Colorado Matters

In Rep. Jeff Hurd's district, which includes Grand Junction and Pueblo, the cost of some health insurance plans is about to be astronomical. But Hurd says the issue shouldn't be used as leverage in the shutdown. We also ask about militarizing U.S. cities and the Epstein files. Then, Denver's new city librarian on the evolution of libraries, from digital literacy to distributing food. Then, why the Biennial of the Americas in Denver is going hyper-local. And Colorado Wonders about the Unaweep Canyon's unique claim to fame. 

Ahead of his concert in Denver October 16 at the Ogden Theater, we re-share Chandra's conversation with Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae. As he was getting a unique tattoo that shows his connection to Colorado, he reflects on how growing up in Denver shaped his life and music and how his faith has guided him. This interview originally aired on October 8, 2024. 

Federal officials have said attacks on ICE agents are up more than 1,000 percent. CPR's Ben Markus and Allison Sherry spent more than a month investigating these claims; here's what they found. Then, Colorado banned conversion therapy for minors; the U.S. Supreme Court could upend that. We go into the case with Purplish. Plus, how school crossing guards are dealing with increasingly hostile drivers. And how becoming a paramedic influenced Anthony Ruptak's music.

It may come as no surprise that Adams State University in the San Luis Valley would be the first in Colorado to be designated a "Hispanic Serving Institution," given how deep the valley's Hispanic heritage runs. But the school is now losing the money that came with the title. Then, how the Trump administration's crackdown on student visa holders is impacting international students in Colorado. Plus, answering questions about fall and winter gardening, the state's little-known apple crop, and Colorado Springs' underground music scene. 

 "Chaos and confusion." That's what the head of the American Academy of Pediatrics says families are up against as the federal government rethinks established science for everything from vaccines to autism. Dr. Susan Kressly was recently in Colorado for the AAP's annual conference. Then, an effort to get girls interested in construction jobs. Plus, we visit "The Gathering Place" which elevates the southwest in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. And, remembering renowned conservationist and researcher Dr. Jane Goodall with her visit to Colorado. 

Expanded, domestic use of the military – and talk of civil war – deserve scrutiny… no matter who's president. As President Trump talks about fighting a war against "the enemy within," we speak with a political scientist about the implications. Then, in Day 1 of the government shutdown, we speak with our Washington reporter Caitlyn Kim. Also, college campuses are microcosms of a lot of the big issues society grapples with, from cultural clashes to the cost of living. The president of Colorado Mesa University offers potential solutions to those issues. And, Colorado Wonders why this airport is named "Happy Butt." 

The federal government could shut down tonight if Congress doesn't find common ground. CPR's Washington, D.C. correspondent Caitlyn Kim explains the impasse and potential impact on Colorado. Then, a program that creates a bond between inmates and wild mustangs comes to an end; StoryCorps shares the experience of two men whose lives were changed by the program. Also, a Denver man's very personal experience of choosing to die on his own terms amid debate about Colorado's Medical Aid in Dying Law. And for Hispanic Heritage Month, how the Latino Leadership Institute is fostering future leaders amid DEI pushback. 

Artificial Intelligence is permeating many aspects of our lives. Teachers are using it in the classroom, for subjects like history. But does it help, or hurt, learning? Then, how wildfires are raising questions about living conditions in Colorado prisons. Plus, understanding the changes that will soon impact student loans. And Colorado Wonders what happened to downtown Denver's Buskerfest. 

A couple who fled the war in Ukraine and found a home in Boulder is hoping their adaptive efforts with the bike shop they own will help them continue building a life for their family in Colorado. Then, the return of "Sun Day" amid a call for increased solar energy efforts with author Bill McKibben. Also, Colorado's mission to collect stardust. Plus the Local 303 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, and a chance to "Circle Round Live" with WBUR in Parker on Oct. 5.

After a spinal cord injury from a skiing accident left him paralyzed, Bob Meserve of Fort Collins didn't abandon the sport he'd fallen in love with as a young kid -- he instead chose to help transform it! The award-winning sit-skier turned adaptive sports industry leader, will be inducted into the Colorado Snowsport Museum Hall of Fame this weekend. We also remember a Vail icon, John Dakin, the longtime “face” of the U.S. Ski Team who became a pioneering ski race caller. Plus, this season is the last run for Powderhorn's West End ski lift built in 1972. 

Seed vaults preserve genetic material for crops in case of natural or man-made disaster-- even warfare. The nation's largest repository is in Fort Collins. We speak with an architect of the concept, World Food Prize laureate Geoffrey Hawtin. Then, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo on the recent rain and studies that link climate change to lightning and faster snowmelt. Plus, encouraging lifelong learning, what it takes to come to the U.S. legally, and the legacy of Babi Yar. 

The Trump administration continues to question long-standing science with unproven ties between vaccines, autism, and a popular painkiller. Meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has outlined new recommendations for vaccines. We'll sort it out with CPR's health reporter John Daley. Then, new research looks at if activities, like the way we drive, could be an early indicator Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. 

In a small town between Denver and Colorado Springs, a lesson in civics and civility. What's going on in Palmer Lake is about more than a proposed Buc-ee's travel plaza. Purplish explores the debate. Then, CPR's Stina Sieg joins us from Italy where descendants from Colorado are retracing the steps of loved ones who fought with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Later, does music soothe animals' souls? 

 He says he took over a “beleaguered” department. The new head of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is Armando Saldate. The CBI has had some highly public missteps; Saldate says he's eager to get to work and to rectify mistakes. Then, moms reflect on their anxiety and how they cope after the school shooting in Evergreen. Later, Colorado Elvis Festival starts Thursday; we re-share some of Elvis' Colorado history. And Sunday's Jillith Fair honors Denver-born singer Jill Sobule's life and music. 

Matthew Silverstone was critically injured in the shooting at Evergreen High School. His family wants the community to know who he is as he fights to recover; we share his uncle's message. Then, the Denver Public Library wants to get more people reading by sharing one book to encourage conversation. It's also inspired a photo exhibit. Plus, Sunday is the "21st Night of September," and this year it takes on special meaning for Denver's Philip Bailey and the legendary Earth, Wind and Fire. 

Two decades ago, radio journalist Ryan Warner fled churning hurricanes in Florida for higher, drier ground in Colorado. Warner, Senior Host of Colorado Matters, reflected on his career and on the state of public media recently at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at DU. The moderator is journalism ethicist Bob Steele. 

When it comes to planning for Colorado's fastest growing population, people 65 and older, the state's Senior Specialist on Aging says it needs to be a group effort. "The government can't do all this work, nonprofits can't do all this work, we need the business community involved, we need healthcare involved, we need philanthropy involved," said Kristine Burrows in a discussion with Chandra Thomas Whitfield in front of an audience at CPR News in May. They talk about the state's ongoing efforts to address everything from healthcare and housing to ageism. 

School shootings reverberate beyond any single classroom or campus or community. We've invited back a family therapist to discuss the violence we've seen here and elsewhere lately. Then, do Democrats take Colorado for granted? It's a question we have for Gov. Jared Polis in the final installment of our special from Grand Junction. Plus, what it takes to convert a vacant office building into homes in the Denver Tech Center. And a pet project takes sixth graders from the classroom to Fountain Creek. 

Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and national concerns. In this second part of the conversation, they discuss RFK Jr. and changing vaccine guidance, addressing the high cost of housing, the impact of wildfires, negotiations for water from the Colorado River, and transportation infrastructure.

Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and national concerns. In this first part of the conversation, they discuss "Governor's Safeguarding Democracy," the use of the National Guard, immigration enforcement, convicted former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and the pardon power, healthcare, and balancing the state budget. 

First, there were moose. Then lynx. Then wolves. Now, Colorado's planning to reintroduce wolverines to the state. We'll get an update on the plan. Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opening temples around the world, including Grand Junction. Plus, a push to keep coal power in Colorado. Also, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what happens to the invasive smallmouth bass when the fish is caught. Finally, the 89-year-old at the heart of Vail's Oktoberfest. 

A remarkable Coloradan - and an American pioneer - celebrates his 92nd birthday today. 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.

 A land trust has helped conserve more than 150,000 acres on Colorado's Western Slope, from fruit orchards in Palisade to ranches on The Grand Mesa. Then, descendants of the 10th Mountain Division of skiing soldiers retrace their fathers' and grandfathers' journey in Italy 80 years after the end of World War II. Plus, we visit a medical clinic in a Grand Junction church that offers free health care amid growing need. Later, we say good-bye to a familiar voice on CPR News; Mike Lamp is stepping away from the mic on Friday. And later, new music from ChuckJay. 

The Denver Broncos kick-off the regular season Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium against the Tennessee Titans, and hopes for the season are a mile high! We get perspective from former Bronco and sportscaster Ryan Harris. Then, "Soles of a Survivor" recounts a harrowing journey from oppression to freedom, with author Nhi Aronheim of Englewood. The book has just been published in paperback. 

Would Colorado follow the lead of Texas and California and redistrict Congressional seats for political gains? Voters changed the state constitution to make sure that sort of manipulation can't happen here. We speak with the architect of Colorado's effort to take politicians out of re-drawing districts. Then, public school teachers have faced a dizzying array of new directives from the Trump administration, from funding cuts to mandates on diversity, equity and inclusion. How one Denver teacher tries to put her students first. Then, Aging Matters provides a guide to navigating the grieving process. And, another Colorado community is hoping to embrace a dark sky. 

In the battle to keep Space Command, Colorado has lost. At least for now. We talk through the impact. Then, a Southern Colorado ranch tests the next generation Moon rover. Plus, Colorado author Erika Krouse is racking up accolades for her new short story collection. She shares a doozie and answers questions about it. Later, the evolution of Boulder's genre-defying Gasoline Lollipops. 

Ranchers in our state have a lot to juggle, says the newly-elected president of Colorado's Cattlemen's Association, Curt Russell. Things like drought, wildfire, and wolves; not to mention regulation challenges and the uncertainty of tariffs. Then, from A.I. to filling a nearly billion dollar budget hole to addressing bad behavior in the state capitol, Purplish breaks down the special session. And a classroom garden where blind students are growing confidence along with plants. 

On this Labor Day, labors, of love. Like a budding fruit orchard on property previously ravaged by historic flooding in Lyons. And a barbershop in Denver, where former inmates offer a shave, a haircut, and heart. Plus, Stranahan's celebrates 20 years of tradition where the art of making whiskey is truly a labor of love for the head blender. 

The Tuesday Group formed in Denver when the Trump Administration shut down USAID. Experts in international development are in need of aid themselves-- emotionally and in the job search. Colorado Matters visits this support group at the Posner Center for International Development, which is a nerve center for Coloradans in foreign aid. Then, a Buc-ee's-sized fight in Palmer Lake. And is the Colorado River a person? 

Today, the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They share a common bond: They all survived the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans 20 years ago and remains one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. They share their journey from Louisiana to Colorado and how it forever shaped their lives, in a Colorado Matters special: "After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina." 

Heading into fall, we get a check-up on COVID vaccines, the seasonal flu, measles, and West Nile with Dr. Ned Calonge, the state's chief medical officer. Then, as Western states divvy up water from the Colorado River, a new documentary wants to make sure the river isn't run dry. Plus, new research from CU Boulder on drought conditions and human-caused climate change. Later, an update on bodies found in a Pueblo mortuary. And an unexpected moment of joy thanks to a TikTok video and one family's lost wedding photos. 

He's a Denver Broncos original who was a game changer even though he avoided the spotlight. From player to coach, we remember Lionel Taylor. Also, the influence of James Dobson on today's Conservative Christian movement following the evangelical leader's death. Plus, Manitou Springs grapples with the changing cannabis market in El Paso County. Then, Chandra shares her personal family story surviving Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. Finally, a college degree in Mariachi music, and the origin of the People's Republic of Boulder. 

Lawmakers remain in special session at the State Capitol after working over the weekend. The first order of business: close a billion dollar budget gap. But they're also trying to legislate artificial intelligence. Then, Systemic asks what can be done to keep young people from getting guns. And later, the Local 303 showcases "hot" artists for the month of August.

 Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins us to discuss weather, climate, and water in the face of worsening drought and wildfires on the Western Slope. Then, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of hailstorms. Plus, Denver music duo Tennis nears the end of their farewell tour in Colorado; their last date here is Tuesday, August 26 at Mission Ballroom in Denver. Plus, helping teachers help themselves to build housing in Southern Colorado. And the National Goalball Championships in Colorado Springs showcase our state's future in the sport. 

Where youth violence was once rampant, it has plummeted. A successful program screens young people for their susceptibility. But now Denver's Youth Violence Prevention Center is itself susceptible to federal budget cuts. Then, a lot of single people are sick of dating in the modern era; Boulder author and dating coach Tim Molnar has ideas to make relationships strategic. Plus, it's all in the family at a school in the San Luis Valley. 

A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what's been the impact and what's changed, or hasn't, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what's being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session. 

CU Boulder's chancellor, Justin Schwartz, describes what it takes for students to graduate — beyond tuition — and how housing, food and connection on campus factor in. Then, a youth violence prevention specialist joins Aurora police in an unconventional effort to keep young people safe and out of prison in "Systemic."

Former NPR science reporter David Baron, of Boulder, gives Colorado Matters an exclusive sneak peek at 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. 

Denver singer/songwriter Such is driven by a passion to connect and take care of others, first in nursing, now in real estate and especially, in her music. Then, Coloradans are living longer. And an Arapahoe County sheriff's deputy finds connection and community through his cowboy hat. 

Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. But if you do decide it's time to downsize, where do you begin? In a special "Aging Matters on Colorado Matters," we ask what to consider when selling your home and how to start getting rid of decades and decades of stuff. Then, a neighborhood health fair at a time when it's needed the most. Also, "An Open Door" is a new documentary about CSU's Temple Grandin, a legend in animal science and autism advocacy. Plus, the return of an immersive theater experience. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act became law 35 years ago. Coloradans reflect on our state's pivotal role and on the progress still to be made. Then, ahead of a special session of the state legislature, a look at a bad budget gap and some bad behavior. Plus, the season three premiere of Systemic, CPR's podcast about changemakers. 

Denverites are trying to square something: the city's about to lay off employees but at the same time it wants voters to approve nearly a billion dollars in projects. We ask Denver Mayor Mike Johnston about that, tensions with Trump, turning office towers into apartments, and the future of the Broncos. Then, remembering a Hiroshima survivor in Denver 80 years after the bombing. Plus, the State Fair is back with a new general manager with an eye on the future. And Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident has a new single: Colorado.