In the fall of 2017, four 7th grade girls from Ridgway formed a group with the goal of banning single-use plastic bags in their hometown. More than a year later, the Ridgway Town Council banned plastic bags. KVNF’s Ali Lightfoot spoke with the young activists about their efforts. The report was produced as part of the Western Slope Resources Reporting Project.

State lawmakers are weighing in on Gov. Jared Polis’ budget proposal. Among other priorities, he’s seeking $227 million for full-day kindergarten. KDNK's Capitol Coverage reporter Scott Franz has more.

Gov. Jared Polis presented his budget request to state lawmakers Wednesday.
The biggest ask is for his top priority, free full-day kindergarten throughout Colorado, estimated to cost about $227 million. Colorado Public Radio's Bente Birkeland reports for KDNK.

KDNK is starting a new show about books and authors. Get Lit can be heard on the second Monday of each month. It's hosted by KDNK Development Director Erin Galbreath and DJ April Spaulding. On the first installment, Erin and April make cocktails and talk about The Girl With All the Gifts, by M.R. Carey. It's a science-fiction novel published in June 2014 and written alongside the screenplay for the 2016 film of the same name. The book tells the story of a dystopian future where most of humanity has been wiped out by a fungal infection.

On this month's edition of Immigrant Stories, local attorney Claire Noone contrasts her recent work with Central American refugees to her experience with the war widows of Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia.

Alpine Bank’s program to offer loans to furloughed government workers began two days ahead of time this week – on Monday instead of Wednesday. KDNK’s Amy Hadden Marsh spoke with Carbondale branch manager Garrett Jamarron to find out more.