Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll hear a Colorado perspective on disruption caused by the coronavirus. Plus, we’ll learn about ‘Safe Lots’ in our state, and the history of Denver’s first African American female physician, Dr. Justina Ford.
Teaching During the Coronavirus
Coronavirus has been top of mind for many around the world, as the virus continues to spread.
There have been no cases found in Colorado at this point. But the outbreak is affecting students and teachers here in our state.
Earlier this week The Denver Post reported that the University of Colorado Boulder has cancelled its study abroad programs to China for the spring and summer, and, CU Denver’s program that’s based in China has switched to online courses for the students there.
We also heard from another teacher who's had to get creative to instruct his students in China.
Jack Kriss and his wife, Laura, teach at an international school in Beijing. But after coming back to Colorado for a visit, they have been unable to return, and instead are teaching their students remotely. Jack joined us with more.
Nevada Caucus
As Nevadans get ready to caucus this weekend, the nation should be paying attention. That’s because unlike Iowa and New Hampshire, Nevada more closely mirrors the U.S. – with almost one-third of the state's population Latinx. And the state also skews younger like much of the West. In the lead-up to the November election, we’ll be hearing from voices like this as part of the public media project: America Amplified. Noah Glick has more for KUNC.
Longmont ‘Safe Lots’
The city of Longmont has been considering the idea of ‘Safe Lots’ – places where people who live in their vehicles can park safely overnight. The lots can help people who are experiencing homelessness get access to services, like restrooms and showers.
Earlier this week Longmont's city council got an update from a task force studying how these might be implemented. John Marinelli, with The Longmont Times-Call, has been covering the issue, and joined us with more.
Remembering Dr. Justina Ford
On Friday the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center is hosting a unique event: an unveiling of a mural in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Justina Ford, Denver’s first African American female physician.
It’s estimated that Dr. Ford delivered more than 7,000 babies during her time as a physician, and during that ceremony Friday morning, people who were delivered by the doctor will have the opportunity to sign a board with their name and year of birth.
Ahead of that event we wanted to learn more about the history of this pioneering doctor. Terri Gentry, a volunteer docent at the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center, joined us.
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:
- “Bundt” by Confectionary
- "Towboat Theme” by Towboat
- "Rabbit Hole" by Love and Weasel
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1), and produced by Lily Tyson. Matt Bloom (@matthew_bloom) guest-hosted this episode. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Brian Larson is the executive producer. Rae Solomon contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.