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Colorado Matters

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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."
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.
Love CPR, and Colorado Matters!
left leaning, typical Commifornia imported garbage.