Colorado Matters

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August 27, 2026: Colorado at center of federal lawsuits; Celebrating Colorado's 150th milestone with music Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Colorado has joined 23 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service tied to a presidential executive order targeting mail-in ballots. This comes as the state celebrates a settlement with Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, over concerns about how it hooks children. Then, wild horses are an iconic image of the American West, but the ability to roam free comes at a cost. Plus, Indie 102.3 marks Colorado's 150th anniversary with music, and we remember the legendary musician and philanthropist, Dolly Parton.

August 26, 2026: Patty Calhoun on 50 years of Westword; Inmates find sense of self, pride in performing Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Trailblazing journalist Patty Calhoun talks about what she’s most proud of, what she regrets, and the state’s crankiest politician as the publication she founded, Westword, turns 50. Then, a youth corps picks up chainsaws to keep wildfires at bay. Plus, how performing in a play is helping people incarcerated in the Limon Correctional Facility. And researching the connection between a healthy gut and PTSD.

August 25, 2026: Aging Matters: Getting the upper hand on scammers; When is it time to give up the car keys? Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

A new state law took effect this month to protect older Coloradans from fraud. Older Coloradans are especially at risk for scams. In an Aging Matters special, we'll explore the effort to stay one step ahead as scammers get more sophisticated. Plus, it's one of the toughest decisions we face: when to stop driving. We'll talk through what to look for and how to have what can be a hard conversation within the family.

August 24, 2026: Stalemate over health inspection at GEO facility; James Beard winner Penelope Wong flying high Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

There's a stalemate between Colorado and the federal contractor running the Aurora immigration detention center over a case of tuberculosis. CPR health reporter John Daley explains the bigger issue it raises. Then, Denver chef Penelope Wong is flying high after winning the James Beard award and landing a deal with United Airlines. Plus, exploring the Borderlands with Ken Salazar, and the nose knows: what should Colorado's state smell be?

August 21, 2026: From a hot summer to a warmer fall?; Rebuilding Glenwood Canyon; 'Roam' with wildlife Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Do the math, and this summer's been a sizzler in Colorado and nationwide. We look back, and forward, with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo. Then, the long restoration of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon after wildfire and floods. Plus, the reason bear encounters are up. And author Hillary Rosner, a Colorado Book Award finalist for "Roam," on stitching together wildlife habitat. Plus, take a test ride in a Waymo.

August 20, 2026: What dogs can teach us about dementia; 'Moments that Made Us' Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Dementia is not limited to people. Dogs get it too. Breakthroughs for one species may benefit another. Andrea Dukakis visits a canine lab at Colorado State University for our series Aging Matters. Then, if you're 65 or older, NPR wants you to take on their first Senior Podcast Challenge! Later, CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus explains how the suicide of a man at DIA highlights the state's failure to keep up with the number of people found incompetent to stand trial. Plus, we visit a once-in-a-lifetime assemblage of artifacts in Colorado, including George Washington's spurs and a tape recorder that changed the course of history. They are "Moments That Made Us" at History Colorado. And we reshare the story of a polio survivor as the Trump Administration continues its pushback against vaccines.

August 18, 2026: Could rye help farmers weather the drought?; State law targets rideshare safety Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

The San Luis Valley grows many of Colorado’s potatoes, barley and wheat. But there's another crop that could help farmers weather the drought. We'll explore the Rye Resurgence Project. Then, rideshare companies have new rules they have to follow in Colorado to keep riders safe. We get context from Purplish. Plus, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what drew Nicola Tesla to the state in 1899.

August 17, 2026: Victor Marx and a divided state GOP; Converting a coal mine into a solar farm Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Republicans in Colorado are divided over their gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx and over the party's general direction. Then, did White House officials brainstorm ways to punish Colorado? Also, Molson Coors reimagines its coal mine in Keenesburg as a solar farm. Then, the urgent effort to save Bent's Old Fort in the San Luis Valley. And we re-share radio poems with David Rothman.

August 14, 2026: History Colorado marks the state's 150th with a nod to the Women's Bank of Denver Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Not that long ago, women seeking a loan or line of credit faced invasive questions from bankers: "Are you planning on having children?" "What type of birth control are you using?" "Where's your husband?" Against that backdrop, in the 1970s, The Women's Bank of Denver was founded, changing financial lives for generations. Their story is now showcased at History Colorado to celebrate the sesquicentennial, with items that include the bank's opening day financial ledger. Senior Host Ryan Warner spoke with financial journalist Grace L. Williams, author of "Give Her Credit: The Untold Story of a Women's Bank That Empowered a Generation" last year at History Colorado Center. We're resharing that conversation as part of the state's 150th birthday.

August 13, 2026: New state historian; Next chapter for neighborhood of proposed Broncos; Mark Stevens' latest thriller Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Nicki Gonzales, Colorado’s new state historian has deep roots in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. It’s one reason she’s forged an expertise in the history of the American West. Particularly interested in race relations and social and political movements, Gonzales has plans for what she hopes to accomplish during her year-long tenure. Then, the neighborhood next to where the Denver Broncos want to build their new football stadium has seen a lot of changes over the years; recently, the area has housed immigrants from around the world, white-collar workers, and a significant Latino population. But Denverite reports that its next chapter has some longtime residents worried. Also, a conversation with one of the first companies in the state to produce mushrooms for psilocybin-assisted therapy. And, Colorado-based writer is back with the second chapter of his Flynn Martin trilogy, "Two Truths and a Lie."

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