager reports, that required an expensive fix, the likes of which could be more common for towns and cities across the West.

The Northern Colorado Queer Memory Project was founded in 2021 to share the stories of LGBTQ+ people and the impact they’ve had on the region. KUNC’s Samantha Coetzee spoke with the project’s founder, Tom Dunn. He’s been studying queer history since 2005.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

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.

Abortion demand rises; urgent need to cut water; safe spaces for LGBTQ+ teens

KUNC — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 13:27:55 -0600

Many in Colorado are working to protect reproductive rights in a post Roe America. Providers in Mountain West states are juggling a sharp rise in demand from out-of-state patients. KUNC’s Robyn Vincent reports some are facing desperate circumstances.

The seven Colorado River basin states have until mid-August to drastically cut their water use. Federal officials say it’s necessary to keep the river’s giant reservoirs from going empty. If state leaders fail to come up with a plan, they could be facing a federal crackdown. KUNC’s Luke Runyon has more on what that might look like.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced by KUNC, and supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ teens to express themselves is more important now than ever. Organizations in Colorado are working to create more of these spaces — including Longmont’s Firehouse Art Center and the Boulder Public Library. They created Slay the Runway in 2021, a design program for LGBTQ+ teens. KUNC’s Samantha Cootzeea spoke with co-creator Steven Frost.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

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.

Monkeypox; Roe v. Wade reactions; mental health response programs

KUNC — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0600

Thousands gathered in Boulder on Saturday to protest the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Moments of sadness, anger and hope filled Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. KUNC’s Robyn Vincent was there.

Colorado has recorded 9 monkeypox cases over the last three months, but health officials are worried the virus could spread fast if unchecked. To learn more, KUNC’s Beau Baker spoke with Dr. Michelle Barron. Barron is the senior medical director of infection prevention and control with UC Health. You can find vaccine clinics, resources and the latest information from the state on monkeypox at the Colorado Department of Health and Environment website.

Every Tuesday, KUNC's Samantha Coetzee speaks with our colleagues over at the Colorado Sun about the local stories they're following. Earlier this week, she spoke with editor Larry Ryckman about the Uinta Railroad, Denver Public Schools, and potatoes.

A non-police response program in Denver is expanding with more funding and staffing. This comes as many local communities are trying to figure out how to better handle mental health-related emergencies. A new study focusing on the impact of Denver’s STAR program suggests it has reduced crime in the city. KUNC’s Beau Beaker spoke with reporter Leigh Paterson to learn more.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

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.

Marshall Fire memories and destruction; first all-Black team climbs Mount Everest

KUNC — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 14:53:59 -0600

When the Marshall Fire burned over 1,000 homes in Boulder County in December, it also destroyed possessions: couches, children’s toys and family heirlooms. Since then, many fire victims have dug through the rubble to find anything that might be salvageable. In the final part of our series From The Ashes, Leigh Paterson brings us a story about salvaged objects that contain memories.

Hundreds of people summit Mount Everest each year. But before this year, fewer than 10 of them were Black. In May, the first all-Black team of climbers successfully reached the summit as part of the Full Circle Everest Expedition. To learn more about the expedition, KUNC's Samantha Coetzee spoke to Eddie Taylor. He's a member of the Full Circle Everest Team and a chemistry teacher from Boulder.

A new report looks at the emergency response during the first 36 hours of the most destructive fire in Colorado History. The Marshall Fire is responsible for an estimated $1 billion in damages. Two people died in the blaze. KUNC's Beau Baker spoke with colleague Leigh Paterson to learn more about this report.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced bythe KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Roe v. Wade in Colorado; salvaging memories from the Marshall Fire; the Greeley Stampede's 100th year

KUNC — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 11:16:16 -0600

Coloradans are still processing the Supreme Court’s historic decision to end federal abortion rights. Some residents are joining together to protest, while others are making plans to protect — or challenge — access to abortion here. KUNC’s Scott Franz has more on the early reactions to the ruling, and what it might mean going forward.

KUNC's Beau Baker spoke to Dr. Warren Hern, director of the Boulder Abortion Clinic. He's been providing access to care since 1975, and says that the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade could impact abortion services in Colorado.

In the months after the Marshall Fire devastated parts of Boulder County, many families returned to sift through the debris. KUNC’s Leigh Paterson brings us a story about the memories contained in salvaged objects.

The Greeley Stampede returned this year for the first time since COVID.. The summer rodeo festival celebrated its 100th year with rides, children activities, and food vendors at the Island Grove Regional Park. KUNC's Yoselin Meza Miranda was there, along with lots of families enjoying live music, kid’s sheep races, and, of course, a multitude of different food trucks.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat. Additional production support was provided by Stephanie Daniel. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

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.

Recovering from the Marshall Fire; how beavers are reshaping rivers and streams; 10 years of DACA

KUNC — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0600

The Marshall Fire ripped through Boulder County at the end of last year. Many fire victims took almost nothing with them that day. But they went back to sift through the debris in the months that followed. In the KUNC series From The Ashes, Leigh Paterson brings us the stories of how they salvaged objects to help families process what they lost.

Climate change is reshaping the natural world, but one animal is doing its part to fight back. A new study lays out all the ways that beavers are helping reshape rivers and streams. As Alex Hager reports, they’re creating healthy waterways that are more resistant — and resilient — to the worst effects of climate change.

Last week marked the 10th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. There are over 14,000 DACA recipients living in Colorado. The federal program has allowed undocumented people to take advantage of many opportunities — including being able to work and go to college. Luis Antezana is the founder and CEO of Juntos 2 College. The organization awards 10 grants a month to DACA recipients to pay for DACA renewals and legal services. He spoke with Yoselin Meza Miranda about his organization and 10 years of DACA.

Colorado Edition is hosted by Yoselin Meza Miranda and produced by the KUNC newsroom, led by news director Sean Corcoran. Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling.

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.

Colorado Edition: Revisiting favorite interviews from a Fort Collins veterinarian helping Ukrainian refugees to renown ski map artist

KUNC — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 06:30:00 -0600

In the months since Russian forces invaded Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have fled the country -- many of them refusing to leave without their beloved family pets. Seeing those images prompted Dr. Jon Geller to hop on a plane and head overseas to the Ukrainian border to help. Once there, the Fort Collins-based emergency veterinarian helped set up a clinic providing necessary care to ensure families' pets are cleared to travel with them to other European countries.

In 2015, Geller founded the Street Dog Coalition, a nonprofit based in northern Colorado that helps people experiencing homelessness get free vet care for their companion animals. He quickly discovered that his mission assisting Ukrainian refugees wasn’t all that different from helping unsheltered people care for their pets here in the U.S. He spoke with Colorado Edition on April 1, shortly after he’d returned home from the Ukrainian border.

There’s a long history in the U.S. of people creating guides to help others find safe, inclusive spaces. In the 19th century, safe houses along the Underground Railroad displayed quilts with coded messages to help people who escaped slavery find safe passage. In the 20th century, Black travelers used the Green Book to navigate as safely as they could.

Now, in the 21st century, two Colorado women have created a website that aims to do something similar. The Inclusive Guide, allows users to rate their experiences at businesses and other spaces. Those ratings give insight to users about how others with a similar identity have been treated, and whether they will be welcomed at a given business. Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen Bushman are the co-founders of Inclusive Journeys, a tech startup that created Inclusive Guide. They spoke with Colorado Edition in January.

One Monday morning in August of 2020, host Erin O’Toole started getting a flood of new Twitter mentions and followers – from Canada. A quick search of the news revealed there is another Erin O'Toole, north of the border, who was just elected leader of the Conservative Party in Canada. Lots of social media merriment ensued, and when news of the mix-up reached the offices of the Canadian Erin O’Toole, the Conservative Party politician was kind enough to join his newfound American doppelganger to discuss their unlikely connection.

Legendary ski map artist James Niehues recently announced his retirement from hand-painting ski trail maps. Niehues, who lives in Parker, Colorado, has painted more than 200 ski trail maps in multiple countries over his 30-year career. Those resorts include Vail, Breckenridge and Winter Park here in Colorado. Some of his work has been published in a coffee table book called The Man Behind the Maps. Colorado Edition first spoke with Niehues in 2019.

Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

How to vote in Colorado’s upcoming primary elections; new businesses opening in Yuma County despite pandemic hardships

KUNC — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 14:37:38 -0600

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many Colorado businesses to shut down storefronts. Many are still dealing with supply chain issues and inflation. Despite the financial squeeze, new business filings in the state have skyrocketed during the last three years, hitting a ten-year peak. And, as KUNC'S Adam Rayes reports, this economic development is happening in urban and rural communities alike.

Colorado’s 2022 primary elections are on June 28. They’ll determine which candidates appear on the November ballot for U.S. Senate and House, Governor and Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, and other offices. One big change for this year is that Colorado picked up a new seat in the U.S. House, so many voters will find they’re in a new Congressional district this year. Colorado Edition spoke with Bob Murphy, AARP Colorado’s state director, for advice on how to make sure your voter registration is current, and about the issues that are most important to voters 50 and up this year.

Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Celebrating African American Barbecue Culture And History With 'Black Smoke'

KUNC — Fri, 27 May 2022 06:00:00 -0600

For many Coloradans, Memorial Day weekend marks the ‘official’ start of barbecue season. Not that we’re afraid to fire up the grill in the middle of winter, of course -- but there’s just something about this holiday weekend that inspires the outdoor cook to clean off the grill or the smoker and get dinner fired up.

Barbecue is hands-down one of the most popular cuisines in the country right now. But where did it come from? And why is it that the contributions of African Americans who helped establish this cooking style are left out of the current conversation around barbecue?

Colorado Edition spoke with Adrian Miller last September to get some of those answers. Miller is a soul food scholar, food historian and certified barbecue judge. He’s also the recipient of a James Beard Foundation Book Award. His most recent book, Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue, is intended to celebrate African American barbecue culture and to restore the voices of Black Americans to barbecue storytelling.

Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

A conversation with Erie’s new mayor; ‘groundbreaking’ parental leave measure for state lawmakers

KUNC — Mon, 23 May 2022 06:00:00 -0600

Colorado is poised to take an unusual step in granting state lawmakers paid parental leave. The move highlights a legacy of female political representation in the West. KUNC’s Robyn Vincent has the story.

In April, voters in the front range town of Erie, Colorado, elected Justin Brooks as mayor. He’s lived in Erie for 13 years and in that time, helped found a grassroots organization called Being Better Neighbors, aimed at making Erie a more welcoming and inclusive place. That group was instrumental in creating Erie's first Juneteenth celebration last year, just before it was declared a federal holiday.Brooks is the town’s first Black mayor in its history. He joined Colorado Edition to talk about the significance of the moment, and to outline some of his priorities for the next two years of his term.

Interview Highlights
These interview highlights have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Erin O’Toole: For those who aren't familiar, what’s it like living in Erie?

Justin Brooks: People are flocking to the area like mad. Houses are on the market for a day, it seems -- not much different than the rest of the Front Range, but the growth is extremely rapid. People settle here in Erie because it kind of gives you the best of both worlds. You get to be in a suburban landscape near open space, and it's quiet. Just this morning two hot air balloons went over my house, and I stood on the back deck watching them go over. So you have those unique pieces of solace that you get in in a town like Erie. But if you want to go to a major league sports game, it's really close to be able to get downtown through some mode of transportation and participate in it. So that's why I think Erie has been growing so quickly; and people come from all over. We have folks who are migrating here from every corner of the country, it seems. It's creating a little bit of a melting pot, and it's really changing the demographics and the dynamics of this area, and enriching it.

You've been part of the Being Better Neighbors organization that helped create that first Juneteenth celebration; I imagine you're already planning for this year's! What prompted the creation of the organization?

At the beginning of COVID, right at the very beginning of everything [being shut down] in our country, there were some instances of racial injustice where the concerns of Black people about being hunted in our neighborhoods by people who are fearful of our presence, or being unfairly mistreated by law enforcement when encountered. Those were very deep concerns. The town approached me and others in town about having some open dialogue about it. And so I and a few other residents participated in these talks. There was a virtual town hall talk on racism and about race relations. And that was the beginning of this community conversation that really has ensued over the last couple of years.

You know, the town police department and the town government have been really mindful about finding ways to break down those barriers between people, to get people talking about the tough conversations with a goal of improving relations among community members. The Black people who live here don't want a community where we are perceived as outsiders, or that we are visitors to this area. We, too, want to be treated as residents and neighbors, just like everyone else. The town wants a community that is welcoming, that is open, that is accepting of all people. And if people are feeling as if they are unwelcome, unwanted in Erie, then we are failing as a community.

What are some of your early priorities as you begin your term as mayor?

One of the key issues that I am tackling in my administration is the trend of housing affordability. The area, as beautiful as it is and as wonderful as it is and as much as I love living here, I recognize that it is becoming out of reach for so many people. Young families are having a tougher and tougher time being able to live here. Young families are being priced out of our community. The average listing price in areas around $750,000. Now, our average household income is about 116,000. And so those numbers don't close. It means that the average person here could not purchase their own home were it not for the equity that they've accrued. That creates a problem for our workforce in a sense that our small businesses in town have a really hard time recruiting and retaining workers. This is a cocktail for crisis.

I'm working diligently to partner with local and regional organizations and entities to try to curb that trend so that we can have Erie to continue to be a welcoming place. Over the time I've been here, it's largely been a community centered around families. It would be a shame if, as children are graduating from college and getting their first jobs, that they have to move away from this region because they just cannot afford to be here. So, I hope to have an impact there.

I'm very passionate about ensuring that inclusion and equity are a part of the fabric of our town. I see that trend growing and I and I'm proud to be a part of it. So I want to further that.

I am planning to utilize this summer to draw people out into in-person events. I hope the COVID numbers cooperate with this desire. Erie, when I first moved here, was known for all of our community events. I want to get people out and I want to see people in the community. We have a farmer's market on Thursdays. We have a huge Pride event that Being Better Neighbors is putting on on June 5th. I want to see people come out to that and show support. And so this first summer, while I'm trying to figure out how we tackle housing, in the forefront I'm going to be out in the community trying to meet as many people as I can and make sure that they're talking to one another and engaging, because I think that opportunity to meet and greet really helps bolster community.

Erie is a town of about 27,000 people; and according to census data, its population is not very diverse. You are the first African American mayor in the town's 140-year-plus history. How significant is this?

I think that my winning the election represents a voting base that has chosen to select a candidate based on the issues and platform that matter as opposed to just identity think. So, while it is extremely significant that I was elected as the first Black mayor, that wasn't necessarily my platform. It represents that people really listened to what was being said and what was being represented, and they took stock of what was important to them and what they felt needed to be represented in office. And they chose. Erie, demographically, I think it's 0.19% African American. And we are a family of six, so we're a pretty large portion [of that]. It's not lost on me that there are not numerically a lot of Black people in this area.

I think it's a sense of progress that says I, for example, represent a different walk of life. I have a different cultural experience than a lot of my neighbors and for the 13 years that I've been here, I've had numerous frank and deep conversations to enlighten others and be enlightened myself about various issues. And that varying perspective, a different life experience and just the expertise that I bring to the area I think makes a difference in my ability to serve. The people who live in this community all have the success of this community in mind. My quest for making housing more affordable is not just abou...

''What a community theater should be:'' Loveland's historic Rialto Theater celebrates a century of the performing arts

KUNC — Fri, 20 May 2022 13:28:13 -0600

A landmark of the northern Colorado art scene is turning 102 years old this year. The historic Rialto Theater in Loveland originally planned to celebrate its true centennial in 2020, when it would have turned 100. Because of the pandemic, though, those festivities had to be postponed – until now.

Visitors from all over Colorado flocked to the Rialto this week to share memories and to marvel at the lovingly restored building. Guests enjoyed silent film screenings and special behind-the-scenes tours that took them through winding, cramped passageways below the stage and into the bright, newly designed community spaces.

KUNC’s Erin O’Toole and Yoselin Meza Miranda tagged along on one of those tours, joining about a dozen guests who gathered in front of the main stage with small bags of fresh popcorn. Rialto theater manager Steve Lemmon and events coordinator Heather Rubald spoke about the work that's been done to update and expand the space. Most of the theater’s aesthetic has been preserved. The seats are new, but have a vintage look, and the stylized flower murals on the walls have either been restored or painted to look almost exactly like the original.

Rubald remembers when she used to go to the Rialto to watch movies.

“It was a rather run-down movie theater, so we had mutated the name from Rialto to 'Rathole,'" she said with a laugh.

Built in 1920, the Rialto was designed as a silent movie theater. In the late 1960’s they tried to attract more visitors by installing a large movie screen and a snack bar. The building went through many changes over the years, and for a time it housed a shopping mall and office space. It was so rundown that it came perilously close to being torn down.

In 1988 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. And after the Downtown Development Authority purchased the building, the process of restoring the Rialto to its original glory began. Some of that work included expanding dressing rooms and adding a modern Green Room for performers.

Donna Evans was one of those touring the theater. Years ago, she performed a few times at the Rialto as part of a choral group. There were only two tiny dressing rooms below the stage, and she remembers a Tae Kwon Do studio across the alley that would allow performers to change costumes there.

“We had to go out through those back doors, run across all the parking and stuff, get in there [with] no privacy, change your costumes, run back across the thing, get back up on the stage again," Evans recalled. "It’s much better now. It’s beautiful.”

Theater manager Steve Lemmon says much of the renovation was done by a group of volunteers who would come in Saturday mornings to work. “Slowly but surely they brought it back to life, and that’s the only reason this theater’s still open today,” he said.

Of course any building that is over 100 years old has secrets.

“We have a couple of ghosts that live here in the theater,” said Rialto technical coordinator Phil Baugh.

One of those spirits haunting the theater is Clarence, a projectionist who worked from the 1940s and 50s. Baugh says Clarence messes with sound and light every now and then.

There’s also the infamous “woman in white," a performer from the vaudeville era who has allegedly been seen floating on the stage. She even has her favorite seat – J-16.

“She was in the middle of a performance and passed away in the dressing rooms,” said Baugh. “If you feel a little bit of a cold breeze, it just might be the woman in white.”

For those interested in paranormal activities, the Rialto offers ghost tours in October, just in time for Halloween.

But for this week, the focus is entirely on celebrating the here and now of this longtime cornerstone of the Loveland arts community.

“A lot of people who grew up here remember it in its heyday; they remember the tough times it went through; they remember the redemption story of all the community members who brought it back to life," said theater manager Steve Lemmon. "People feel like it’s their theater, and that’s really what a community theater should be.”

The Rialto's centennial celebration wraps up Saturday, May 21. Due to inclement weather, many of the events will be held inside the theater. Find more information and a full event schedule here.

Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by Jackie Hai.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Climate experts worry about water supplies in Colorado River; a conversation with ‘Life on the Grocery Line’ author Adam Kaat

KUNC — Fri, 13 May 2022 13:03:54 -0600

Warmer days are here, and the snow that supplies most of the water to the Colorado River is melting. Certainly, our drought-stricken region needs all the water it can get. With just a few weeks left in spring, KUNC’s Alex Hager tells us what we can expect for water this summer in the Colorado River basin.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a lot of uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our society. One of those things was just how undervalued many essential workers are, especially those in lower-paid service-industry jobs. According to an analysis from the Bell Policy Center, around 20% of Colorado’s workforce are considered essential workers — in fields ranging from healthcare to transportation to stocking the shelves of grocery stores.

Whether they considered themselves "essential" or not — there was no option for remote work in their fields. Many have said they felt unsafe working through the pandemic, and have said companies didn't do enough to protect frontline workers — from the virus itself, or from angry customers who were unhappy with mask requirements or stores running out of particular items. Some of that experience is behind a recent wave of unionization votes across the country, including at several Starbucks locations here in Colorado.

Denver-based writer Adam Kaat had a unique vantage point to understand just what that was like. He happened to be working in a busy grocery store right as the pandemic hit. He then chronicled that experience in the form of a novel, Life on the Grocery Line: A Frontline Experience in a Global Pandemic. He spoke with Colorado Edition in March about the book, and what life is really like for essential frontline workers.

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.

How do you combat misinformation? CSU professor says personal responsibility is the best approach

KUNC — Wed, 11 May 2022 18:27:59 -0600

Today – on KUNC’s Colorado Edition. https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AE0AAFmNOWWjcy

Anyone with an internet connection these days can create false or misleading content that spreads like wildfire to reach millions of people. The rising flood of inflammatory rhetoric and false information is so concerning that the Department of Homeland Security recently announced the creation of a Disinformation Governance Board to combat it — a move that quickly prompted backlash from many Republicans, who compare it to the “Ministry of Truth” from George Orwell’s novel “1984.”

It’s an insidious issue that communities and local newsrooms in Northern Colorado are wrestling with, especially with the midterm elections less than six months away. Dominik Stecula studies the intersection of political communication and media. He’s an assistant professor of political science at Colorado State University. He’s part of a virtual panel discussing misinformation Thursday, May 12, 3:00pm to 5:00pm, hosted by the CSU Center for Public Deliberation, in partnership with the NoCo Deliberative Journalism Project. It’s free and open to the public.

Interview Highlights
These interview highlights have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Erin O'Toole: What is the impact of misinformation or disinformation on people's perceptions of topics like science or vaccines, to use a recent example? Is this persuasive? I mean, does it change people's minds?

Dominik Stecula: The reality is more complex than it frequently gets portrayed. We tend to have this belief that just because a piece of information exists out there, then it somehow has a super powerful effect on people out there. Actually, scholars have a name for it. It's called the "third person effect," and it's this idea that you yourself might not think that you would be persuaded by something, but other people are much more gullible than you, and they're definitely going to be persuaded. So I think it's a useful idea to understand when we think about the effects of these things, much like any other form of information, misinformation, disinformation matters. It plays a role in terms of shaping our attitudes, shaping our beliefs, and even shaping our actions, like whether to take the COVID vaccine, for example. But just because one is exposed to one particular false story or just because they listened to one questionable interview that somebody did with, like, Joe Rogan on his podcast, doesn't mean that persuaded them.

So, we need to remember that there's a kind of supply and demand there. Some people want this kind of things, want this kind of content because they're predisposed to believe it — in the context of a pandemic, especially. The pandemic was, and still is, scary. And especially if you put yourself back in early 2020, February, March, when we were just trying to learn what's going on, exactly how it was going to impact us. Nobody really had all the answers, even the experts. Some people have a very strong psychological need to have simple answers, and they don't trust the kind of more complex, nuanced explanations. So, they're just more drawn to a particular set of answers that in that context tend to be the more harmful things.

So when we talk about misinformation and disinformation and its effect, we have to understand it through the prism of all of these different considerations, all of the different predispositions, that every user of the information environment brings to the table. And also the fact that, you know, sometimes just because you see one story, it's not going to do it. You need repeated exposure, just like with everything else. That doesn't necessarily happen with misinformation, right? You might see like a viral meme or tweet or whatever, that is a piece of disinformation. If that just a one-off thing, then it's unlikely to have made a huge impact on you. But if you're kind of bombarded with the same kind of theme of misinformation on a specific topic, then it's going to be much more likely to influence you because you just consumed a lot more. It's more of a top-of-mind consideration for you, and it's more likely to kind of make an impact on you.

I'm wondering how we can, as a community, address the impacts of misinformation while at the same time balancing freedom of speech, because that's also important.

I think that's a very difficult and obviously contentious issue to grapple with. I think the first thing that is worth remembering is that the fact that we have misinformation on these platforms is not necessarily a thing that leads to our democracy and our politics being more toxic, but the other way around. When we think back to 2016 and we think back to Russian interference in the election and what the trolls from Russia were doing, they didn't create these divisions. They just poured gasoline on a fire.

So I think it's worth remembering that as we think about solutions, because there's certain steps we can take to address some of the concerns surrounding information disorder, but to really get to the bottom of the issue requires fixing our politics, which is a much more complex task. Some of the things we can do — there's different layers. The first layer is what platforms can do, and platforms can design social media to slow us down so that we don't get into our partisan urges of sharing the most hyper partisan content. So little problems that pop up like, “Are you sure you want to share this before reading the article?” These things have been demonstrated to have an effect in randomized controlled trials. These things work. We have data to back it up and platforms are implementing them.

I think I'm skeptical of the government and post-moderation policies. I think even the most well-intentioned laws — like in Germany, there's a fake news law that passed in 2017. It had the best intentions of trying to eliminate misinformation and disinformation from platforms like Facebook. And essentially if platforms don’t remove certain things in a timely fashion, they face fines. But these laws essentially have been very heavily criticized by the human rights groups, by freedom of speech groups that highlight how they definitely stifle speech. And they have been used as a blueprint by authoritarian regimes who essentially passed similar laws that are de-facto aimed at censoring pro-democracy voices in countries like Russia or Philippines.

I think that leaves us with what can we do as a citizens? And I think we are not helpless. I think the information environment is much more complex than it used to be. I study media and politics and I frequently see sources I've never seen before. There's definitely a lot of information out there. We're drowning in information. Some of it is good. Some of it is bad. There are tools that we can use to help us guide us towards better sources; there are browser plug-ins, like Newsguard.

I think it's good to be aware of your own biases, knowing that we all come to the table with a certain set of beliefs. Getting outside of our comfort zone, having a balanced diet and when something seems kind of crazy or too good to be true, then it probably is. So triangulating, making sure you research something if something's particularly controversial or it strikes you as unlikely, it probably is.

A lot of our politics are toxic because they focus on national culture wars. But local news...

As employees at a Denver Starbucks vote on unionizing, the company is accused of anti-union tactics

KUNC — Fri, 06 May 2022 17:20:51 -0600

This coming Tuesday, employees at the Starbucks on Colfax Avenue in Denver will learn if they’ve voted to unionize. Their effort is part of a recent and historic uptick in worker activism across the country, driven partly by the impact of working conditions during the COVID pandemic. There are more than fifty Starbucks locations in the U.S. that have recently voted to unionize, including one in the town of Superior – the first in Colorado to do so.

But pro-union employees at this particular Denver store say their efforts have resulted in backlash from the company. Nick Bowlin is a freelance journalist based in Colorado. He wrote about what’s been happening in an excellent, in-depth piece that was published this week in The Guardian.

Interview Highlights
These interview highlights have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Erin O’Toole: Can you start with just a bit of a background about why employees at Starbucks might want to unionize? Not everyone is familiar with unions. I know there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what it means to have union representation.

Nick Bowlin: The workers that I talked to at the Starbucks in Denver had a couple main points. Starbucks has been historically known for having good benefits and good wages for service industry, front-of-house sort of gig. But they [the employees] say that wages have not kept up with inflation in recent years. They also are definitely motivated by some of the difficulties for service workers that resulted from the pandemic. They felt that the company wasn't protecting them when it came to keeping them safe from the virus and also from belligerent customers. Several had horror stories about customers getting angry — and at times violent — about mask mandates and about shortages in the store.

They also cited a policy where Starbucks has just been raking in enormous profits in recent years. And they think that more of that should go to the people who make the coffee. They cited a policy that was proposed at the first Starbucks to unionize ever, which was December 20, 2021 in Buffalo, New York, where if a worker misses a shift, the wages from that worker will be distributed to the other baristas who are working at the time or on a short staff shift, rather than going back into their, you know, corporate profits.

Many of the workers who I talked to who weren't aware of unions before, when they realized what the collective bargaining process entailed and the ability to really push for the benefits and the protections that they want, that aspect of autonomy; many of them brought that up as something that brought them around to supporting the labor organizing.

You started following the effort to unionize at this Denver Starbucks several months ago. Tell us a bit about this particular store, which is on Colfax Avenue. It's known as the Barn. What is it like for employees working there?

Well, first of all, it looks like a barn.

The Denver Starbucks community says work there is very fast-paced. Inexperienced baristas tend not to start there. Compared to some of the suburban locations, it can be a little bit more rough and tumble. Starbucks workers at other locations tend not to pick up shifts at the Barn because it has something of a reputation. One of the baristas I talked to was punched in the face by an angry customer who was mad about the mask policy. There was this other incident where one of the baristas was pepper sprayed because they were out of frappuccinos one day.

These are things that could happen at any Starbucks. But the Barn has a little bit of a reputation which gets back to the issue of workplace protections and maybe why the workers at the point were especially inclined to announce a union drive pretty early on.

I have to say, one thing that really jumped out at me is that Starbucks for a long time has had this public reputation as one of the few companies that actually does care about its employees. They offer health benefits; they pay for college tuition. It's kind of hard to square this perception of a benevolent company with what's happening now to employees who want to unionize.

And I think that perception is pretty common. And there's evidence of that. Like I said earlier, that's why baristas have sought out Starbucks, because they offer health benefits when not all coffee shop jobs necessarily do. They have a very robust tuition aid program. And they also have this kind of corporate culture that encourages this kind of friendly atmosphere. Every employee from management executives on down to the lowest paid barista are referred to internally in the company as partners. And this of goes along with the, you know, company culture they try to foster.

But the workers say a couple of things. Just because there are benefits doesn't mean they're always the best — and they want them to be better. And they also say that if they have a union, it will be up to them to push for the benefits they want rather than, you know, the benefits coming down from on high from the company.

You know, I think about one of the baristas at the Denver store named Vanessa Castro, who I spoke to and has worked for Starbucks for four years at multiple stores around the country. She's getting a college degree from Arizona State with tuition aid from Starbucks. And she said, if you start to empower employees by giving them benefits, options, resources to get to access, you don't get to choose when to stop.

What happens next? You mentioned the votes for the Denver story will be announced on Tuesday. What are people expecting the results to be?

That's right. The NLRB will announce the results on May 10th. All my reporting suggests that the workers are pretty confident that they have a wide margin of majority support. And then once that happens, I mean, that's a big win. But it's also just the beginning, because then they have to enter the collective bargaining agreement process. All expectations are that Starbucks is going to be very hard nosed with the bargaining. You know, the fact that they're trying to pit unionized workers against non-unionized workers with the benefit increase for the non-labor stores, I think, is evidence of how they intend to operate going forward.

The National Starbucks Union is associated with one of the largest service-worker unions in the country. They have good lawyers. So they're certainly going to, you know, push back. And I definitely get the sense from the workers in Denver that they are both excited to just have the vote happen and get this, you know, this uncertain limbo period done with.

Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.

The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Helping low-income and minority children succeed in STEM fields; efforts to help Coloradans find long-term mental health care

KUNC — Wed, 04 May 2022 13:26:24 -0600

If you’re a Colorado high schooler who lives in a middle- to high-income household you’re most likely going on to college. A recent report from the state’s Department of Education shows 67% of those students enroll in a bachelor’s degree program. But those numbers are much lower for low-income students and students of color, in particular.

Last year, state lawmakers took several steps toward making access to higher education more equitable. Gov. Jared Polis signed two bills – one banning the use of so-called “legacy admissions” by public colleges and universities, making Colorado the first state to do away with that practice. He also signed a bill to remove a requirement that public colleges consider SAT or ACT scores for freshmen; instead having them rely on high school performance indicators such as grade point average, class rank and the overall academic rigor of a student’s course work. The new law still allows students to submit those test scores if they wish.

Nearly a year after those bills were signed into law, it’s not clear yet what the impact will be. Dr. Pius Kamau believes much more needs to be done to encourage and support children from underrepresented groups in the pursuit of higher education – especially in STEM fields. Dr. Kamau was born and raised in Kenya and spent three decades as a surgeon in Colorado. He spoke with Colorado Edition about how higher education institutions can do more to help students.

During an ongoing mental health crisis, many Coloradans with serious mental illnesses end up cycling in and out of the emergency department... or jail. Without easily accessible long-term treatment, this cycle leaves some with nowhere to go. KUNC’s Leigh Paterson reports on a $65 million piece of legislation that aims to create more places where people can get help.

Lastly -- May 4th is known to fans around the world as Star Wars Day And Colorado fans can show off their light- or dark- side fandom by grabbing one of a handful of custom license plates being auctioned by the state. Configurations include ANAKIN, KYLOREN, MANDO, YODAIAM, and JEDI. The proceeds raised go into a fund to benefit Coloradans living with disabilities. This auction continues through Sunday. May the Fourth be with you!

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.

Why we love alpacas so much; plans to help keep housing affordable in Steamboat Springs

KUNC — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 16:09:17 -0600

The first commercially imported alpacas were brought to the U.S. from South America in 1984. Alpacas are famous for their soft, luxurious fleece – as well as for their reputation as perhaps the most adorable creatures on the planet, with their sweet, goofy smiles, calm dispositions, and impossibly long eyelashes.

The U.S. alpaca industry took off exponentially in the early 2000s, but prices collapsed a few years later during the Great Recession, and by 2014 the so-called alpaca bubble had burst. Since then, however, the industry has been slowly coming back – and there’s plenty of love for alpacas here in Colorado. Ranchers raise them and sell their fiber for use in comfy sweaters, socks, even bedding.

You can visit with them up close this weekend at the Great Western Alpaca Show at the National Western complex in Denver. The show is free and open to the public, and runs through Sun. May 1. Fans can watch halter and performance competitions, costume contests, and peruse vendor booths with handcrafted alpaca fashions. And you can commemorate the weekend by hopping into a dedicated alpaca selfie photo booth.

To get a better idea of what the buzz over these fuzzy, gentle creatures is all about, Colorado Edition spoke with Jennifer Hack, the owner and founder of Triple H Ranch in Sedalia, where she’s been raising suri alpaca since 2013.

Later in the episode, KUNC's statehouse reporter Scott Franz takes us to a town on the frontlines of the affordable housing crisis, Steamboat Springs, to get a look at how state lawmakers are trying to help.

Fort Collins veterinarian keeps Ukrainian refugee families united with their pets

KUNC — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 13:55:48 -0600

It’s been about six weeks since Russian forces invaded Ukraine. In that time, millions of Ukrainians have fled the country -- many of them refusing to leave without their beloved family pets. That flood of images of refugees with children in tow, and dogs or cats in carriers or in their arms, made Dr. Jon Geller want to do something to help. So, in March, the Fort Collins-based emergency veterinarian hopped on a plane and headed overseas. Once there, he set up a clinic providing the necessary care to ensure families' pets are cleared to travel to other European countries.

Colorado Edition had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Geller on April 1, shortly after he’d returned home from the Ukrainian border.

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.

Front Range collective making arts events safer and more inclusive; Ukrainian Coloradans express support, concern for loved ones back home

KUNC — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0600

Have you ever felt uncomfortable, threatened, or simply like you didn't belong while trying to enjoy live music at a concert or festival? Traditional venues for music, theater and the arts aren’t always the safest and most welcoming places – especially for women, people of color and individuals from marginalized communities. It can be difficult to enjoy what’s happening on stage when you’re feeling uncomfortable, or worried about being inappropriately groped or harassed.

Amy Karp and Ileana Rivera met as college students at the University of Colorado Boulder. They racked up a lot of hours in the local music and arts scene, and witnessed too many examples of problematic behavior including physical and sexual harassment. To acknowledge and address these issues, they co-founded the Text Me When You’re Home collective -- which organizes events across the Front Range and seeks to make the overall arts scene in Colorado safer, more inclusive and more uplifting. We spoke with them in November about their work.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, the U.S. and allied countries are set to announce additional sanctions Wednesday that will target government officials and their families, and Russian-owned financial institutions. This is partly in response to the killings of civilians revealed recently in Ukraine, which President Biden has called “war crimes.”

The Ukrainian community in Colorado has been standing in solidarity with their families and friends back home. In late February, I visited a Ukrainian church in northwest Denver to hear from some of the people there.

Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 used in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.

New NoCo collaborative aims to strengthen local journalism; two rural Colorado songwriters discuss their craft

KUNC — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:26:48 -0600

In many parts of the country, sources of local journalism are in decline. A recent report from the Center for Information, Technology and Public Life notes that more than a fourth of the country’s newspapers have disappeared, and residents in thousands of communities now live in a news desert. This matters, because local news outlets play an essential role in keeping the community informed about elections, public safety, and what their local representatives are up to. Local journalism also help to inform common values that create a sense of shared purpose within a community.

With that in mind, a collaborative made up of area newsrooms, public libraries, working journalists and media scholars launched in the fall. The aim of the Northern Colorado Deliberative Journalism Project is to strengthen local journalism by reimagining the current information ecosystem and elevating our ability to tackle shared problems in a more thoughtful, constructive way. Martín Carcasson is the founder and director of CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation, or CPD, which is part of the project’s core team. He joined us to share more about the project, and how the public can be involved.

Note: The core team’s meeting will be open to the public once a quarter, beginning Monday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. You can sign up to participate here.

Rural northeast Colorado has fewer employed artists than any other region in the state, according to a 2020 report. While musicians, dancers and fashion designers may sell a lot less out there, they are still creating. KUNC’s Adam Rayes recently went to Yuma County to hear two musicians from different generations discuss their craft.

Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Frequent fires taking a toll on weary residents; new gun laws being rolled out at state capitol

KUNC — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0600

It’s been about a week since the NCAR Fire ignited in Boulder County, near the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Boulder fire officials announced today that the fire is now completely contained at 190 acres. That blaze came just three months after Colorado’s most destructive wildfire, the Marshall Fire, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes in the communities of Superior and Louisville. And many weary residents are wondering if a year-round fire season is now the ‘new normal.’

Jezy Gray was one of about 19,000 people evacuated at the peak of the NCAR fire Saturday. He’s also the managing editor of the nonprofit Boulder Reporting Lab – and he joined us to discuss the emotional impact these frequent fires are having on residents.

There were loud calls for gun reform in Colorado after a mass shooting at a Boulder supermarket last year. Lawmakers delivered on some of those requests, but other new laws are still in the works a year after the shooting. KUNC’s Scott Franz looked at the city’s ongoing recovery from the tragedy, as well as some new efforts launching this year to tackle gun violence.

And - a couple of events happening around the Front Range this weekend: It’s Guitar Night Friday, April 1 at the King Center at CU Denver. Professor Sean McGowan will play, along with world-renowned guitarist Pierre Bensusan.

And in Fort Collins, the ACT Human Rights Film Festival will feature thought-provoking documentary films and discussions throughout the weekend, with events at The Lyric and at CSU’s Lory Student Center.

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.

Why legal settlements attempting to diversify policing forces haven't been effective

KUNC — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:20:36 -0600

The focus of today’s episode: settlements for allegations of police misconduct that are centered around reforms to policing. The 11 largest cities in Northern Colorado have paid out $50 million over the past decade to settle 205 allegations of police brutality and other abuses of power. Many of these cases have slipped under the radar. Years before the death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain, two families attempted to reform the Aurora police department through legal settlements.

But despite past promises to improve procedures and diversity within the department, a KUNC investigation into the data reveals there hasn’t been much progress toward these goals. Investigative reporter Michael de Yoanna shares what he uncovered in the process, including efforts to increase diversity among Aurora’s police. We hear the second in de Yoanna's two-part series on settlements, and speak with him about his reporting.

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.

NCAR fire update; police settlements in Northern Colorado

KUNC — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:02:52 -0600

First up, an update on the NCAR Fire. About 150 firefighters have been working to contain the fire, which erupted Saturday in the foothills of Boulder County and prompted the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people. The fire hasn't led to injuries or damage to structures. All evacuation orders were lifted Sunday, although hiking trails in the area remain closed. Incident commander Brian Oliver said in a press briefing Tuesday that they expect it will smolder for weeks.

The focus of today's episode: payouts and settlements for allegations of police misconduct. People in Northern Colorado have agreed to drop allegations that police mistreated them and settle for cash payouts. It’s happened more than 200 times in the past decade, for allegations ranging from false arrest to wrongful death. And while some cases receive significant publicity, others slip under the radar. In the first of a two-part series, KUNC investigative reporter Michael de Yoanna uncovered hundreds of settlements -- and an ongoing pattern where allegations of police misconduct disappear in exchange for cash payouts.

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.

Reflecting on the legacy of racist Colorado media coverage, and correcting it today

KUNC — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:50:00 -0600

A group of Colorado journalists and community members of color called The Voices Initiative have been working to understand and correct racism in traditional local media. On today's Colorado Edition we talk about the racist past of newspapers and the findings of the initiative so far.

Fort Collins poet on feminist thought, climate movement; Paonia photographer documents his transition in photos

KUNC — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we talk with Camille Dungy, a poet and professor in Colorado State University’s English program, about her contribution to an anthology of writings at the intersection of the climate movement and feminist thought. And we talk with Apollo Rodriquez, a high school student in a small Colorado town who documented coming out as transgender in a photo essay.

New series highlights women leading regenerative ranching movement across the West

KUNC — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0600

The new podcast “Women’s Work” from independent audio producer Ashley Ahearn follows women ranchers who are changing the ways we manage land and livestock across the West.

State lawmakers focused on priority bills halfway through the session; new music nonprofit launches in Colorado

KUNC — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update from KUNC’s state capitol reporter about where lawmakers are at the midway point in the 2022 legislative session. And we hear about a new nonprofit launching in Colorado to provide support to the state’s music scene.

Proposal to cover college tuition for Colorado’s foster youth; new chief of mental health at Children’s Hospital says the crisis remains urgent

KUNC — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:30:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition, we hear about a new bill that would cover the cost of college tuition for thousands of foster youth in the state. And we listen back to a conversation with Dr. K. Ron-Li Liaw, the new chief of mental health at Children’s Hospital Colorado, about the ongoing challenge to provide resources and support for young people struggling with mental health issues.

Colorado Edition Special: Pain and hope in the Republican River basin

KUNC — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:18:00 -0700

Water feeds Northeast Colorado’s corn and wheat fields, creating a booming agricultural economy. But that water is disappearing from the tributaries that feed the Republican River, flowing 450 miles from the cropland of Yuma County through Kansas and Nebraska. In this special episode of Colorado Edition from KUNC, reporter Adam Rayes takes us on a journey to explore the water crisis in Colorado’s Republican River basin.

Watching a new reservoir take shape in Northern Colorado; 2003 wildfire survivor helps others navigate insurance

KUNC — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:27:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we head up to Loveland to watch how a new reservoir project takes shape, and we hear how a volunteer for a nonprofit that helps people navigate insurance after disaster is working with Marshall Fire survivors.

Colorado Edition: A conversation with Colorado author Adam Kaat

KUNC — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Among many things the pandemic revealed was just how undervalued many essential workers are, especially those who work in lower-paid service-industry jobs. Denver-based author and blogger Adam Kaat chronicles his experience working in a busy grocery store during the height of the pandemic, in a novel called Life on the Grocery Line: A Frontline Experience in a Global Pandemic.

Challenges facing ski towns and the future of the sport; efforts to ban PFAS from ski wax

KUNC — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Many rural towns across the mountain West are experiencing a moment of crisis — water scarcity and the threat of wildfire, as well as extreme income inequality and a shortage of workers, in part, because the cost of living is often incredibly high. We speak with veteran ski journalist Heather Hansman, who covers these issues in her new book. And we hear about efforts to ban a common but potentially unsafe series of chemicals known as PFAS from ski wax products.

Combatting Colorado’s drug overdose epidemic; neglect and misconduct in tribal jails

KUNC — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we explore local and statewide efforts to prevent overdose deaths and reduce harm. We also hear about a report commissioned by the Interior Department that outlines serious problems at tribal jails.

Colorado scientists on their discovery of the earliest known female infant burial site in Europe

KUNC — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:45:00 -0700

On today’s show, we hear from two Colorado scientists who recently discovered one of the oldest female infant burial sites in a cave in Europe. We’ll hear their analysis, and what they think life may have been like for the child and her family.

Marshall Fire survivors navigate rough housing market; founding mothers of NPR

KUNC — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear about Marshall Fire survivors who are struggling with a challenging housing market and a strong desire to stay put. We also listen back to a conversation with journalist Lisa Napoli about four women who were foundational to the early days of NPR.

Lulu Garcia-Navarro on politics, polarization and the state of local journalism

KUNC — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Colorado State University held its annual International Symposium last month. As part of that, Colorado Edition’s Erin O’Toole moderated a keynote discussion on politics, polarization and the state of journalism, here and abroad, with former NPR journalist and Weekend Edition Sunday host Lulu Garcia-Navarro.

Elementary enrollment recovery; what snow totals mean for drought; honoring Wellington and Wilma Webb

KUNC — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear why Colorado kindergarten enrollment is increasing after plummeting due to the pandemic last year. We also learn why the way we understand the impact of snow totals on drought is changing. And, we listen back to a conversation with Wilma Webb, the first Black first lady of Denver, as her husband and former mayor Wellington Webb is set to be honored with a sculpture.

Resilience at Ukrainian church service; Colorado’s move to offer public option insurance; history of Black cowboys in the west

KUNC — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear from members of Colorado’s Ukrainian community who gathered for a church service over the weekend. We also examine Colorado’s move to add a public option insurance program and what lessons we can take away from Washington’s public option rollout; and we revisit a conversation about the history and future of Black cowboys in the American west.

Colorado women lead tech startup for people to rate safety, accessibility of businesses

KUNC — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:53:00 -0700

On today’s Colorado Edition: There’s a long history of people creating guides to help others find inclusive spaces. In the 20th century, Black travelers used The Green Book to navigate safely. Now, two Colorado women have created a new tech startup that aims to do something similar.

Election security; Youth mental health crisis

KUNC — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear how Coloradans working in our elections system are grappling with misinformation and threats to their safety. And we explore the ongoing youth mental health crisis with the head of mental health at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Journalists and community members reflect on legacy of racist Colorado media coverage, and how to move forward

KUNC — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: we explore the history of racist media coverage in Colorado, and the racism still present in media today, with a group of journalists and community members who have been working to understand and correct systemic harm of traditional local media.

Wildfire legislation; Boulder King Soopers reopens; disaster recovery management in Louisville

KUNC — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We check in on several wildfire related bills lawmakers are working on this legislative session. We’ll also hear about the reopening of the Table Mesa King Soopers in Boulder, and we’ll speak with the disaster recovery manager for the city of Louisville.

Misidentification, arrest of Black teen leads to new Colorado law changing a police eyewitness procedure

KUNC — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 11:59:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: Experts have suggested that eyewitness accounts to identify potential suspects are often inaccurate, given the trauma of seeing a crime take place. Stephanie Daniel explores how the misidentification and wrongful arrest of a Black teen led to a grassroots effort in Colorado to change the practice of using showups.

Bringing the Colorado outdoors to the world, one TikTok at a time

KUNC — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Nelson Holland, known on social media as fatblackandgettinit, is uniting the majesty of Colorado's outdoors with his own sense of humor and uplifting nature in his channel. He joins Colorado Edition to talk about his journeys and social media fame.

The life and legacy of Great Plains photographer John Johnson; how developing new encampments can help those experiencing homelessness

KUNC — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on the show, we’ll hear about encampments being assembled to provide temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness, and we explore the work of John Johnson, an early 20th century photographer, who documented the lives of African Americans living in the Great Plains.

Fewer COVID safety measures in schools; chronic homelessness; Blair Caldwell African American Research Library

KUNC — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear why schools across the state are starting to loosen COVID safety protocols. We also hear how advocates are looking to address chronic homelessness as donations have poured in for those who lost homes in the Marshall Fire. And, we listen back to a conversation about the history of Denver’s Blair Caldwell African American Research Library.

Colorado scientists on their discovery of the earliest known female infant burial site in Europe

KUNC — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Effort to increase hospital visitations; co-creator of ‘Don’t Look Up’

KUNC — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear about an effort by state lawmakers to allow patients at least one visitor even during a pandemic. We also talk with David Sirota, the Denver-based co-creator of the Academy Award-nominated film “Don’t Look Up”.

A conversation with 'Capable' author Deborah Winking

KUNC — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we speak to Deborah Winking about her new book, Capable: A Story of Triumph for Children the World has Judged as 'Different,' a deeply personal account of raising a child born with a rare genetic syndrome.

Legislature update; new technology for agriculture; history of Colorado lynchings; Jewish Film Festival preview

KUNC — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update on the current state legislative session. We also hear how new technology might help agriculture producers use less water. We listen back to a conversation on the history of lynchings in Colorado. And, we preview the upcoming annual Denver Jewish Film Festival.

Helping vulnerable populations after a wildfire; differences in rural vs urban teaching during COVID

KUNC — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We check in with KUNC’s Leigh Paterson, who has been speaking with survivors and experts on the ground in the recovery of the Marshall Fire. And we catch up with two teachers to hear how differences in COVID policies in Colorado schools are impacting both rural and urban students.

Recovery residences; tribal home access to drinking water; Arizona water cutbacks; Little Rock Nine

KUNC — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn about the growing number of recovery homes, where residents live in a substance-free environment. We also cover the hurdles tribal communities face accessing clean water in their homes. Plus, we hear how Arizona is responding to major federal water cutbacks. And, we talk with a member of the Little Rock Nine.

2003 wildfire survivor helps others navigate home insurance; history of the avocado

KUNC — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear how a volunteer for a nonprofit that helps people navigate insurance after disaster is working with Marshall Fire survivors. We also listen back to a conversation about the history of avocados.

Historic homes of Fort Collins

KUNC — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we listen back to our favorite stories about two Fort Collins homes with important historical legacies. One is the home of Virgil Thomas, the first known African American to graduate from a Fort Collins high school. The other is an adobe-style home that belongs to the Cordova family, who have lived in Fort Collins for 100 years.

Louisville family check-in; Colorado organization funds women and girls of color; how the Republican River got its name

KUNC — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we see what recovery is looking like for a Louisville family one month after their home became severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable in the Marshall Fire. We also hear about an organization in Colorado that’s working to fund girls and women of color, a group that’s critically under-funded when it comes to charitable giving, even in an era of unprecedented donations. And we continue our series on the Republican River with a look back at the history of how it got its name.

Superior family check-in; Marshall Fire survivors inventory belongings for insurance; legacy of Barney Ford

KUNC — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we see what recovery is looking like for a Superior family one month after losing their home in the Marshall Fire. We also hear how some survivors are struggling through insurance inventories of everything they lost in the fire. And, we listen back to a story about Barney Ford, who helped with the Underground Railroad and lobbied for African American rights in Colorado.

‘Fat, Black and Gettin’ It’ in Colorado nature

KUNC — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we explore the unlikely intersection of our state’s natural wonder and beauty with the online environment of TikTok.

Nebraska claims more South Platte River water; fentanyl testing in the West; restaurant industry mentorship program

KUNC — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear why Nebraska is staking a claim to more water from the South Platte River. We also learn why some methods to test drugs for fentanyl in the West are illegal. And, we talk about a new apprenticeship program for restaurants in Colorado.

Producers roundtable — favorite interviews from 2021

KUNC — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Throughout the last year, we had more than 350 conversations with Coloradans across the Front Range and beyond. Producers Henry Zimmerman and Tess Novotny joined host Erin O’Toole to talk about some of our favorite segments of 2021.

FEMA aid for Marshall Fire; saving the Republican River’s South Fork; Severance's new building permit freeze

KUNC — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s recovery efforts for Marshall Fire survivors in Boulder County. We also hear about a $40 million plan to save a fork in the Republican River. And, we talk about the effects of a freeze on new building permits in Severance.

A conversation with Colorado author Deborah Winking

KUNC — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Education update; federal water cutbacks in Arizona; new Bureau of Reclamation leadership

KUNC — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear how omicron is impacting students and teachers in classrooms across the state. We also travel to the fields of central Arizona, where farmers are grappling with federal water cutbacks. And, we talk with the Bureau of Reclamation's new deputy regional director for the lower basin.

Lessons in wildfire recovery from Oregon; prospective state bill to protect abortion access

KUNC — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: In 2020, the Almeda Fire became Oregon’s most destructive wildfire, destroying nearly 2,600 homes and claiming three lives. We hear how the affected town of Phoenix has progressed through its recovery, and how it could inform recovery in Louisville and Superior. And with extensive legal battles threatening abortion access nationally, state lawmakers may consider a bill this session that would help secure reproductive rights. We’ll learn more about what’s in the prospective bill and the state of abortion access in Colorado.

Colorado women lead tech startup for people to rate safety, accessibility of businesses

KUNC — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

There is a long history of people creating guides to help others find inclusive spaces. In the 20th century, Black travelers used The Green Book to navigate safely. Now, two Colorado women have created a website that aims to do something similar

Farmers try to reduce reliance on Republican River; changes in visibility open the door for local drag classes

KUNC — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

With water flow declining in the Republican River, fresh ideas are cropping up to save it from depletion. We explore the pivot some farmers are making to alternative growing methods and crops less dependent on water. And, the art of drag performance has grown in visibility and popularity over the last few years, opening the door for a series of local classes on drag for teens and tweens. We hear more about the class and how attitudes about drag have changed over time.

COVID protocols at UNC; how natural disasters impact domestic violence

KUNC — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Risk factors for domestic violence are complex and varied, but some research suggests that incidents increase in the wake of natural disasters, including pandemics and wildfires. We explore the connection between the two here in Colorado. And as we head into the third year of the pandemic, college and university students are heading back to classes. We hear how COVID is impacting the day-to-day at the University of Northern Colorado.

Chemical weapon destruction milestone at Pueblo Army depot; podcast on living with disabilities; museum voter education exhibit

KUNC — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 15:02:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear about a final push underway in the U.S. to destroy stockpiles of chemical weapons at two Army bases, including at the Army’s Chemical Depot in Pueblo. We also hear from a mother and daughter who created the Shining Beautiful series about living with disabilities. And, we revisit an exhibit at the Greeley History Museum on the power of voting.

A conversation with Colorado author Jenny Shank

KUNC — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 14:30:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we speak to Jenny Shank about her book, Mixed Company, that celebrates diverse voices and perspectives in the city of Denver.

A wrongful arrest and misidentification leads to changes in the use of a flawed police tactic in Colorado

KUNC — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:30:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: Experts have suggested that eyewitness accounts to identify potential suspects are often inaccurate, given the trauma of seeing a crime take place. We hear how the misidentification and wrongful arrest of a Black teen led to a grassroots effort in Colorado to change the practice of using showups.

Boulder County public health; Louisville hospital closure; worker strikes in the West; Republican River water management

KUNC — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:32:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak with the head of public health in Boulder County about surging COVID-19 cases and recovery from the Marshall Fire. We also hear how the closure of a Louisville hospital is impacting community health care. Plus, we explore how current strikes in the West could impact workers rights in the future. And, we head back in time to the early days of the Republican River’s water management to understand how managers today are grappling with dropping river flows.

Colorado Women lead tech startup for people to rate safety, accessibility of businesses

KUNC — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Legislative session preview; technology to help farms use less water; urban and suburban wildfire vulnerability

KUNC — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we preview what state lawmakers are planning to pursue in the new legislative session that kicks on tomorrow. We also learn about the possibility of new technology to help farms use less water. And, we hear why higher populated communities are becoming more vulnerable to wildfire.

Colorado Edition: How recent wildfires connect to climate crisis; Marshall Fire survivor navigates recovery with uninhabitable home

KUNC — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:10:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We examine the connection between devastating wildfires in our region and the climate crisis happening on a global scale. We also hear from a Marshall Fire survivor about how her family is navigating recovery with a home that’s still standing, but uninhabitable due to smoke and soot damage.

Surviving the Marshall Fire

KUNC — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

The latest official estimates of the Marshall Fire’s toll put the number of structures destroyed at 1084. Today on Colorado Edition, we talk with four people who evacuated and lost homes in the fire.

Marshall Fire recovery in Superior; Republican River water shortages

KUNC — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 14:37:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We check in with the mayor of Superior to hear how the community is processing the aftermath of the Marshall Fire. And, we hear how water shortages in the Republican River are affecting agricultural producers in eastern Colorado and downstream.

West Slope voters in new district; Arizona water cutbacks; high country COVID; Housing Facebook group for Marshall Fire survivors

KUNC — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 14:47:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear how residents in northwestern Colorado are reacting to their new congressional district. We also hear why some Arizonans are relying on water stored underground amid federally mandated water usage cutbacks. Plus, we get an update on surging COVID cases in the high country. And, we learn about a new Facebook group to facilitate housing for Marshall Fire survivors.

Boulder County disaster assistance center provides support to Marshall Fire survivors; Boulder Valley School District prepares for return to class after wildfire

KUNC — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:23:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear how a disaster assistance center opened in Boulder County this week is helping people displaced by the Marshall Fire. And, we check in with Boulder Valley School District’s superintendent on plans to return to school this week.

Winter fire conditions; anti-stigma campaign for opioid addiction treatment

KUNC — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear how extreme climate conditions and drought set the stage for last week’s devastating winter wildfires. And, we listen back to a story on a campaign to stop stigma against opioid addiction treatment.

Producers roundtable — favorite interviews from 2021

KUNC — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Latino voters in the 8th CD; young students adjust to in-person school; rising home prices in the West

KUNC — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear what issues Latino voters in the state’s new 8th Congressional District are thinking about. We also listen back to a conversation with teachers helping young students adjust to in-person school. And, we learn how long-term residents of mountain towns across the West are being priced out of their communities as home prices soar.

Scholarships for displaced Aurarians; financial aid for Hispanic students in Weld County; looming federal water cutbacks

KUNC — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear how higher education institutions that displaced communities for the development of Denver’s Auraria campus are expanding their promise of scholarships for affected families. We also explore how financial aid can impact degree attainment for Hispanic women in Weld County. And, we hear how upcoming mandatory water cutbacks could impact farmers across the West.

Fort Collins poet on the climate movement, feminist thought; Paonia photographer on his transition in small-town Colorado

KUNC — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak with a Fort Collins-based writer and poet about her work in an anthology of writings at the intersection of the climate movement and feminist thought, and we explore the work of a trans photographer in Paonia who documented the early days of his transition in a recent photo essay.

Indigenous artists explore representation and identity in new RiNo district murals

KUNC — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: Every month, the RiNo Mural Program in Denver’s River North Art District pays local artists to create community installations. In celebration of Native American Heritage month, three Indigenous artists in Colorado have painted works exploring cultural representation and identity. We speak with the artists about their murals, and the connection between artistic expression and social change.

College attainment rates for Hispanic men; defining drought; Lake Mead bomber crash

KUNC — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we explore the impact of college attainment disparities for Hispanic men. We also dig into the definition of drought. And, we listen back to the story of a World War II-era bomber crashing into one of the Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs in 1948.

Warm start to winter; shrinking Western water supply; respiratory therapist’s pandemic reflections

KUNC — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear how a slow start to the winter season is intensifying climate concerns about the future in our region. We also get an update on ongoing discussions over the allocation of water from the Colorado River. Plus, we talk with a respiratory therapist about how her life changed during the pandemic, and after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

A new congressional district; one year of the COVID-19 vaccine; preparing Coloradans for STEM jobs

KUNC — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:46:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: Colorado is getting a new congressional seat for the first time in years. We hear how it could dramatically change public policy here and around the country. We also speak with one of Northern Colorado’s leading public health officials about the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine and the path of the pandemic over the last year. And we get a look at a new state effort to prepare more Coloradans for employment in STEM fields.

Anniversary of COVID-19 vaccine availability; vaccine equity across the state

KUNC — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: The COVID-19 vaccine first became available in Colorado nearly one year ago. Since then, millions of Coloradans have gotten vaccinated. But despite that progress, the virus and its variants are still spreading. We explore the state of the pandemic a year after the vaccine became available, and how efforts to make vaccine access more equitable have fared.

Survey reveals Coloradans’ opinions on the pandemic and politics; research shows health benefits of natural sounds

KUNC — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:18:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we dig into the results of the most recent Colorado Political Climate Survey, produced by the American Politics Research Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder. And we revisit a discussion with two researchers studying the beneficial health impacts of listening to natural sounds.

Douglas County schools drop mask requirement; Western water users to meet; ski map artist James Niehues retires

KUNC — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear what’s next for Douglas County schools following a recent vote by the school board to drop a mask requirement. We’ll also preview a water conference next week where officials will make decisions that affect millions of people. And, we revisit our conversation with famed ski map illustrator James Niehues, and the Montana-based artist he’s passing the torch to, Rad Smith.

Clean water access in tribal homes; trees in dry seasons; Latino health care in the West; Colorado bird migration

KUNC — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 15:19:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear why many tribal communities in the Colorado River basin do not have access to clean drinking water. We also get tips from an arborist on keeping trees healthy during this dry fall and winter. Plus, we get the latest on pandemic-related disruptions making it harder for Latinos to access health care in Western states. And, we listen back to a conversation about migratory patterns of birds in Colorado.

A dry winter; new tech to convert oil wells; costs of closing abandoned wells

KUNC — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn what’s behind the warm and dry weather so far this winter on the Front Range, and what impact the lack of snow could have next spring. We also hear about an emerging technology that could prevent oil and gas producers from abandoning unprofitable wells. Plus, we explore the end-of-life cycle for these wells and who typically pays to clean them up when producers walk away.

Weld County group provides mentorship, scholarships for Latinas in Northern Colorado colleges

KUNC — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Despite overall increases in Latino college enrollment over the years, large gaps in attainment still persist. One group in Weld County is organizing funds to help women pay for classes and earn their degrees.

Experts reject justification for ketamine sedation; climate change impacts Western Slope fruit; court considers lawsuit against vaccine mandate

KUNC — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:22:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear why a panel of medical experts concluded that a common justification used by paramedics to sedate people has racist implications. We also learn how climate change is impacting fruit-growing across the Western Slope. And, we get the latest on a lawsuit challenging a federal workplace vaccination mandate.

Historic homes of Fort Collins

KUNC — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Federal paid COVID sick leave ends; infrastructure law boosts firefighters; hiking group welcomes all body types

KUNC — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 15:35:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn about the expiration of federal pandemic-related paid time off, leaving employees feeling pressured to show up at work. We also hear how the federal infrastructure bill aims to stem the tide of firefighters leaving the field due to low pay and benefits. And we talk about a group that aims to make hiking inclusive for people with all body types.

Early childhood education; the end of wildfire season

KUNC — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:54:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we talk to early childhood educators about how they’ve been impacted by the ongoing pandemic. And we learn how the end of wildfire season can impact the mental health of firefighters.

Drought metrics, saving a historic synagogue, green technology

KUNC — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:33:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn about the four main numbers scientists are using to measure drought. We also hear how Coloradans rallied to save one of the oldest synagogues in the Mountain West, and we learn about the growing industry of green technology.

Sundown Towns Across The American West

KUNC — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 17:08:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we explore the history of Sundown Towns across the Mountain West, and learn how racism and discrimination in the past still impacts residents of color who live there today.

Opioid addiction stigma; Native American school mascots

KUNC — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:31:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn about efforts to combat the stigma of opioid addiction. And we hear about a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s ban on Native American school mascots.

Police reform in Aurora; a new kind of nuclear plant; abandoned oil and gas wells

KUNC — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 14:41:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear about upcoming changes to the police and fire departments in Aurora. We also learn about the first nuclear plant that will use Natrium technology, and hear what happens to oil and gas wells when their producers go bankrupt.

Indigenous artists explore representation and identity in new RiNo district murals

KUNC — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Every month, the RiNo Mural Program in Denver’s River North Arts District pays local artists to create community installations. In celebration of Native American Heritage month, three Indigenous artists in Colorado have painted works exploring cultural representation and identity. Colorado Edition spoke with the artists about their murals, and the connection between artistic expression and social change.

Not-so-endangered species; wildlife migration; depleting air quality

KUNC — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:13:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn why one species of fish native to the Colorado River is no longer on the endangered list. We also learn about a new set of policy recommendations aimed at protecting Colorado’ big game populations, and hear why many Western cities are recording some of the worst air quality levels on the planet.

Latino representation on Colorado campuses; renaming natural landmarks

KUNC — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:02:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn why an increasing number of Colorado universities are becoming Hispanic-serving institutions. And, we hear about efforts to rename natural landmarks that bear offensive titles.

Family legacies on rural lands; recidivism reduction

KUNC — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:39:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear why some Coloradans are returning to the small farming communities they planned to leave behind. And, we learn about a new initiative to increase the hiring rates for formerly incarcerated individuals.

A conversation with Colorado author Jenny Shank

KUNC — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we speak to Jenny Shank about her new book, Mixed Company, that celebrates diverse voices and perspectives in the city of Denver.

Veterans Day Special: Former combat troops reflect on service, WWII vets receive recognition

KUNC — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear what Northern Colorado veterans from the War on Terror are thinking about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Then we hear about two WWII veterans who were recently given the recognition they deserve.

Larimer County COVID-19 update; Denver’s World Cup bid

KUNC — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update on COVID-19 safety measures in Northern Colorado. We also learn why Denver is vying to be a host city for the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup.

Triage care ethics; school staffing shortages

KUNC — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn how Colorado hospitals are grappling with the latest surge of COVID-19. We also hear how schools are dealing with staffing shortages, and the drastic measures some are now forced to take.

Schools respond to rising COVID cases; emphasizing safety in the Colorado arts scene

KUNC — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn how public schools in the Greeley-Evans district are grappling with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And we learn about a new collective that seeks to make entertainment events safer and more uplifting.

New state budget; loopholes to methane regulations

KUNC — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn how Gov. Jared Polis plans to spend the state’s recently unveiled budget proposal. And we learn how some oil and gas companies in Colorado are able to skirt methane emission rules.

COVID-19 case increase; trauma-informed curriculum; photography through a trans lens

KUNC — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update on the spread COVID-19 cases in Northern Colorado. Then, we learn how schools are acknowledging the role trauma can play in students' lives. And we speak to a rural transgender high school student about documenting his experiences in a photo essay.

2021 election results; climate literature

KUNC — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we talk to three guests about the results from Colorado’s recent election and why the three statewide ballot measures ultimately failed. And, we speak to an environmental poet about the intersection of literature and climate action.

New congressional map; Denver Art Museum expansion; Coors Field’s oldest usher

KUNC — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update on Colorado’s new, final congressional map approved by the state Supreme Court. We also hear about the Denver Art Museum's new expansion and commitment to inclusion. And, we listen back to a story about a beloved long-time usher at Coors Field.

Rent gets less affordable; selling off public lands; Greeley voting rights exhibit

KUNC — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:34:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn how renters are impacted by an increase in housing unaffordability over the last year. We also hear about a controversial proposal to address the affordable housing crisis. And, we check out a new exhibit on the history of women’s voting rights in Weld County.

Update from an Afghan refugee; in-person elementary school

KUNC — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:31:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update on a campaign to bring a refugee from Afghanistan to Fort Collins. And, we talk with a kindergarten teacher in Denver and a second-grade teacher in Fort Lupton about how their young students are adjusting to a classroom setting.

Overwhelmed ICUs; diversion programs for adult offenders

KUNC — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we hear from two doctors about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in hospitals. We also learn about new programs in Larimer and Jackson counties meant to divert adults from the criminal justice system.

Amendment 78; historic landmark in Fort Collins

KUNC — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear about a ballot measure meant to weaken the power of the state's executive branch. We also learn how the newest historic landmark in Fort Collins is groundbreaking in its preservation of the city’s Black history.

School board races; Proposition 119; the fate of entertainment venues

KUNC — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn why school board races across the country are becoming increasingly contentious ahead of the November election. We also look at a ballot proposal that would fund new tutoring programs for students. And, we hear how Fort Collins venues are navigating the latest COVID-19 guidelines.

Winter water forecast; Proposition 120; increase in SNAP benefits

KUNC — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about the winter weather Coloradans are expecting to see this winter after a hot, dry summer. We also look at one of the three statewide ballot questions voters are facing this November, and learn about the recent benefit increase for SNAP participants.

Colorado Edition: New cannabinoid research center; Colorado spooky storytelling; ski map painting

KUNC — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about a new research center out of Colorado State University that will study the benefits of cannabinoids. We also hear how a collaborative in Northern Colorado is weaving spooky stories into an upcoming event series. Plus we speak with legendary ski map artist James Niehues as he retires from painting trails and passes his torch forward.

COVID-19 in schools; November ballot preview; breakdowns in the school food supply chain

KUNC — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:38:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we get the latest metrics on the spread of the coronavirus in schools. We also learn what voters will be deciding on this election cycle, and hear about disruptions in the food supply chain for Colorado schools.

Bus driver shortage; Special Olympics hall of fame

KUNC — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:42:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear how a shortage of school bus drivers is impacting the Poudre School District. Plus, we talk with an athlete who was recently inducted into Colorado’s Special Olympics hall of fame.

Ongoing drought; Larimer County mask mandate; green technology

KUNC — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:09:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear the latest on water supply issues in the West. We also get an update on Larimer County’s new mask requirements, and learn about the growing industry of green technology.

Aurora mobile response team; wetland wildlife, Fat Babes In The Wild

KUNC — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:17:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear about the city of Aurora’s new crisis intervention program. We also learn about new efforts to help plants and wildlife thrive in western Colorado’s wetlands, and we talk to a member of a hiking group that advocates for body diversity in the outdoors.

Battling wildfires with tech; climate change spending; Miss Amazing pageant

KUNC — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:46:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about the development of new technology that aims to keeps residents safe from wildfires. We also hear about new spending packages meant to address climate change and speak to the winner of a pageant for women and girls with disabilities.

National Fossil Day; impact of climate change on wildlife; cult recovery

KUNC — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear some updates on Weld County’s favorite dinosaur. We also learn how rising temperatures are impacting species like the American pika and get insight into recovering and healing after leaving a cult.

Smoke in the air; historic property in Colorado Springs; calls for prison reform

KUNC — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we revisit some of our favorite stories. We hear how wildfire smoke is impacting air quality and learn about recently unearthed documents at a former tuberculosis treatment center in Colorado Springs. We also check in with activist Buck Adams to learn about his artistic approach in calling for prison reform.

Independent redistricting commission; Latino history in Northern Colorado

KUNC — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:10:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear about the new congressional map that was recently approved by the state’s independent redistricting commission. We also talk to a Fort Collins resident about her century’s worth of family history in Northern Colorado.

olorado Edition: Athlete mental health; celebrating NPR’s founding mothers

KUNC — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 13:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we revisit some of our favorite stories from the last few months. We hear how this summer’s Olympic games highlighted mental health struggles of professional athletes, and learn about the formative voices that helped shape NPR.

Colorado Edition: Accessibility in the Great Outdoors; Rebuilding Grand Lake; the Role of Identity in Food Journalism

KUNC — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:39:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we revisit some of our favorite stories from the last few months. We learn about efforts to make outdoor spaces more accessible for people with disabilities, and hear how one Colorado community is recovering after a devastating wildfire. We also speak with the first Asian American food editor at 5280 Magazine.

Proposition 120; longest-serving Rockies usher; smoky classrooms; history of racism in Loveland

KUNC — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 14:51:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about an upcoming ballot proposal to cap property taxes. We also speak with the longest-serving usher at Coors Field Baseball Stadium. Plus, we hear how wildfire smoke is making its way into school classrooms. And, we dive into the impacts of racism in Loveland.

Vaccination rates in San Juan County; a November ballot proposal; concerns of community college faculty

KUNC — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear how a Colorado town that is almost entirely vaccinated is still being impacted by the spread of COVID-19. We also learn about a new ballot proposal to fund educational programs, and talk to a Community College instructor about the lack of benefits for adjunct faculty.

Janitors on strike; upcoming ballot proposals; a different approach to addition recovery

KUNC — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear from janitors who went on strike at the Denver International Airport. We also learn about a new amendment proposal on the November ballot. Plus, we hear about the role of harm reduction techniques in addiction recovery services.

COVID-19 Booster Shots; A History Of Racism In Loveland; Sundown Town Series Roundtable

KUNC — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 14:02:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about the rollout of COVID-19 booster shots in Colorado. We also wrap up our series on sundown towns in the Mountain West with a look at discrimination in Loveland and a conversation with some of the journalists who worked on the project.

New Congressional Map; Legacy Of Nevada Sundown Towns; Wildfire Smoke In The Air

KUNC — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about the new congressional map recently approved by the state's independent redistricting community. We also hear about sundown towns that discriminated against Indigenous people in Nevada, and learn about the impact of wildfire smoke on air quality.

An Idaho Town's Racist Legacy; Elk Rut Season; Restaurant Worker Shortages

KUNC — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear how an Idaho town’s history of racism in the early 1900s still impacts the lives of people of color in the community today. We also learn about the annual elk mating season in our region. And, we hear how local restaurants are handling staffing shortages.

Legacy Of Discrimination In The Mountain West; Investigating The Air Pollution Control Division

KUNC — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we learn about the legacy of sundown towns in the West that once discriminated against or pushed out people of color. We also learn about allegations of wrongdoing at the state's Air Pollution Control Division.

Increasing Latinx Participation In The Outdoors; Beavers Protecting Wetlands

KUNC — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:30:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear about efforts to increase Hispanic and Latinx participation and representation in the outdoors. We also learn how the work of beavers helped to spare some watershed areas from wildfire damage.

Recovering From Colorado's Largest Wildfire; Celebrating Black BBQ Culture

KUNC — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about efforts to rebuild land damaged from last year’s Cameron Peak wildfire. We also talk to an author about restoring voices of Black Americans in barbecue culture.

Northern Colorado Universities And Colleges Striving To Become More Diverse, Equitable And Accountable

KUNC — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about the University of Northern Colorado’s pursuit to become a Hispanic-serving institution. We hear how Colorado State University is incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the classroom. And we talk to the first executive director of equity and inclusion at Front Range Community College.

State GOP Remains In Primaries; Financial Aid For Undocumented Students; Stories Of A Former TB Treatment Facility

KUNC — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We discuss the Colorado Republican Party’s vote on a proposal to pull out of the 2022 primary elections. We also hear about new laws to mitigate some of the financial burden of college for undocumented students. And, we learn what the renovation of a Colorado Springs building is revealing about the state's history.

Investigation Of Aurora's Police And Paramedics; Update On The Carbon Economy

KUNC — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear about a recent investigation on police and paramedics in Aurora, and learn the latest on carbon policies in Colorado.

How The System Of Policing in Boulder Is Responding To Calls For Change

KUNC — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 15:00:00 -0600

On this episode of Colorado Edition, we learn reforms to policing in Boulder, due in large part to pushes for reform from the community.

COVID Test Demands Increase, A Booster Shot Update, Helping Houseless COVID Patients, And Artwork Behind Bars

KUNC — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we learn what's being done to address the skyrocketing demand for COVID-19 testing, and get details on the state's plans for a booster shot rollout. We also hear about a public health initiative in Boulder that gives people experiencing homelessness a place to recover from COVID-19. And we learn how a formerly incarcerated individual is advocating for prison reform through artwork.

Texans Travel West For Abortions; Wheelchair Rugby Paralympian Brings Home Silver

KUNC — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:45:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: Texans are already traveling to Colorado and other Western states for abortions. We hear how local clinics are handling the wave of new patients. And, a Lakewood Paralympian silver medalist talks about his athletic journey.

Vaccine Booster Shots, Revisiting Early Coverage Of 9/11, And Fentanyl Testing

KUNC — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 14:29:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we learn more about the science behind booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine. We also hear how fentanyl testing might reduce the risks of overdosing on the deadly opioid, and look back at KUNC’s early coverage of some of the first 9/11 anniversaries.

Police Liability Insurance, Legal System Responds To Fentanyl Crisis, And The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

KUNC — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 14:30:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we look at the emerging market for law enforcement liability insurance in our state, hear how the legal system is responding to the growing use of the deadly opioid fentanyl, and learn about an annual event to honor the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.

Unemployment Aid Ends, Fentanyl Use On The Rise, 9/11 Coverage, And Fort Collins Mobile Home Park Updates

KUNC — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 14:30:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We look at the end of unemployment aid, learn about an increase in fentanyl use in the Mountain West, look back at past coverage of the 9/11 attacks, and get some updates on a mobile home park in Fort Collins.

Helping Pollinators, Establishing Rights For Bodies Of Water, And An Early Chapter Of Colorado’s Jewish History

KUNC — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:29:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: Bees are dying worldwide from disease, pesticide use, and habitat loss. We hear about an organization that’s managing hives and tracking honey to help bees form healthier colonies. We also hear about a resolution the town board of Nederland passed to recognize the rights of the nearby Boulder Creek watershed. And in light of the Rosh Hashana holiday, we look back at an early chapter of Colorado’s Jewish history.

Leaving Afghanistan; Overcrowded Hospitals

KUNC — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:33:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: As the 20-year war in Afghanistan came to a close this week, American troops weren’t the only ones leaving the nation from the Kabul airport. We hear about evacuations for Afghans who are escaping the ever-growing Taliban presence – specifically the effort to bring one Colorado State University graduate back to the US. Then, we hear about the excess of patients filing into Colorado hospitals, and how doctors are navigating the Delta variant surge.

Indictments In Elijah McClain's Death, Schools Navigating The COVID Surge, And Law Enforcement Vacancies

KUNC — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:30:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about the recent indictment of Aurora police officers and paramedics involved in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, an unarmed Black man who was placed in a chokehold and injected with ketamine. Then, we hear how students, teachers and administrators are adjusting to the latest COVID-19 protocols as they embark on the new school year. And, we wrap up our series on policing with a look at why so many officers are leaving the force, and what the Boulder Police Department is trying to do about it.

Changing Law Enforcement, Eviction Moratorium Expiration, And A Rise In Hate Crimes

KUNC — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:29:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about the push for changes in policing — everything from sweeping reforms to the system, new ways officers can address their mental health, and steps residents are taking to feel safer in their communities. Then, we hear how Colorado renters and landlords are preparing for the first month in almost a year without a federal moratorium on evictions. Plus, we learn how the regional Anti-Defamation League is addressing an increase in hate crimes across the state.

Mental Health In Law Enforcement, And A New Push For COVID Vaccines

KUNC — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:58:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We take a look at the mental health struggles often faced by law enforcement officers in Boulder County, and learn how the pandemic has exacerbated these problems. Then, we hear from Larimer County’s public heath director about the latest push to encourage residents to get vaccinated in light of a recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases.

Hard To Mitigate

KUNC — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:41:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: After a months-long delay, Colorado finally has the local Census population data needed to draw electoral districts. We’ll dive into what the new data means for the redistricting process. We’ll also hear about a recent push to name a Colorado Veterans Affairs clinic after an anti-racist trailblazer. Plus, we hear about a slate of new laws that aim to address issues of discrimination and accessibility for Coloradans with disabilities. And, we explore how methane leaks impact our changing climate and the multiple efforts underway to locate and fix them.

Ready For What’s Next

KUNC — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:31:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: In the wake of a newly released United Nations report on climate change, we explore how technology and policy can help turn climate challenges into opportunities. We learn about efforts to solve lingering racial disparities in postsecondary education attainment, and the long-term impact those disparities can have on students’ economic future. We hear about how the loss of caregivers to COVID-19, including parents and grandparents, is impacting Colorado children. And, with athlete mental health at the forefront now that the 2020 Olympics have wrapped up, we talk with a sports psychologist about the unique pressures and challenges that come with competition.

In The Winds Of Change

KUNC — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:18:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: A report from the United Nations out this week catalogues the physical science behind human-driven changes to our climate and paints a grim picture of what could lie ahead if significant changes aren’t made. We’ll explore the report’s findings, and how our changing climate could shape the inhabitability of the Front Range. We’ll also hear from artists who have used time away from performing to examine the safety and equity of their art. And, we speak with teachers from different school districts about how their schools are approaching the return to in-person classes this month.

Shifting Our Gaze

KUNC — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 16:47:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn how the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is taking action against a Weld County company accused of oil spills and gas leaks. Then, we shift our gaze towards the sky and learn about the annual Perseid meteor shower. Next, a climate reporter tells us what she’s learned from two different journeys down a dam just upstream of the Grand Canyon, 30 years apart. Plus, we hear how hiking 14ers can sometimes harm the very trails we rely on — and what one group is doing to mitigate the damage.

Let The Music Play

KUNC — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 15:47:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: As the concert scene heats back up, some Front Range clubs will require concertgoers to show proof of vaccination. We’ll explore what that will entail and how venues hope it will help them recover from last year’s pandemic slump. We talk with an Olympic gymnast from Colorado about his road to Tokyo, and how COVID-19 has impacted the games. We hear how the rafting industry has made a comeback, despite this summer’s mudslides and wildfires. And, we meet bumblebee-sniffing dog Darwin, trained to work with conservation experts to help increase our understanding of bees and other pollinators.

One's Own Way

KUNC — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:53:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore the latest COVID-19 health and safety guidance and its influence on how school districts are envisioning the year ahead. We also hear about a team of homebuilders in Northern Colorado that's exploring shipping containers as an affordable housing solution. We’ll visit a class in Denver that’s teaching children about a newly popular, cutting-edge technology. And we investigate the consequences of how crime is reported, both by police departments and news organizations.

Uphill Battle

KUNC — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 16:27:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We get the latest on rising cases of COVID-19 and learn how Colorado officials are trying to mitigate the spread. Then, we hear from a runner who is blind and his sighted guide as they embark on their longest trail race to date -- and learn what message they are trying to send with the ambitious feat. Plus, we hear about a “pulse flow” that reconnected the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean as we say a temporary farewell to KUNC’s resident water reporter, Luke Runyon.

Opening Up The Field

KUNC — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 18:30:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: After a federal moratorium on evictions expired over the weekend, we get an update on what will happen next with Colorado renters and landlords. We also hear about the Olympic debut of sport climbing, and the Colorado climbers who will be competing. Plus, we learn how the Americans with Disabilities Act has shaped outdoor places in the last 31 years. And, we visit the Wilderness on Wheels camp in Park County that has focused on accessibility in nature since the mid-1980s.

In Awe Of Life

KUNC — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:41:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We look back on the history of Black cowboys in the American West and how they helped shape what our state would become. And, we travel back to a time before Colorado was a state to hear the story of a man who successfully lobbied to delay statehood until African Americans received the right to vote. We’ll also revisit our conversation with the artist behind the trail maps found at ski resorts across the state. And KUNC’s film critic reviews a movie about the intelligence and emotions of trees.

Heading Toward The Finish Line

KUNC — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 17:53:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we learn about the uptick in health organizations requiring their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and why these mandates are coming months after the onset of widespread vaccine availability. Then, we check in with Colorado local Flora Duffy, who recently won the first Olympic gold medal for her home country of Bermuda. Plus, with Colorado Day on the horizon, we meet the newest state historian and learn about her goals for the year ahead.

Back To Business

KUNC — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 17:58:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear how the pandemic has changed some students' college paths. We ride along with a co-responder team in Summit County to learn how they’re changing the way they respond to people in mental health crises. We talk with the head of the state’s new environmental justice unit about the work they’ll be doing. And, we hear how the wedding business is bouncing back in America’s wedding capital, Las Vegas.

A Perfect Storm

KUNC — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 17:30:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear how monsoon patterns and thunderstorms contribute to flash floods, like the ones last week in Glenwood and Poudre Canyon. We also get an update on unidentified aerial phenomena spotted in Eastern Colorado last year. Plus, we explore how Colorado mountain towns are weathering a “perfect storm” of a housing crisis, worker shortages and waves of tourists. And, we learn the results of a study on a Denver program that gave people experiencing homelessness a permanent place to live and access to extensive social services.

Fixing The Problem

KUNC — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 18:56:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn how ozone pollution and wildfire smoke are impacting air quality throughout the state. We also hear about a recent report that examines how Colorado has changed since legalizing recreational marijuana. And we revisit a conversation with Dr. Melba Patillo Beals, a former journalist, author and one of the Little Rock Nine.

Burn Scars And The Trouble They Cause

KUNC — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 18:25:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We examine the connection between floods and landslides and burn scars left by previous wildfires, and we hear how the Poudre Canyon community is dealing with recent flooding. Then, we head up to Grand Lake to hear how residents are recovering from last year's wildfires. Plus, we hear about a recent assault on a journalist at our state Capitol, and how it fits into a trend of increasing violence toward journalists. Lastly, we learn more about a voluntary state program designed to increase carpooling and reduce air pollution.

Mask Communication

KUNC — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:57:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: As parents, students, and staff get ready for the upcoming school year, some COVID-19 guidance for classrooms is yet to be determined. We hear the latest, and we explore how getting back to our favorite pre-pandemic activities is more difficult for those who are immunocompromised. We hear about the rise in non-police crisis response teams across the state, including in Denver, which just approved more funding for their program. And, we discuss the response to a new state law which bans the use of American Indian imagery in school mascots.

Pressure In The Mountains

KUNC — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 17:39:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear how drought is pressuring the massive plumbing systems that divert water from the Colorado River to faraway communities. We also explore the results of a recent survey that asked 150 people experiencing homelessness in Denver to share their lived experiences and recommendations for more helpful policies. Plus, we learn how inflation across the country is impacting Coloradans, and we revisit a conversation with a record-breaking professional mountaineer.

Nature's Rights

KUNC — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 17:31:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear what new research reveals about the path for Colorado’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040. We also look back on the legacy of a public television music video showcase that first aired in Colorado in the 1980s. And, we learn how a Nederland town board agreement to recognize the rights of a body of water could allow for fewer legal battles, and more neighbor-to-neighbor conversations.

Colorado Edition: On The List

KUNC — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 17:32:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore how drought conditions in the West are affecting hydropower production at the county’s biggest dams – and how it could lead to increased electric bills. We also hear more about a Colorado program that’s screening babies for a rare and deadly genetic disease. We learn about Colorado Rockies star player Trevor Story, whose time with the team may be drawing to a close. And, we hear tips from Colorado business executives for finding the perfect camping site.

New Alternatives

KUNC — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 17:50:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We head to the mountains for a look at tensions over housing in Steamboat Springs, where a temporary halt on short-term rentals is causing friction between business owners and those who want to free up housing to locals. We also speak with Boulder’s first independent police monitor about how his role in police oversight works. And, we explore how Denver Public Schools is reinvesting funds after cancelling its contract with Denver Police for school resource officers.

Colorado Edition: How Far It Goes

KUNC — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 17:09:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore the political spending of some of Colorado’s professional sports leaders and the connection between sports and politics. Plus, we hear how climate change is impacting the high mountain habitat of the American pika. We also speak with a woman living in Walden, Colorado where residents are banding together to pick up medications, and with a reporter covering the decline of rural pharmacies. And we hear about the return of a silent film series at Boulder’s Chautauqua Auditorium.

In The Ballpark

KUNC — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:04:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition: We talk with a public health expert about the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of the delta variant. We hear about the impacts of a new bill aiming to rein in paramedics’ ability to sedate people using ketamine. We learn about two upcoming NASA missions to Venus, and the Colorado scientists involved. And, as baseball fans descend on Denver ahead of the All-Star Game on Tuesday, we explore the economic impact expected from hosting the event.

Still Feeling The Impact

KUNC — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 17:31:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore the impact of the prolonged warming and drying trend across the Southwest that has left the nation’s two largest reservoirs at record lows. We hear about a foreclosure auction for a large outdoor retail center that drew no bidders. Then, we learn about a new effort at the Denver Zoo to vaccinate many of its animals against COVID-19. And finally, we discuss how Colorado’s historic wildfires last year are impacting water quality this year.

Long Is The Cycle

KUNC — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 18:00:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about the work of a new coalition of early childhood stakeholders that’s forming to help educators earn their degrees. Plus, we hear about the comeback of a silent film festival here in Colorado, and we’ll visit the Shambhala Mountain Center, one of a growing number of places trying to shore up their defenses against future fire. We’ll also hear a listener essay about preserving the area between Denver and Colorado Springs.

Predicting The Outcome

KUNC — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:30:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about a tool that can predict how lawmakers will vote on certain bills - and find out how a friendly wager between two reporters turned out. Then, we hear about a surge of Colorado entrepreneurs who started businesses during the pandemic. And, we learn about the global history of the avocado.

Get Your Saddle

KUNC — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 14:19:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We head to the Greeley Stampede to get an inside look at the Miss Rodeo Colorado pageant. We also hear the story of recent eagle drama at Standley Lake that brought global attention to the park last year. Plus, we explore a course at Colorado State University that’s weaving Indigenous perspectives into natural resource management, and we speak with the food editor of 5280 Magazine.

Bumps In The Road

KUNC — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 17:03:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn why vaccination rates in rural communities are lagging behind more populated areas. Plus, we hear the latest on an effort by Colorado State University and the NASA SnowEx campaign to figure out how much water comes from mountain snowpack. We also get an inside scoop on how the sale of the Boulder chocolate company Lily’s fits into a larger trend in the candy industry. And, we talk with residents of Hickory Village, a Fort Collins mobile home community, who are trying to gain ownership of their park.

To Live In A Name

KUNC — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 16:57:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear about a recently passed bill that will do away with most court fees and costs in the state’s juvenile court system. We also explore the work of the state board tasked with reviewing requests to change geographic place names. Plus, we get the latest on two ongoing investigations into the decision to move U.S. Space Command headquarters to Alabama from Colorado, and we hear a review of the Macedonian film God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya.

Prepare For The Worst, Hope For The Best

KUNC — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 16:30:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn how a changing climate and other natural hazards can make buildings susceptible to damage. Then, we discover how small towns on the Front Range are trying to conserve water supply to support their booming communities. We hear why a state law is unintentionally making it harder for Coloradans to find remote work. And, we learn how arguments over critical race theory made their way to a Colorado school board meeting.

Restoration And Recognition

KUNC — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:38:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear more about the recent wave of wildfires burning though the northwestern part of the state, including the Sylvan Fire near Eagle. Then, we dive into wildfire restoration and recovery efforts at some of last year's worst0hit areas. And, we celebrate the legacy of Barney Ford, a prominent Black businessman in Denver whose life was largely shaped by the Underground Railroad.

Finding The Right Focus

KUNC — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:42:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore why health experts have been sounding the alarm over the state of children’s mental health, even as the recovery from the pandemic continues. We hear from Grand Junction residents about whether the Bureau of Land Management headquarters should remain in Colorado or shift back to D.C. We’ll get an update on summer construction along I-25 in Northern Colorado. And, we discuss a new body image disorder borne out of the pandemic surge in video conference calls.

Faced With A Deadline

KUNC — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 17:28:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn how the federal moratorium on evictions that’s soon to expire might impact tenants and landlords across the state. Then, we examine how the racial and ethnic diversity of faculty at Colorado’s universities impacts students. Next, we learn how Colorado towns are working to preserve their starry night skies. And, we hear about a new documentary series on Rocky Mountain PBS that shines a light on “environmentally harmonious” buildings.

An Impossible Choice

KUNC — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:54:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore the ongoing housing crisis in Colorado’s mountain communities, and how emergency declarations are opening up short-term solutions in the high country. We also hear about an unusual ceremony that took place in Denver recently in which a 102-year-old World War II veteran received medals he had earned, but never received. Plus, the world’s largest meat processing company recently settled a federal lawsuit over claims of discrimination against Muslim workers at its Greeley plant. We’ll speak to a lawyer and a former worker involved in the case.

Playing The Long Game

KUNC — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:42:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear about a new transportation bill that will raise billions in funding for the state’s infrastructure. Then, we learn why theaters and concert venues are still waiting to get their hands on relief money from Congress. Plus, we hear how the city of Boulder is taking a local approach to fighting climate change. And, we get an opinion on the 2019 foreign film, Take Me Somewhere Nice, from KUNC's film critic.

The Source Of The Problem

KUNC — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 17:32:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear about the upcoming Juneteenth celebration happening in Erie, a small Colorado town with a population that’s 92% white. We’ll also check in on the health of the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin through its two largest reservoirs. Plus, we hear a forecast for heat and drought conditions in our state for the coming weeks, and we explore the connection between how we heat our homes and the changing climate.

A Drop In The Proverbial Bucket

KUNC — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 17:19:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We take a look at a variety of bills passed out of the state legislature this session related to stimulus money, to mental health, and to police use of ketamine to sedate people. Plus, we hear how the state is cracking down on smaller bodies of water to prevent waste in the midst of drought conditions. We’ll also hear about a new scholarship program for students from underrepresented communities pursuing careers in health care. And we explore declining enrollment rates in schools across the state.

Hellos And Goodbyes

KUNC — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 18:04:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we discover how the rise of virtual health care during the pandemic changed both patient-provider relationships, and the future of health care. Then, we learn how communities damaged by last year’s wildfires are trying to recover their natural areas. Next, we hear about the first gray wolf pups to be spotted in the state since the 1940s. And, we check in with the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, where the Colorado’s last printing press approaches its final days.

Leveling The Playing Field

KUNC — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 18:01:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we learn how a new law might change the future of marijuana hospitality along the northern Front Range. Then, we speak to a new member of the Colorado Rockies franchise, and discover how she is making history. Next, we take a look a new true crime podcast out of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Plus, in honor of Pride Month, we revisit a story that takes us from Colorado’s history as a “hate state” to a leader in LGBTQ+ rights.

No Incentive So Great

KUNC — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 17:24:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We get an update on a bill that would place limits on when paramedics can sedate people with ketamine. We also hear an economist’s perspective on an incentive program from the state aiming to get unemployed Coloradans back into the workforce. And we’ll hear why a different incentive program to vaccinate Colorado’s correctional officers isn’t working like officials had hoped.

Old Stories, New Chapters

KUNC — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:07:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about new potential requirements for prospective Colorado educators seeking teaching licenses. Then, we hear about the racist legacy of one “sundown town” in Nevada. Next, we dive into the latest economic boost in the energy industry in Weld County. And, we learn how a failed Jewish farming colony in the 1880s helped lay the foundation for Colorado’s Jewish communities.

Rediscovering Home

KUNC — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 16:07:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we look at the changing mask mandates in residential care facilities. Then, we learn how closing many Native American Reservations to visitors during the pandemic impacted tribal communities. Next, we hear how drought conditions are not only harmful to crops and livestock, but also to the mental health of agricultural workers. And, we dig into a new bill that would offer Coloradans a deferment on paying some property taxes.

A Fresh Start

KUNC — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 17:57:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we’ll talk about the $5.4 billion transportation package state lawmakers passed this week. Then, we’ll hear from new entrepreneurs who started their businesses in the midst of the pandemic. We’ll also listen back to a conversation about the Granby "Killdozer" rampage on the 17th anniversary of the incident. And, we’ll get a review of the 2021 film There Is No Evil.

Labor Intensive

KUNC — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 18:07:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we’ll hear how the Biden administration is lending a hand to small businesses. Then, we learn how Colorado restaurant and tourism industries are responding to the shortage of workers. Plus, we dig into a new lawsuit challenging Major League Baseball’s decision to move the All-Star game to Denver. And, we talk to an organization that brings Israelis and Palestinians together to work on sustainable projects with a bent towards peace.

Crime And Punishment

KUNC — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 17:07:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we dig into a new bill that helps people with past convictions for marijuana possession seal their records. Then, we learn how some colleges and cities are looking to acknowledge and reconcile their land as belonging to Indigenous nations. We hear about efforts to address when police officers are ill-equipped to interact with people with disabilities. And, we get a peek into potential changes to Colorado’s school funding formula.

Setting The Stage

KUNC — Mon, 31 May 2021 13:17:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition: Ahead of the All-Star Game being played in Denver later this summer, we get the story of a historic 1932 baseball tournament in Colorado that would later be dubbed “The Little World Series of the West.” We hear what the return to live music looks and sounds like at a beloved outdoor concert venue in Lyons. We talk with two researchers about the hidden health benefits of listening to the sounds of nature. And, we learn why native plants are beneficial for our gardens and the ecosystem.

Back On Display

KUNC — Thu, 27 May 2021 16:52:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear the story of how a team of paleontologists from Denver came to find pieces of one of Colorado’s most famous dinosaurs hidden away in some cardboard boxes. And with the long weekend ahead, and folks set to gather in person, we offer a pair of protein perspectives to help you decide what to put on the table, or on the grill. We also visit Tiny Town, a beloved tourist attraction near Morrison, that’s reopening to the public this weekend.

Crunching The Numbers

KUNC — Wed, 26 May 2021 16:59:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition: The state has announced it will hold five $1 million drawings for Coloradans who've been vaccinated against COVID-19. The idea is to encourage more people to get the shots in a timely manner – but do vaccine incentives actually work? We’ll hear more about what the research shows. Then, we’ll dig into the latest population estimates in Northern Colorado to see what the trends reveal. And we explore a little-known tool that can predict how lawmakers might vote on a bill, even before it comes up for debate.

On The Road To Recovery

KUNC — Tue, 25 May 2021 17:41:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about the search for a new president of the University of Colorado's four-campus system. Then, we look at how the state is trying to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. And, in light of the recent death of the Love Has Won cult leader in Colorado, we hear thoughts from a Littleton-based cult recovery counselor.

Bridge Over Troubled Lands

KUNC — Mon, 24 May 2021 17:25:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore Colorado’s infrastructure past with a historian who is hoping to reframe some of our older bridges as unique historic properties, worthy of preservation. We’ll also hear about indoor air quality and why most people think of air quality as an outdoors issue. Plus we’ll take a look at new camping restrictions and bans in place across the state this year as officials try to mitigate damage caused by an influx of visitors. And we’ll hear KUNC’s film critic review the Icelandic film, The County.

Brighter Days Ahead

KUNC — Thu, 20 May 2021 17:39:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we check in at the Boulder King Soopers that was the site of the deadly shooting in March about their plan to reopen this fall. Then, we hear why vaccine supply is outweighing demand in Colorado — and what to do about it. Next, we get a taste of post-pandemic life with a look at a recent live concert. Plus, we learn about the increased housing prices in Fort Collins as part of our My Colorado essay collection.

The Associated Costs

KUNC — Wed, 19 May 2021 18:04:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We get the latest on the redistricting process in Colorado, a process magnified by the addition of an extra U.S. House Representative, and slowed down by the delayed 2020 Census count. We’ll also hear how Coloradans are responding to the ongoing violence in Palestine. Plus, we get a look at the high costs of cleaning up oil and gas wells in Colorado, abandoned by the companies that once operated them. And, we hear about local shake-ups in the oil and gas industry, and how it all fits into the rising price of fuel nationwide.

Birds Of Passage

KUNC — Tue, 18 May 2021 16:58:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: Gov. Jared Polis has signed a $34 billion state budget, part of which fully restores funding cut from education in last year’s budget. We take a look at the new budget and where in education the money will go. We’ll also hear about the unease many are feeling as we slowly return to living life in-person, especially in the return to school. Then, we examine court delays caused by the pandemic, and we learn more about peak bird migration happening now in Colorado.

Rewriting The Rules

KUNC — Mon, 17 May 2021 18:01:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn more about the latest guidance for mask-wearing in Colorado. Then, we hear about a new bill that aims to give Coloradans more control over their personal information on the internet. And, we learn about researchers examining the walls of the Grand Canyon to understand more about climate change. Plus, we find out about an art exhibition in Loveland that’s elevating the voices of Asian American artists.

Creating Connections

KUNC — Thu, 13 May 2021 17:22:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition: We hear about challenges one rural business faced during the pandemic, and learn about a new online network that seeks to connect these businesses with needed resources. We drop in on a drone soccer tournament to learn more about this growing e-sport. And, we speak with a pair of historians about a new book on the trans history of Trinidad, Colorado, a small former mining town which, for many years, was one of a handful of places with a clinic providing gender confirmation surgery.

Burning Questions

KUNC — Wed, 12 May 2021 17:39:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about drought conditions across the state that are sounding the alarms for another season of wildfires. Then, we hear about a new trademark infringement lawsuit involving the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg and a similarly-named fund. And, we learn how people with disabilities have navigated the pandemic, and what they want the world to look like after it's over.

Up, Down, And Back Up Again

KUNC — Tue, 11 May 2021 17:32:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We examine some of the reasons behind low vaccination rates among Colorado’s Hispanic and Latino populations. We’ll also hear about a new mentorship program for folks looking to stake their claim in the ever-growing marijuana industry. Plus, we get a look at the challenges and opportunities the Biden administration’s free community college proposal presents to our state and its community college system, and we speak with the Colorado woman who recently broke a North American record for uphill skiing.

Who's Keeping Track?

KUNC — Mon, 10 May 2021 15:18:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We’ll explore a package of bills heading toward passage in Colorado that aims to prevent deaths among pregnant women and create better outcomes for babies. We’ll hear about a local initiative that creates art by sifting through wildfire ashes, and we’ll get a look at youth homelessness across our region through a shelter in Colorado Springs. We’ll also speak with the new food editor at 5280 Magazine.

The Roads To Recovery

KUNC — Thu, 06 May 2021 17:09:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore some highlights from the transportation bill that state lawmakers recently unveiled. We discuss some of the climate change priorities state and local leaders are pursuing even as Colorado’s pandemic recovery continues. We hit the (outdoor) dance floor at a high school prom. And, we hear from KUNC’s film critic about two exceptional films featured in this week’s Turner Classic Movies Film Festival.

What It Is Today

KUNC — Wed, 05 May 2021 17:23:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: Recently released police body camera footage showed the violent arrest of a woman with dementia in Loveland, sparking community outrage. We hear how the recent pressure to reform police training is spurring change in the ways police interact with people who experience disability. We also discuss the latest COVID-19 outbreaks in the state and how they are impacting schools, from teachers to students. And, we speak with Lisa Napoli, author of a recent book detailing how several influential women helped shape National Public Radio into what it is today.

Risky Business

KUNC — Tue, 04 May 2021 17:11:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition, we hear about a new bill in the state legislature that would allow the composting of human bodies after death. Then, we learn how speculative investments into water rights are exposing problems in the ways we divvy up scarce water supplies. And, we hear about a new media partnership between the Colorado Sun and a national nonprofit.

The Second Year In A Row

KUNC — Mon, 03 May 2021 17:30:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we get an update on vaccine outreach efforts for Hispanic and Latino communities in Fort Collins. We also learn what public health departments in the Mountain West are doing to address vaccine hesitancy. We discuss why a public option health insurance plan has derailed in Colorado. And, we hear how people celebrated the Muslim holy month of Ramadan during a pandemic for the second year.

Where We Go From Here

KUNC — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 17:37:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we take a look at three gun bills that Colorado statehouse Democrats unveiled Thursday. Plus, we hear how communities that experienced mass shootings manage the physical spaces where they happened. We also get a temperature check on the pandemic as Colorado cases continue to rise and health officials warn of a fifth wave. As we head into the weekend, we also talk about Bereaved Mothers Day, a holiday this Sunday for mothers who have lost their children. And, we get a review of the award-winning film Minari.

At The End Of The Road

KUNC — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:12:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition, we dig into the complications surrounding President Biden’s plan to remove all American troops from Afghanistan by September. Plus, we hear about new jobs in the tech industry coming to Boulder. Then, we learn about how recent acts of police brutality have impacted people of color across the Mountain West. And, we hear about a nonprofit aiming to make Colorado communities more diverse when it comes to age.

Close Enough To Count

KUNC — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:41:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We examine Colorado’s legislative response to mounting mental health issues and concerns. Plus, we get a breakdown of the state’s plan for allocating early childhood stimulus funding from December’s federal aid package. We’ll also take a look at the first round of 2020 Census data and its accuracy, and we’ll hear about a group of second graders who are helping to prepare Coloradans for wolf reintroduction.

All That I Have

KUNC — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 17:04:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We get the latest on the vaccine rollout in Colorado and explore what benefits we’re beginning to see due to an increasingly vaccinated population. We also take a look at how traumatic events can impact first responders, and even people who weren’t physically at the scene of a traumatic event. And with the vaccine rollout on track, we look at the return of summer camps in Colorado. And KUNC’s film critic gives us a review of "The Father," which received six Oscar nominations and features Best Actor winner Anthony Hopkins.

Processing The Pain

KUNC — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:22:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we learn how traumatic experiences can take a toll on the mental health and morale of law enforcement officers. Then, we hear about a nonprofit that offers military veterans an artistic path of healing their trauma. We talk with Governor Jared Polis about attempts to vaccinate members of rural communities. And then, we learn about the first college in Colorado to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for all students.

Whether We Understand It Or Not

KUNC — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 18:04:00 -0600

We look at the factors driving the cumulative mental health strain for many Black Coloradans, and we explore the growing need for mental health care. We’ll also take a look at the record-breaking month of median home sales across much of Northern Colorado, and what it all means for sellers and would-be buyers. Plus, we explore the environmental importance of native plants, and hear how our shifting climate is impacting butterfly populations across the West.

Measuring The Impact

KUNC — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:14:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition: Jurors on Tuesday found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three charges he faced in the death of George Floyd in 2020. We speak with a professor of ethnic studies about the significance of the long-anticipated verdicts. We also hear from Gov. Jared Polis as he begins to hand off more of the pandemic response powers to local governments. We discuss the use of restraints on kids in Colorado schools, and the legislative roadblocks that prevent education officials from intervening. And, we explore a new exhibit at the Museum of Boulder that pays tribute to the lives lost during the last year.

A Time For Change

KUNC — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:21:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We get a look at the how Colorado is leading the push for police reform as nationwide calls for meaningful change grow. We also hear about recent legislation looking to help people of color stake their claim in the blossoming marijuana industry. We learn more about a recently extended program providing food aid to low-income students during the pandemic -- and how the agencies distributing funds are trying to reach more eligible students. And, we hear how climate change could finish off a World War II-era bomber discovered at the bottom of Lake Mead.

Lending A Hand

KUNC — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:32:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: we learn about how human trafficking was impacted by the pandemic and what to expect when COVID-19 restrictions loosen up. Then, we explore how some Coloradans have been impacted by student loan debt, and how President Biden’s latest push for debt relief could help. Next, we step back and relax with some notes of nature, and learn how natural sounds can positively impact our health. And, we celebrate the life and legacy of Colorado photographer Soren McCarty.

In Through The Outdoors

KUNC — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 18:08:00 -0600

On today’s Colorado Edition: The last year saw a huge bump in people getting outdoors to escape pandemic confinement. We hear from Colorado Parks and Wildlife about the impact all that recreation has had on the environment. We explore the struggles of one of the region’s original natural grocers, and the overall state of the natural foods market. And, we talk with two authors on either side of the Continental Divide, who began a correspondence during the pandemic, based on their shared love of the Mountain West.

Who Is Accountable?

KUNC — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:32:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we learn about a new bill aiming to make ski resorts more accountable for public safety. Then we hear about new calls for assault weapons bans and other gun control measures in the wake of the Boulder shooting. Plus, we hear from a second amendment rights activists about how gun owners — rather than legislators — should play a part in preventing mass shootings.

To Have And Have Not

KUNC — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:58:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore what gun legislation state lawmakers are considering after last month’s mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder. We also hear about a bipartisan bill that would fund intensive tutoring for students across the state to address learning loss over the course of the pandemic. Plus, we learn how Colorado’s billionaires not only avoided financial losses, but came out of 2020 with billions more to their names, and we hear about a bill in Montana which would strip protections from the grizzly bear, which has seen its population rebound since its listing as an endangered species about 50 years ago.

Special: On The Edge

KUNC — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:38:00 -0600

On this special, podcast-exclusive episode of Colorado Edition, we speak with KUNC reporters Matt Bloom and Leigh Paterson to go in depth on their new reporting series, On The Edge. Their reporting examines the economic factors behind the surge in requests for emergency rental insurance here in Colorado and explores the growing issue of housing insecurity, and what programs exist to help renters out in these uncertain times.

A Path To Healing

KUNC — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:16:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We’ll hear from two Boulder residents about how they, and the community, are processing their collective grief after the shooting at a Boulder King Soopers store. We’ll also learn about a new supportive housing project in Fort Collins that’s changing what it looks like to get people housed. We’ll explore the significance of Major League Baseball’s decision to relocate the annual All-Star Game to Colorado in the wake of Georgia’s new restrictions on voting. And, we hear from a marriage and family therapist on how to navigate a relationship when one person is a believer in QAnon conspiracy theories.

From The Top

KUNC — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We’ll hear how one Front Range city is offering legal support to local renters facing eviction. We’ll also explore how Colorado beef producers are looking to establish trade relationships in southeast Asia. Plus, we go in-depth with a recent lawsuit brought against the Colorado National Guard over First Amendment rights, and we hear a perspective on our changing state from up in Leadville.

A Cascade Of Troubles

KUNC — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:20:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore a recently completed study measuring the impact of the pandemic on the state’s early childhood education sector. We also examine the economic factors pushing many Coloradans who are struggling to pay their rent to ask for financial relief. Plus, we get an update on some of the eagles at Standley Lake in Westminster, whose saga has been livestreamed online, and we hear more about the spring migration happening now across our region.

Loosening Up

KUNC — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 16:36:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition, we take a look at a new bill at the state house aiming to loosen abortion restrictions for rural survivors of sexual assault. Then, we learn about a new financial incentive encouraging staff to sign up for vaccines at the Colorado Department of Corrections. Next, we learn about upcoming live music events as some venues start to open up for the first time in a year. And finally, we hear about groundwater shortages in Moab, Utah.

Back In Time

KUNC — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:58:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear about Durango’s COVID cowboys, enforcing mask mandates while staying true to that Old West charm. We'll also travel back in time to revisit the Denver prohibition of 2020 – although it sounds more like the prohibition of the 1920s. Plus, we'll take a look at our changing climate with a story about what researchers are learning about drought by looking at soil, and a conversation about how an increased risk of wildfires could impact the future of Colorado's hemp producers.

We've Only Just Begun

KUNC — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 17:13:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We get an in-depth look at the prevalence of racism toward Asian Americans in the West. We’ll also speak with the founders of Five Points Atlas, a new publication which serves the Black community of Colorado. Lastly, we’ll speak with retiring KUNC president and CEO Neil Best about his 48 years serving public radio in northern Colorado.

Fixing A Leaky Pipeline

KUNC — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 17:54:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We look at the impact of the pandemic on the women in the workforce, and see how it's playing out for one business owner in Denver. We'll also look at gradual changes in school operations around the state, from how vaccinated staff impact in-person learning to how schools will be using soon-to-come federal aid dollars. Lastly, we'll hear about tribal leaders in our region seeking assurance their perspectives will be heard in future management of the Colorado River basin.

Called Into Question

KUNC — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:03:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore what’s ahead for the changing Republican party in Colorado, which for the first time will be run by an all-female leadership team following recent party elections. We’ll also learn about a new bill that would ban paramedics from administering ketamine and similar drugs to people in situations involving police. Plus, we hear about the steps tribal governments in our region are taking that have put them ahead of the vaccination curve. And we check in with a museum in Boulder that is seeking to honor the lives of the 10 people who died during last week’s mass shooting at a King Sooper’s grocery store.

What Happens Next?

KUNC — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:24:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we learn about how Colorado media outlets have evolved their method of covering mass shootings in the state. Then, we talk to CU Boulder men's basketball player D’Shawn Schwartz about taking to the court just hours after learning of Monday's tragic event in his college town. Plus, we hear about a re-introduced healthcare bill at the state Capitol that aims to lower cost of individual market insurance.

A Number Of Paths To Take

KUNC — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We look at some of the unique factors influencing gun culture and violence in the Mountain West region, which has a higher per capita rate of gun violence that other regions in the U.S. We’ll also get a look at the response to Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s recent killing of a wolf in Yellowstone National Park. Plus, we hear about uncertainty in the lives of Colorado families with immunocompromised children who can’t yet receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and what progress is being made toward getting them safely vaccinated. Lastly, we’ll hear a review of a new film showing the work being done on the James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to launch in October.

Coping In The Aftermath

KUNC — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:35:00 -0600

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we hear from residents in the Boulder community, who are mourning the deaths of 10 people who died in Monday’s mass shooting at a Boulder King Soopers. We speak with a woman who lost her daughter in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, about how she is helping to support the survivors of Monday’s deadly attack. We’ll also learn about the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the West and look at the ways it continues today. Lastly, we’ll get a look at Arizona’s effort to set its own water quality standards, following the Trump administrations rollback on part of the Clean Water Act last summer.

Serving Victims And Survivors

KUNC — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:57:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We talk about the national spike in reported incidents of domestic violence during the pandemic. Plus, we get an update on unemployment and job opportunities in Colorado. We also hear why efforts to repeal the death penalty in Wyoming have become more bipartisan despite lawmakers defeating the most recent repeal proposal. And, we learn about a new app called “Write On” that helps you collaborate on stories with loved ones and strangers.

Widening The Field

KUNC — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 17:28:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We get an update on the state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, as more doses are set to arrive and the number of ways to get an appointment is increasing. We also explore a looming showdown for states that rely on drinking and irrigation water from the Colorado River. And, we hear from two agricultural producers about the backlash to the governor’s declaration of March 20 as a meat-free holiday.

How High Is Too High?

KUNC — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:33:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak with researchers at Children’s Hospital Colorado, who recently published a study looking at how marijuana use in breastfeeding parents can affect breastmilk. We also hear about updates to federal flood plain maps, which impact flood insurance rates. Plus, we learn more about a women’s basketball team in Wyoming making history, and we hear from listeners around the state about what they think of American football and the dangers of traumatic brain injuries.

Sassy And Classy

KUNC — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:43:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear a story of an unexpected upside to the pandemic: an improved and tightened bond between parents and teachers at an elementary school in Denver. We’ll also check in on the world of college basketball, and speak to a CU Boulder men’s basketball coach ahead of the team's appearance in this week’s NCAA March Madness tournament. Plus, we hear the story of two Colorado women making history through their podcast, one of whom may be the first non-verbal podcaster in the world. And, we hear a conversation with the author of a new book about the history of drive-in theaters here in the state.

Even When It's Frozen

KUNC — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:27:00 -0600

Today on Colorado Edition: We look at how the recent snowstorm could impact the region’s snowpack and drought conditions around the state. Plus, we hear about a new bill moving through the legislature that would make it easier for cities to adopt ranked choice voting. We’ll also explore the ethical arguments for and against cloning animals to save them from extinction, and we’ll hear a review of Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland.

The Resilience Of Community

KUNC — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:09:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We look at the declining rates of COVID-19 found in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Next, we learn about how Special Olympics Colorado is navigating the pandemic to provide safe events. Then, we talk to a Special Olympics athlete about what the community has meant to him over the years.

A Celebration Of Self-Love

KUNC — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:10:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn what childhood immunization rates can and can't tell us about COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. We’ll also hear how Loveland is trying to spruce up its downtown, and we’ll explore a pop-up museum in Denver for Black girls. Plus, we get insight to the emerging profession of end-of-life doulas.

This Land Was Made For You And Me

KUNC — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 16:29:00 -0700

On today’s episode of Colorado Edition, we speak to Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse about his initiatives to protect public lands and grow the outdoor recreation economy. Then, we’ll learn about a new bill that would provide in-state tuition at higher education institutions for Indigenous people with historical connections to Colorado. Plus, we’ll discuss the impact of last year’s budget cuts to Colorado public colleges and universities, and the new cost-saving proposals on the table. And finally, we'll dive into upcoming negotiations over the management of the Colorado River.

Through The Tubes

KUNC — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:53:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore how funding cuts related to the pandemic are affecting programs designed to keep people with unmet mental health needs out of the criminal justice system. We’ll also learn about a new software upgrade to a long-neglected state website that allows you to follow the more than $30 billion Colorado’s government spends each year. Plus, we’ll learn more about how COVID-19 can affect our senses of hearing and smell, and we get the latest on the state’s efforts to secure more resources for fighting wildfires, such as water- and retardant-dropping planes and helicopters.

Our Pandemic Year

KUNC — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 18:35:00 -0700

This week marks one year since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Colorado. On today's episode of Colorado Edition, we reflect on the ways the pandemic has changed our lives in the past year and consider what lies ahead. We hear how a Spanish music radio station transformed into a center for community resources. We also check in with an emergency room doctor about an incredibly difficult year for health care workers, and we get advice on how to grieve the losses we’ve experienced, both large and small. Finally, we get insight into how plans were made to ensure the most equitable distribution of the coronavirus vaccine.

Focus On The Goal

KUNC — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 18:16:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We’ll learn about a unique program at the University of Northern Colorado that’s helping college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for life after graduation. We'll hear about the third major retail center along the Front Range to face foreclosure in just the last few months. And, we look at how pandemic-induced revenue shortfalls are renewing conversations about whether states should exempt menstrual products from sales tax.

Shaped By Impact

KUNC — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We look at how transportation has and hasn’t been factored into states’ vaccine distribution plans, and what transit options exist for residents of rural areas to access far-away vaccination sites. We’ll also take a look at how the vaccine rollout is going for educators. Plus, we’ll hear from a local high school leader on racial equity and the importance of recruiting more teachers of color, and we learn more about CTE, a degenerative brain disease commonly found in athletes.

Diametrically Opposed

KUNC — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:09:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We’ll get the latest on how Colorado’s congressional districts are set to change as an independent commission redraws districts based on numbers from the 2020 census. We’ll also remember the life and legacy of former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and look back at his time as a football player in his home state of Colorado. Plus, we hear about an annual art exhibit involving Lakewood’s internationally-known Casa Bonita restaurant.

Special: Black History And Culture Of The West

KUNC — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:17:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore the history and contributions of Black cowboys in the West, and how Black cowboy culture lives on in rodeos today. We’ll also revisit a conversation with Denver-based artist Narkita Gold about her project Black In Denver, and we get the story behind a historic baseball tournament in Colorado, later dubbed “The Little World Series of the West.”

Finding Answers

KUNC — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 17:18:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak with Elijah McClain’s mother, Sheneen, about her son and the recent independent investigation into his death in Aurora. We’ll also get more details about an investigation into coronavirus safety measures in the country’s largest meatpacking plants, including JBS USA in Greeley, which was launched this week by federal lawmakers. Lastly, we check in on basketball at the University of Northern Colorado, which is back to playing games following a recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Between The Past And The Present

KUNC — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:54:00 -0700

On today’s Colorado Edition: Whether students should take standardized tests or not during a pandemic is a thorny issue. We explore how state lawmakers are handling that and other education-related matters. We also look back in time to see how the state legislature handled the 1918 flu pandemic at the Capitol building. We’ll learn how the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library documents and displays Black history of Colorado and the American West. And, we hear from a Burmese community organizer in Colorado about his hopes and fears around the political situation in Myanmar.

Could It Happen Here?

KUNC — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 16:57:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We examine Colorado’s existing power grid and winter contingency plans to see whether a large-scale failure could be possible here. We’ll also hear how Larimer County’s reserve officers training program is addressing growing mental health issues among its ranks. Plus, we hear from Front Range Community College’s new executive director of equity and inclusion about the issues in the current system and what it will take to change them. And we hear a report on food insecurity in the Mountain West region.

Considered Extremely Rare

KUNC — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:21:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear more about one lawmaker’s push to ban or rein-in paramedic’s use of ketamine, following the death of Elijah McClain, and more than 900 other ketamine sedations in the state. We’ll also visit a church in Aurora that’s trying to close the gaps in vaccine distribution. We’ll also speak with a local activist about the last year of protests, where she occasionally tended to protesters in Denver as a street medic, and we’ll hear a review of the new film Minari.

Uncovering The Past

KUNC — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:06:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We get the latest from Wednesday’s state of the state address by Gov. Jared Polis. We’ll also take a look at where the state is at in its economic recovery. Plus, we’ll learn more about how Colorado is moving forward in helping victims of recent unemployment fraud, and we hear about the Equal Justice Initiative, which works with community organizations throughout the country to help resurface the lost stories of lynchings.

The Future's So Bright

KUNC — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:37:00 -0700

On today’s Colorado Edition: We’ll learn about the state’s efforts to boost the number of adults pursuing higher education to help meet modern workforce demands. And we’ll hear from the president of Metropolitan State University of Denver, who’s working to close a funding shortfall for some higher education institutions. We’ll explore how one Colorado school district is using Indigenous identity and culture to stop drug use among teenagers. And, we’ll meet Time Magazine’s first-ever Kid of the Year, Gitanjali Rao.

Same Pandemic, Different Day

KUNC — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 17:29:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: As we approach a year of COVID-19 in Colorado, we explore the ins and outs of pandemic fatigue. We’ll also learn more about recent drug overdose data, which shows overdose deaths in Colorado more than doubled in 2020 from the year before. Plus, we’ll look into Greeley’s interest in – and the opposition to – the Terry Ranch project, which would provide a new water source for the city. And we get a lesson in baseball history from the president of the Negro League Baseball Museum.

PODCAST EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals

KUNC — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:43:00 -0700

In this podcast exclusive, we feature an extended interview with Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals, one of nine African American students who in 1957, integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Beals discusses how her life has been shaped by her experiences as one of the Little Rock Nine, the role of youth activism in addressing racial issues in the U.S., and the current age of misinformation. Our conversation with Dr. Beals first aired on February 9, 2021.

Betting On The Unknown

KUNC — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:17:00 -0700

As districts work to get educators vaccinated, schools across northern Colorado are slowly welcoming back students for full-time, in-person instruction. We’ll talk with two teachers about what it’s like getting back to the classroom during the pandemic. We’ll hear about the unexpected flood of betting on an unlikely sport: table tennis. We talk with artist Narkita Gold about her project highlighting Denver’s growing Black community. And we’ll hear a review of the new movie Supernova.

Timing Is Everything

KUNC — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:39:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak to a professor who is using the second impeachment of Donald Trump as a learning opportunity about American democracy. We’ll also hear about the successes and shortcomings of co-responder models in law enforcement, which entails sending mental health professionals on emergency calls along with police officers. Plus we’ll check in on the wolf reintroduction process, which Coloradans voted in favor of last November. And we hear about a new comedy club opening in Fort Collins.

Striving For Equal Access

KUNC — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 16:47:00 -0700

On today’s Colorado Edition: As COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out across the state, health experts are noting disparities in communities of color. We’ll hear about the work of a statewide vaccine equity task force, and a group in the Roaring Fork Valley, working to change that by broadening the message around the safety of the vaccines. And we’ll hear from Dr. Melba Patillo Beals, one of the members of the Little Rock Nine, about her experience integrating Central High School in 1957 and the ongoing fight against racism today.

A Fragile Underpinning

KUNC — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:40:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: At least two variants of COVID-19 have been discovered in Colorado, originating from the United Kingdom and South Africa respectively. We speak to the state’s leading disease expert about the variants and what it means for our state’s fight against the virus. We also learn about the regional origins of right-wing group federal officials says took part in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Plus, we get the latest on avalanche danger following the deadliest week for avalanche deaths in the U.S. in more than a century. We’ll also hear the story of one of Colorado’s most famous dinosaurs.

Finding Home

KUNC — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:26:00 -0700

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 The Rise In Routt County

KUNC — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 17:25:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Routt County, we hear from their public health director about what’s leading to the increase in cases. We’ll also hear about the COVID-19 research that could be used in the future to help fight other diseases. Plus, we visit a Western town where some activists say police are getting things right, and we hear about a new museum here in the state that lets you get close with things that go bump in the night.

Vulnerable In So Many Ways

KUNC — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 16:20:00 -0700

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.

Home Base

KUNC — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:14:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We get an update from the mass vaccine drive held over the weekend and look at how the model might be expanded to other parts of the state. We’ll also learn about the creative solutions local health officials are coming up with in rural communities in order to get around vaccine distribution bottlenecks. Plus, we’ll get an update on a program in Longmont that provides safe parking for people who live in their car, and we’ll hear the first part in a series on police violence across our region.

High Enough To Worry

KUNC — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:03:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We hear about vaccine distribution among Colorado nursing home and assisted living facility staff, some of whom are choosing to skip the vaccine. We’ll also explore the mental health challenges facing first responders in northern Colorado. And, KUNC’s film critic reviews Simon Stone’s 2021 film The Dig.

A Totally Different Relationship

KUNC — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 17:47:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore what impact the Biden administration’s recent executive actions will have on Colorado’s energy industry. Plus, we learn more about a map that highlights pollution disparities in our state. We’ll also hear from a team of recent MBA graduates who are taking a different approach to banking, and we’ll look at how some businesses are viewing the year ahead.

What We’re Not Getting

KUNC — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 17:06:00 -0700

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. 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.

As Long As You Can Do Your Job

KUNC — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:25:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We explore President Joe Biden’s reversal of the ban that kept transgender people from joining the military. We’ll also hear about Colorado’s shrinking middle class and the state budget’s role in it. We’ll also meet grocery workers who are turning to their union for help as they face the risk of contracting COVID-19, and we’ll check in with the Loveland valentine remailing program to see how it’s keeping things moving during the pandemic.

Delivering Change

KUNC — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:16:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We’ll get the latest on pandemic relief for unemployed Coloradans and small businesses, including how fraud has mired the process for some. We explore why the pandemic-induced recession has been particularly hard on women. We’ll hear about efforts in Lamar to rethink a racially insensitive school mascot. And we’ll learn about the life and legacy of Denver’s first Black woman physician, Dr. Justina Ford.

Letting The Days Go By

KUNC — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:18:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We learn more about a recent grant the Colorado Community College System is using to rework their police training programs. We’ll also hear about the fight against extremist radicalization and explore what experts have to say about the next possible pandemic. And we'll learn about the city of Greeley’s plan to acquire water rights on a property called Terry Ranch, located in northwest Weld County.

On The Other Side

KUNC — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:23:00 -0700

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.

Special: Over-Infected, Under-Resourced

KUNC — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 15:11:00 -0700

Today on a special episode of Colorado Edition: We feature reporting from the KUNC newsroom that focuses on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Weld County's Latino communities. The series was produced by KUNC's Stephanie Daniel, Leigh Paterson, and Adam Rayes. You can find more on the series, "Over-Infected, Under-Resourced," including versions of the story in Spanish, by clicking here.

Learning From The Past

KUNC — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:51:00 -0700

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.

Living With Uncertainty

KUNC — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:51:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak to an expert about how extremist groups gain traction and what can be done to help minimize the harm. Plus, we’ll get a picture of the mental health situation in Colorado in the new year. We’ll also learn more about legal challenges involving the rights of second home owners in Gunnison County, and get the latest on the state of the oil and gas industry.

Working Through Change

KUNC — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:51:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: As state lawmakers return to the Capitol for the start of the 2021 session, we’ll explore how the pandemic, and last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol, will impact opening day. We’ll also get a preview of education-related bills lawmakers are expected to take up in the coming year. We’ll learn how large wildfires may impact water supplies. And finally, we check in with folks in Colorado’s restaurant industry to hear how the recently relaxed pandemic restrictions have affected business.

Some Fast, Some Slow

KUNC — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:51:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We get the latest on vaccine rollout disparities across Colorado. Plus, we explore the challenges of bilingual contact tracing, speak with Colorado’s insurance commissioner, and learn why convalescent plasma isn’t the coronavirus miracle treatment some thought it could have been.

Special: Over-Infected, Under-Resourced

KUNC — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0700

A Matter Of Security

KUNC — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: Following the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. by a pro-Trump mob, we hear reactions from members of Colorado’s delegation, and we look at how the attack could impact security at the Colorado state Capitol building. Plus, we hear from a pastoral couple in Weld County, who are seeing firsthand how hard COVID-19 is hitting Latino communities there. We also look back at the ebbs and flows of the state economy in 2020, and we break down recent federal and state pandemic stimulus bills.

Violence At The U.S. Capitol

KUNC — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We take a look through a Colorado angle at the news of armed insurrectionists forcing their way into the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. In today’s show, we hear from: Colorado representatives Lauren Boebert (R), Ken Buck (R) and Joe Neguse (D). We also hear from Lisa Cohen, chief of staff for Rep. Diana DeGette (D).

Bridging The Gap

KUNC — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0700

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.

Hit Hardest

KUNC — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0700

Today on Colorado Edition: We speak with Larimer County’s public health director about the county’s new variance from state COVID-19 restrictions. We’ll also hear the first part in a series focusing on the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Weld County’s Hispanic communities. Plus, we’ll learn about a newly developed COVID test that uses modern scratch-and-sniff technology, and we’ll get some winter book recommendations.