Today on Colorado Edition: we’ll learn about the concerns of renters in Fort Collins as the coronavirus outbreak continues to impact our economy. Plus, what economic relief measures are available to Coloradans. We will also hear from a man who is playing outdoor concerts at the retirement center where he lives, look at how COVID-19 is affecting daycare services and get a preview of what’s at stake in the 2020 census count.
Economic Relief Measures In Colorado
As the month quickly comes to a close, we bring you some practical advice about paying your bills at a time when many Coloradans are facing economic hardships.
Some housing, utility and financial service providers — local and national — are adjusting their payment options due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus, and the high numbers of Americans filing for unemployment.
KUNC’s Matt Bloom joined us with details.
Fort Collins Renters Concerned By COVID-19 Economic Impacts
In Fort Collins, more than 46% of households rent their homes, about 10% higher than the national average.
Jacy Marmaduke has reported on the experience of rentersin Fort Collins during the COVID-19 outbreak for The Coloradoan, and joined us to explain what she found.
‘The Helpers:’ Pianist Performs For Retirement Center
In a recurring segment we’re calling “The Helpers,” produced by KUNC’s Stacy Nick, we talk with people who are helping others — to find out more about what they’re doing, and why.
Today’s segment is on Bob Spillman, a retired University of Colorado - Boulder music professor, who plays outdoor concerts for the retirement center where he lives.
Daycare Centers And COVID-19
Gov. Polis has suspended all in-person learning at preschool through 12th grade schools statewide until April 17. In the executive order, he also asked independent daycare and other preschool facilities to stay open.
But some of these facilities have either closed or plan to close according to the state. KUNC’s Stephanie Daniel checked in with a childcare facility in Northern Colorado to see how COVID 19 is affecting its services.
The 2020 Census And Colorado
What are some of the challenges of getting an accurate count in the census? And why does a complete count matter for the state?
Elizabeth Garner, Colorado’s state demographer, joined us to answer those questions and more.
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.
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson 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., with a rebroadcast of the previous evening's show Tuesday through Friday at 9:30 a.m.