Colorado Matters

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. Also, another Colorado community is hoping to embrace a dark sky. And, Aging Matters provides a guide to navigating the grieving process.

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."