Colorado Matters

As primary ballots are mailed this week, Purplish has the first results from our Voter Voices survey, in which Colorado voters prioritize the issues most important to them. Take part in the survey here. Then, Colorado Wonders why Oklahoma has a panhandle. Plus, Colorado history through matchbooks. Plus, an inspiring commencement at Front Range Community College.

Political polarization in the U.S. has only been reinforced with the conviction of Donald Trump. We talk with Stephen Hawkins, research director for More In Common, a global non-profit that fights what Hawkins now calls ossification or calcification. Then, Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson on severe weather and the summer outlook. Plus, a Colorado musical's journey from concept to stage.

Hot and dry are the operative words when it comes to the weather outlook. We get perspective on the summer ahead -- and the recent severe weather -- with Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson. He joins us regularly to talk about the interplay between weather and climate in Colorado.

The term "political polarization" no longer captures the state of partisanship in the US, according to Stephen Hawkins. The research director for More In Common is now using the words "ossification" and "calcification." And yet on some issues, there is plenty of evidence that common ground still exists. As Election 2024 draws closer, Hawkins reflects on polarization research and solutions.

When money's tight, some people sell their plasma. People can get up to $200 per donation. We'll explore the ethical implications with a CU-Boulder professor who studied who donates and why. Then, 50 years ago this week, six young Chicano activists were killed in a series of bombings in Boulder. Later, marking the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision ending segregation in public schools,...

Lightning killed a rancher in northern Colorado, and 34 head of cattle. With summer storm season fast-approaching, we discuss lightning safety, outside and at home. Then, Colorado will regulate funeral homes after a series of disturbing cases. Later, a very special rose reveals its true colors. Plus, he won the National Spelling Bee for Colorado as an 8th grader, now he's the Bee's pronouncer, a v...

Lightning awareness isn't just about the great outdoors — it's also important in cities and even indoor.

She fought terrorists around the world as an analyst for the Army. But after being exposed to hazardous chemicals during her service, Elba Barr is now engaged in a different battle: to get health care and benefits from the U.S. government for herself and other veterans. Then, retracing the final journey of 18th century Captain James Cook while reexamining exploration and colonization.

During her time in the military, Elba Barr grew accustomed to fighting — still, some battles have nonetheless been rather unexpected.

On Memorial Day, stories of Coloradans who served in extraordinary conditions. Then, a piece of the U.S.S. Arizona, in Aurora, preserves the memories of Coloradans killed at Pearl Harbor. And, how fallen U.S. service members came to be buried in American cemeteries abroad.

A new play that immerses the audience in elaborate, layered soundscapes at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts asks the question, "Where Did We Sit on the Bus?" for Latino Americans during a time of segregation. Actress Satya Chavez joins us along with Ramon Del Castillo, a retired professor of Chicana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Today we talk with Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, one of “The Swans of Harlem,” a Denver native featured in a new book about these pioneering ballerinas and their effort to make sure their history is not overlooked or forgotten. Then, Denver's iconic Cleo Parker Robinson sees her dream come true.

Free syringe exchange programs are now outlawed in Pueblo. The city council passed the ban last week. We'll talk about what's changed and why the debate is ongoing. Then, a new state law allows wolverines to be reintroduced to Colorado, but it won't be an easy task. And Judy Collins is back in Colorado for a sold-out concert. We revisit our conversation with the folk singer who grew up in Denver.

Colorado's putting a lot of stock into the idea of ADUs, Accessory Dwelling Units, to help ease the housing crunch. We'll talk about the potential impact and how similar programs are working in other states. Then, Denver native Karlya Shelton-Benjamin is among a pioneering group of ballerinas known as the Swans of Harlem. Plus, how one Pueblo educator is making sure students don't get left behind...

They're known as the Swans of Harlem and they've performed for the Queen of England, Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, at the White House, and beyond. Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, a Denver native, was among them, and she's featured in a new book about this pioneering group of ballerinas.

He's spent 50 years at the University of Colorado Boulder, including the last 15 as chancellor. Now Phil DiStefano is stepping down. He discusses how to add more value to a liberal arts degree, the challenges facing higher education, and the importance of what he calls, "humble leadership." Then, we remember a champion for pedestrian safety in Denver, Phyllis Mack.

Daily life has been disrupted in Gunnison by the ongoing closure of an important bridge, from high school athletics, to timber, to health care. What might a fix look like? And what's the timeline? Then, geomagnetic storms test Boulder's Space Weather Prediction Center. Plus, Steve Wozniak, a co-founder of Apple, speaks at the commencement for CU Boulder, where he once was a student. Plus, words to...

It's a state law that's supposed to weed out police officers and sheriff's deputies who are dishonest. But is it working? We'll discuss the results of a special investigation through the Colorado News Collaborative. Then, as Colorado gets older, what are the changing needs and resources? And the first KlezKolorado Festival hopes to find harmony in music.

In a warehouse in north Denver, students of all ages are learning the construction trades. The Build Strong Academy served as something of a backdrop to a bill signing– legislation that lets folks up and down the Front Range build ADUs – Accessory Dwelling Units – on their property. It’s also where Ryan Warner met Governor Jared Polis for their regular interview to talk about everything from housi...

Did you know that If you're critically ill and can't make decisions for yourself, your family can't automatically step into help? We'll talk through what to know for our series, Aging Matters on Colorado Matters. Then, Colorado Wonders, where was the state's first public library? Later, former Broncos players Terrell Davis and Brian Griese share their own stories of loss as they work to help child...

Grief wasn't a topic that came up very often in their NFL locker rooms, but Brian Griese and Terrell Davis both have experience with loss. Recently the former Denver Broncos teammates got together to discuss their journeys as part of a fundraiser for Judi's House. Founded in 2002 by Griese and his wife Brooke, a clinical psychologist, the Aurora-based facility helps provide support for children gr...

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind now has a superintendent who's deaf. Then, Broncos football asseses potential starting quarterbacks.

The Denver Broncos have gone through more than dozen quarterbacks --with very little success to show for it -- since Peyton Manning retired eight years ago. But one of the Hall of Famer's teammates, offensive tackle Ryan Harris, thinks the team has finally found an answer in 2024 first-round draft pick Bo Nix. Harris talked about Nix' debut last weekend at the Broncos' rookie camp.

The Kirkland Museum, named for artist Vance Kirland who suspended himself above giant canvases, is merging with the Denver Art Museum. DAM's director Christoph Heinrich tells Ryan Warner what the deal means for art lovers and, more specifically, members.

In Colorado Springs, they're equipping first responders with whole blood that can be transfused on the scene of an accident, an attack, or a medical emergency. Then, what a merger means for the Denver Art Museum and the Kirkland Museum. Plus, charging EVs across Colorado. Later, division over a proposed national monument on the Western Slope. Later, how do birds survive hail storms? And using goat...