In The NoCo

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.