Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Wednesday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
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Protesters, commissioners react to police accountability bill moving forward
A Colorado bill that would make big changes in how law enforcement handles the use of force is now moving on to the House. The Colorado Senate passed Senate Bill 217 with a 32-1 vote Tuesday. Now that the bill is moving forward, local people are reacting to it. Protesters in Colorado Springs say it's a step in the right direction and will add accountability to what officers are doing.
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Pueblo Zoo reopens for general public today
The Pueblo Zoo has been open this week for members, but starting today the general public can begin visiting. The zoo said buildings will be closed, visitors can still purchase food or gift shop items and "guests will be able to enjoy the zoo’s spacious 25 acres of flat greenspace and gardens along a designated one-way path."
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Practically perfect weather today!
We're looking at an absolutely gorgeous day across southern Colorado! Sunshine will dominate the forecast through the morning and early afternoon with cloud cover returning to and near the mountains by the end of the day. Isolated thunderstorms might try to pop over the mountains in western Fremont County, but most of the region will stay dry today.
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El Paso County commissioners approve variance request to reopen multiple facilities
Attractions, theaters and malls are among the many businesses included in a "sweeping" reopening variance request El Paso County commissioners unanimously voted to approve Tuesday. This variance request will be the fourth sent to the Colorado Department of Public Health for approval in an effort to reopen more of the county. It will seek to reopen "gyms, athletic facilities, theaters, indoor malls, indoor and outdoor activities, attractions, the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge, libraries, and small private special events."
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Polis: Virus contingency plans key for schools reopening
Colorado’s public schools will need to be flexible about reopening classroom instruction this fall by keeping remote learning options available for students at schools that have coronavirus outbreaks, the governor and the state’s chief epidemiologist told the education board this week. Colorado is gradually reopening its economy after a stay-at-home order helped slow the spread of the virus, and school districts can offer computer instruction this summer at facilities with proper social distancing.
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