Colorado Matters

Our series continues about unprecedented politics, named for the famous Benjamin Franklin line in 1787: "A republic, if you can keep it." University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket provides historic context. Then, it takes a lot of work to keep Mustang standing strong outside DIA. Also, tech firm Ibotta makes a 10-year commitment to downtown Denver, which other businesses have fled. And the family stories behind Denver's Little Saigon at History Colorado Center. 

Protecting children from the harmful side of social media has been a years-long fight, but Congress may finally be taking action. Today we hear about one mother's determination to bring change in memory of her daughter. Meanwhile, experts will offer research assistance to state legislators next session. Then, they followed the rules set up by the federal government, but still face deportation. It's just one development in the immigration debate affecting thousands of people in Colorado. And, he's the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. Now, a century later he finally gets his due. 

For most state jobs, you don't need a college degree. It's the skills that matter. Governor Jared Polis has championed this change in the private sector, as well. Reporter Lawrence Lanahan writes about this trend in a piece titled, “No college degree, no problem? Not so fast!” Then, comedian Tig Notaro remembers Colorado's late poet laureate Andrea Gibson with the new film, "Come See Me in the Good Light." Also, a mother and daughter from Colorado reconnect with their family's World War II legacy in Italy. Plus, pairing wine and solar on the Western Slope. 

It's one of the darkest moments in Colorado history: the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. Today, through the letters he wrote, we learn about a man who refused to take part: Capt. Silas Soule. Then, from oil and gas drilling to cattle grazing and conservation, the issues facing public lands in Colorado under the Trump administration. And for Aging Matters, free help clearing sidewalks thanks to the Snow Buddies. 

Today, on World AIDS Day, Ryan visits the Colorado AIDS memorial in the heart of Denver with Barb Cardell, program director at the Positive Women's Network USA. They discuss science, stigma, and, for our series Aging Matters, what it means to enter your senior years with HIV. Then, what a trip to the grocery store says about a "silent recession." Plus, a number of craft brewers have closed in Colorado; what does that signal for the industry? Also, calling all book lovers! And a Denver musician goes from busking to Red Rocks.

According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative. This discussion first aired on November 10, 2025. 

A remarkable Coloradan - and an American pioneer - celebrated his 92nd birthday in September. Ed Dwight was the first Black man to be selected for astronaut training more than 60 years ago. And six decades later, he became the oldest person to go to space. Dwight's history-making didn't stop there. He went on to become a celebrated artist, sculpting important monuments to Black legends. His body of work appears in Denver and at memorials across the country, and in museums like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. This year, he was nominated for a Congressional Gold Medal. Chandra met Dwight at his work space in north Denver. This story first aired on September 9, 2025.

For "Turn the Page with Colorado Matters," former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, talks about his new book, "The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America." Listen to a captivating conversation in front of an audience at Library 21c in Colorado Springs. This first aired on August 15, 2025. 

November is National Adoption Month. Today, how one Colorado organization is supporting families through the beauty and complexity of transracial adoption and creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents too. Then, a Colorado Wonders question about accountability after wildfires. And Colorado Hall of Fame skier Bob Meserve's remarkable journey on and off the slopes as a pioneering adaptive athlete. 

There's a political power play across the country to redistrict for control of Congress. Purplish explores if it could actually happen here, and whether it should. Then, what do car prices say about a possible "silent recession" in Colorado? Plus, a freshman at Lafayette's Centaurus High School lands in the top ten of the National Civics Bee finals. 

Even if things change fast, November is on track to be record-setting dry and warm. We ask Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo for the Thanksgiving and ski outlooks. Then, CU economist Brian Lewandowski on whether the state faces a "Silent Recession." Plus, the aerial search for precious minerals in Southern Colorado, meet the new Denver Botanic Gardens CEO, and we hold onto 'Autumn' a little longer in the Local 303.

For Aging Matters, around since the 1970s, the Senior Companion Program is more relevant than ever today, helping older Coloradans with tasks while creating friendship. Then, community colleges are stepping up with an equivalency program to get a high school diploma. Also, what's it like leading a nonprofit focused on DEI -- diversity equity and inclusion -- when it's become "dirty word" to some? Plus, mobile health support in Weld County, and a tribute to Denver's late jazz icon, Purnell Steen. 

Democrats did well in this month's election, then almost immediately capitulated, opting to reopen the federal government without healthcare concessions from Republicans. Today, an assessment from the state party chair. Then, we remember Denver jazz pianist Purnell Steen. Also, lingering lessons from the pandemic. And "rock" music with "Formations" from University of Colorado composer and geologist Jeffrey Nytch.

Her father fought in a key battle on Riva Ridge in Italy to help end World War II. Now, 80 years later, Susannah LeVon of Grand Junction reflects on his legacy through an unexpected, and enduring friendship. Then, a growing body of research finds that moms are struggling with their mental health, battling things like stress, anxiety and even depression. Two Denver moms say they have the perfect pick-me-up to help! Then, author Devon O'Neil explores grief and tragedy after a rescue attempt in the Colorado backcountry. Plus, the history of Raton Pass. 

Geriatricians – doctors trained to treat older adults – are scarce. We meet Dr. Erika Altneu, of Salida, who discusses "deprescribing" and battling loneliness in one's later years. Then, dads answer the call for tutors at one Denver school. And CPR's former resident poet, David Rothman, shares "The Radio Poems: Transmissions from Colorado." 

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman walks Ryan through a new homeless navigation campus that encourages work and sobriety with nicer and nicer accommodations. Then, for Thanksgiving, a celebrated Boulder sommelier chooses three wines to pair with turkey, ham, and vegetables. Plus, the impact of tariffs on a specialty cheese shop in Denver. And, indie rock and classical come back together as DeVotchKa performs with the Colorado Symphony. 

Colorado's economy has been flashing warning signs for a while, but is a recession really on the horizon? Today, the launch of our special report, "Silent Recession," looking at the numbers driving the state's economics. Then, the government shutdown has left many nonprofits scrambling to provide assistance for people missing their food benefits -- including one here in Colorado that focuses on sharing homemade lasagna made with love. And, do you want to help those in need of food? One local engineer has created an app for that!

Soon enough, Colorado will have new leadership. In 2026, top seats are wide open for the first time in eight years. From the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer to the U.S. Congress, we take stock of the midterm election with Purplish. Then, new music from the Gasoline Lollipops, which defies musical genres. 

He survived the battle of Iwo Jima; 100 year old Jim Blane of Denver reflects on this pivotal moment in World War II and how it affected his life. Then, walking in the victorious footsteps of the 10th Mountain Division which trained in Colorado. Also, veterans with brain injuries and PTSD from combat often have stomach problems too; now researchers in Colorado are exploring new treatment options. And later, the Fall of Saigon fifty years ago shapes an unexpected friendship. 

According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative. 

We ask Jason Crow, who represents Colorado's 6th Congressional District -- one of the country's most diverse -- if flight reductions will become an incentive to end the government shutdown. Plus, his views on ICE crackdowns and gerrymandering as a political power strategy. Then, Jefferson County's sheriff lobbies for changes she hopes will prevent future mass shootings. Plus, we explore a redevelopment site that's unearthing artifacts of Coors history. 

Growing up in Colorado, John Herrington fell in love with rock climbing. Little did he know that would start his climb to the stars. A citizen of the Chickasaw nation, Herrington is the first Native American to go into space. Then, the impact of federal energy cuts on innovation in Colorado. Also, training and retaining nurses in rural areas. And, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. 

Colorado voters said yes to propositions LL and MM in Tuesday's election, to pay for school meals for all; cafeteria workers and local farmers will benefit too. We talk through what's next with Anya Rose from Hunger Free Colorado. Plus, Denver voters keep a ban on flavored tobacco in place and say yes to a $950 million bond package to create a "vibrant" Denver. Also, will a shuttered private prison in Walsenburg reopen as an ICE facility? Later, Colorado's film industry tries to get a foothold at the same time a Colorado town celebrates filmmakers. 

ICE agents can detain someone without a warrant under certain conditions. Now a judge will decide if agents are flaunting federal law in Colorado. Then, a noteworthy development with the reintroduction of grey wolves in Colorado. Plus, a farm that honors Native American heritage at the site of much pain. Also, Purplish explores uncovered history hidden inside the state capitol. Second graders in Grand Junction embrace the power of a single act of kindness. And music from Littleton artist Conrad Mata, with a little help from his dad! 

Who gets into public service these days? We're at Colorado State University to find out from students in a leadership program. Then, it's been a century since performer and civil rights champion Josephine Baker left the U.S. for France. In Loveland, a sculptor lovingly captures her in clay. And later... one part ska. one part punk. one part pirate?! Music from the Fort Collins band, "The Swashbuckling Doctors." 

A Halloween haunting with Denverite's third annual DenverFright. Local writers gather on stage at The Bug Theatre to send chills down your spine, including Stephen Graham Jones and Teague Bohlen. Denver historian Phil Goodstein takes us to a cursed block Uptown. And the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's scariest resident shambles in! 

As the Supreme Court deliberates changes, the Voting Rights Act turns 60. We look at its past, present and future with local political analysts -- this after Colorado took action in its last legislative session to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Colorado state law also requires all county jails to offer in-person voting for eligible individuals -- we explore how the process is working in Jefferson County.

The bombing victims of United Flight 629 will be memorialized after seven decades. It was the first attack on a US commercial airliner. Atop Denver's old control tower, we speak with a woman who lost her parents. Then, a new film about musician and AIDS activist Carl Bean, who sang what's considered the first gay anthem. 

A Colorado doctor was diagnosed with the same lung cancer he's researched and treated all his life. He only recently decided to share his story when chemotherapy made him horribly sick. Dr. Ross Camidge talks about sharing the same path as his patients, and how he views death and what comes next. Then, from artwork to hidden history on the walls, Purplish explores the many stories the state capitol has to tell. Plus, just in time for Halloween, a Colorado haunting... and a reimagining of Ichabod Crane. 

A lot of people risk falling rather than use a walker; there's just too much stigma around them. Today in Aging Matters on Colorado Matters, we visit a lab where they're developing a so-called "sexy walker," but the project is about far more than vanity: it's frankly life or death. Then, food banks prepare for a rush as SNAP benefits run dry. Plus, our colleagues at Indie 102.3 help score the season with local musicians to add to your autumn playlist.

All Things Considered Host Ari Shapiro, who has just left NPR after 25 years, came to Denver to receive a prestigious award. We spoke at this year's Damon Runyon dinner. Then, the disproportionate toll domestic violence takes on children. Plus, how your Google search affects the air you breathe. And Denver band BRŪHA is a family affair. 

The government shutdown will hit federal workers hard tomorrow as they miss their first paychecks. What will it take to find a solution? We'll check-in with our Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim. Then, the cost of child care can often rival college tuition. At the same time, child care workers have traditionally been underpaid and undervalued. A new documentary, "Make A Circle," challenges the system to change. Also, we continue the series "Wired, Wired West," and celebrating 20 years of roller derby action in Colorado Springs! 

We continue "If You Can Keep It," our series to get historic context about this moment in presidential politics; political scientist Seth Masket from the University of Denver joins us. Then, a Denver man hopes to create a brand for unity in America to show people are less divided than it seems. Later, will Halloween be a trick or a treat this year? It's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our monthly weather and climate chat. And the Museum of Contemporary Art's new director talks about elevating local artists and his vision for the Denver institution.

 U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat who represents the state's 7th Congressional District, is concerned that federal layoffs, furloughs, and funding cuts to grants, will have a devastating effect on mental and behavioral health services, including helping people trying to break addiction. Then, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we re-share a discussion about the importance of knowing breast density. Plus, the "Wired, Wired West" explores the impact of A.I. on water. And the late Demaryius Thomas is inducted into the Denver Broncos' Ring of Fame. 

There are two statewide ballot issues in the November election. Voters will decide the future of Colorado's "Healthy School Meals for All" program; Purplish explains both related measures. Then, Colorado authors respond to a massive settlement with an A.I. company that's been using their work. Plus, the "Wired, Wired West" explores the power needed to support Artificial Intelligence. Then, Coloradans join in the "No Kings" protest, and music from Littleton's Conrad Mata. 

Democratic U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper is a holdout on re-opening government until there's a plan to keep health insurance premiums down. We ask about paths for compromise and his frustration with cuts to green energy. Then, we remember NPR founding mother Susan Stamberg. Plus, Pueblo-born musician and composer Mary D. Watkins on honoring the Black experience in America. And Wonderbound's Rock Ballets. 

 Now that Colorado-based Dominion Voting Systems is being sold, there are questions about what that will mean to upcoming elections. We talk with county clerks who rely on the system that's been at the center of election lies and debunked conspiracies. Then, as the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to rollback another provision of the Voting Rights Act, Colorado's taken action to make sure access is enshrined in state law. Later, a mom rushed in to save her children in the Uvalde school shooting. A documentary about her actions screens in Colorado this weekend. And, known as "Pueblo's little jewel box," it's marking a 125-year milestone. 

Eighty percent of the world's population can't see the Milky Way. Light pollution interferes. Author and adventurer Craig Childs, of Norwood, Colorado, writes about a trek from light to dark in his new book. "The Wild Dark" takes readers from the incandescence of Las Vegas to the spangled skies of rural Nevada. Childs spoke with Sr. Host Ryan Warner at the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte in May. 

More and more motorcycle riders are dying on Colorado roads. Last year, 165 motorcyclists died, the highest number ever recorded in our state. Sgt. Ivan Alvarado with the Colorado State Patrol explains some of the reasons behind the trend. Then, we speak with Laurie Montoya, the founder of the Lakewood-based non-profit, BikerDown Foundation, which advocates for and helps bikers who get injured and their families. Plus, Colorado jazz musician Tony Exum Jr. is back on stage in Denver on Saturday. 

Respect is the first law of the world's Indigenous peoples, says a man on a quest to right a historic wrong. On this Indigenous People's Day, Rick Williams has hope. We learn about his life mission in Colorado In Depth. Then, the two statewide ballot measures that voters will decide in November's election. And the Denver band, Bison Bone. 

A mission-driven restaurant in Grand Junction takes an innovative approach to hunger and nutrition. Then, the plight of federal workers amid layoffs, furloughs and the shutdown. Later, we check in to the Movie Manor in Monte Vista. Also, the filmmakers behind short horror movie "The Ant" who are crawling their way to the top. And, a choreography of hot air balloons from around the world. 

When it comes to the changing climate and increasing wildfires, you may not think of dragonflies, but it turns out they're a good test case to show the impact on an entire ecosystem. Then, Aging Matters looks into classes to help older Coloradans avoid scams. Plus, how a small town football team in Colorado started winning for the first time in generations. Leif Lathrop is the coach at Primero High School in Weston, and author of "The Hill."