Today on Colorado Edition: We’ll learn about next steps for restaurants reopening in our state, and get the latest on unemployment. We will also hear what’s in store for the legislative session, as lawmakers return to the Capitol, and how a COVID-19 outbreak at a state prison is impacting a rural Colorado community.
State Releases Guidance For Restaurants Reopening
State health officials released new guidance this week on the reopening of restaurants, and as soon as Wednesday morning, restaurants around the state will be able to open their doors once again for dine-in services.
Sonia Riggs, the president and CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association, joined us to discuss the guidance.
Unemployment In Colorado
Colorado’s economy continues to see a record amount of job loss due to the coronavirus pandemic. This month, the state’s unemployment rate rose above 11% — higher than the worst of the Great Recession. KUNC’s Matt Bloom has more on how the crisis is putting a strain on Colorado’s safety net and the residents depending on it.
Colorado Lawmakers Return To State Capitol
Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol on Tuesday but, like most aspects of life in Colorado right now, operations in the building looked very different than they did back in March. Scott Franz covers the Capitol for KUNC, and he joined us with more on what is in store for the rest of the session.
Outbreak At Sterling Impacts Life Behind And Beyond Bars
A rural county in northeastern Colorado is now home to the highest rate of coronavirus cases of any county in the state. And the vast majority of them are concentrated inside a large state prison. KUNC's Leigh Paterson and Adam Rayes take an in-depth look at the outbreak -- and how it's impacting the community on the outside.
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.