Today on Colorado Edition: We learn how startups are teaming up with small businesses to share resources. Plus, we speak to a local barber who is going back to work under the state's safer-at-home phase, and get some ideas for how to celebrate graduations virtually. We also explore some of the barriers to learning faced by students who now have to take classes virtually. And, we hear about the state of mining during the pandemic in our region.
Businesses Working Together
With unemployment rates continuing to climb, some businesses that are still open are working together to share resources and advice. Tamara Chuang has been reporting on these cooperative businesses in our state for the Colorado Sun and she joined us to discuss her reporting.
Local Barber Heads Back To Work
Over the past week, we’ve been hearing from local business owners about what re-opening looks like, and how they’ve been faring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we hear from Marco Morato-Perez, a local barber who went back to work when the state moved into the safer-at-home phase.
Mining In The Mountain West
Right now the big debate is when states should reopen their economies while still protecting their communities from COVID-19. As we know, some industries did stay open. There are the obvious ones, like grocery stores and hospitals. But, some are not so obvious. In the Mountain West, mines stayed open. Noah Glick takes a look at the choice to keep that industry going.
Barriers To Learning
K-12 school will wrap up the current academic year later this month. But the sudden switch to distance learning because of the coronavirus pandemic has been a learning experience for rural and small schools on the Eastern Plains. As KUNC’s Adam Rayes found out, even if they can get online, students with special needs and language barriers face some unique challenges.
Event Planning During A Pandemic
Graduations across our state will also be virtual this year. For all of those families who are still hoping to celebrate, despite the lack of an in-person ceremony, we’re going to get tips on how to do something memorable, at a safe — and social — distance. We spoke to Taylor Strope, owner of Mountainside Events based in Fort Collins, to get some ideas.
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:
- "One Little Triumph" by Piano Mover
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.