Colorado Matters

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Sept. 18, 2025: A family's hope after school shooting; 'One Book' inspires connection, photo exhibit Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

Sept. 17, 2025: Ryan Warner marks 20 years at Colorado Matters Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

Sept. 16, 2025: Aging Matters, from housing to healthcare to ageism and respect Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

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.

Sept. 15, 2025: Violence and teen brains; Gov. Jared Polis on endorsements and what's next Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Sept. 12, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 2: Vaccines, housing, wildfires, and water Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

Sept. 11, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 1: ICE, healthcare, and Tina Peters Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

September 10, 2025: Bringing wolverines back to Colorado; A temple comes to Grand Junction Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

Sept. 9, 2025: From astronaut to artist, Ed Dwight reflects on a journey making history as he turns 92 Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

September 8, 2025: Conserving land on the Western Slope; Retracing family history 80 years after WWII Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

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.

September 5, 2025: Broncos' season hopes are a mile high; 'Soles of a Survivor:' escaping horror amid hope Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

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