Colorado Matters

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June 17, 2026: Are oil and gas companies getting a pass in Colorado? A French-inspired restaurant in Crested Butte Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Kind of like renters do, oil and gas operators must leave a deposit in case they make a mess. But an investigation by Denver journalist Joe Fassler found the state's failed to collect as much as $1 billion in bonding. Then, "Raising Colorado" looks at the challenges military families have finding childcare. Plus, we visit a French-inspired restaurant in Crested Butte which opens for the season on Friday. And get a behind-the scenes tour of the new Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Pueblo.

June 16, 2026: Colorado's Congressional primary races; Rockies honor Theodore 'Bubbles' Anderson Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

There's a lot at stake in this month's primary election, including helping shape who takes control of Congress in the general election in November. We'll break it down with Purplish. Then, the Colorado Rockies will honor Theodore "Bubbles" Anderson in a pregame ceremony on Friday. Anderson was the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League in an era of racial segregation in America and was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame last spring.

June 15, 2026: DIA's 'tunnel vision' as CEO Phil Washington reflects on growth and future Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

We go underground into the tunnels Denver International Airport wants to transform into passenger walkways between the concourses. And Ryan Warner sits down with outgoing CEO Phil Washington, about the airport's growth and what the future may hold. Then, a commencement speech at Colorado College that resonates beyond the graduating class. Also, "On Our Minds" gives budding journalists a chance to share their stories, including memories of childhood road trips to Winter Park. And an entrepreneur taps his record collection to trade in Silicon Valley for the San Luis Valley.

June 12, 2026: For America's 250th, a truer story of the frontier Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

In its hiring and promotional imagery, the Department of Homeland Security has leaned on a familiar trope: White westerners dominating the frontier. Historian Megan Kate Nelson calls it the frontier myth... that westward expansion was limited to white nuclear families in covered wagons. In her new book "The Westerners," Nelson introduces us to extraordinary historical characters who demonstrate otherwise. We spoke at this year's Mountain Words Festival at Center for the Arts Crested Butte.

June 11, 2026: In-depth with gubernatorial candidate Barbara Kirkmeyer ahead of Republican primary Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor in more than two decades.One candidate on the primary ballot thinks a renewed focus on the state budget will be her path to victory.Barbara Kirkmeyer is our guest today. Tuesday, we heard from one of her opponents in the Republican race, Scott Bottoms. The third candidate on the primary ballot, Victor Marx, has declined an interview. All three candidates answered questions for our voter guide.

June 10, 2026: 'Searching for Jobie' with questions of an afterlife; Marcelo Balboa's World Cup reflections Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Since losing her daughter, Jobie, to a brain tumor, CPR's Andrea Dukakis has contemplated whether there's an afterlife. In a new series, "Searching for Jobie," Andrea combines a journalist's lens with a mother's yearning. Then, soccer star Marcelo Balboa, who now calls Colorado home, shares his World Cup experiences as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.

June 9, 2026: In-depth with gubernatorial candidate Scott Bottoms ahead of Republican primary Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Colorado hasn’t elected a Republican governor in more than two decades. One candidate on the primary ballot thinks unapologetic conservatism will be the key to changing that. Scott Bottoms is our guest today. Thursday, we'll hear from one of his opponents in the Republican race, Barbara Kirkmeyer. The third candidate on the primary ballot, Victor Marx, has declined an interview. All three candidates answered questions for our voter guide.

June 8, 2026: A Colorado researcher pioneers the genetics of aging; Purplish on Tina Peters Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

A pioneer in aging research has died. Tom Johnson proved that genes affect longevity. His work at the University of Colorado spawned an entire scientific field, and led to breakthroughs in diseases like Alzheimer's. For our series Aging Matters, we learn about Johnson’s legacy. Simon Melov worked with him as a post-doc in the 1990s. Melov's now a professor at California's Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Then, former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters is free, but her story's far from over. We get perspective from Purplish.

June 5, 2026: Reclaiming a stolen citizenship; Democratic debate for governor; Greek festival celebrates 60! Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Come along as Boulder County commissioner and former state lawmaker Claire Levy, who's Jewish, has her German citizenship restored. Then, we hear from the two Democrats vying to be the next governor of Colorado, and we take a closer look at the midterms including how to vote in third party primaries. Then, how a small town public radio station in Colorado is doing after losing a quarter of its budget. Plus, an out of this world contract for Lunar Outpost in Golden. And the Denver Greek Festival celebrates 60 years with music, dancing, food and culture.

June 4, 2026: All three GOP candidates for governor debate for first time; Heritage camp creates community Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

For the first time, the three Republican candidates for Colorado governor took the debate stage together, and the result was unlike any political debate in recent memory. Then, a unique summer camp is supporting families through the complexities of transracial adoption while creating a sense of belonging and safety for adoptees and their parents. Also, the parental paradox of needing child care in order to work, and needing to work in order to pay for child care; one business in Denver is trying to helping its employees find balance. And what "Art from the Yard" says about identity, culture, and control over space.

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