With less water in the Colorado River, changes could be in store for Coloradans
Colorado and other states that share the Colorado River could face new restrictions in the future as water levels drop to historic lows. Jennifer Pitt, director of the Colorado River program for the National Audubon Society, talked with CPR’s Andrea Dukakis about some of the approaches Colorado could take to conserve more water, including changing how farmers grow crops and how cities design their urban spaces.
As kids head back to school, a check-in on COVID-19 and other viruses
On the heels of new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we speak with the head of infectious disease control and prevention at UCHealth, Dr. Michelle Barron, about how to interpret the new rules, including the CDC’s decision to lift the requirement to quarantine if someone is exposed to the virus. Colorado Matters’ host Ryan Warner also asks Barron about other viruses like the flu, monkeypox, and polio.
Aug. 11, 2022: How climate change bill could impact home energy use; The new Broncos owners
From new windows to electric cars, we ask what the federal climate bill could mean for Coloradans and their pocketbooks. Plus, meet the new owners of the Denver Broncos. Then, ancient Cambodian artifacts sold to the Denver Art Museum using false documents were returned this week. We’ll explore the illegal art trade. And we enter the “skyspace.”
Aug. 10, 2022: A conversation with Republican Attorney General candidate John Kellner
Republican candidate for state attorney general John Kellner answers questions about abortion access, public safety, and other issues. Then, we get perspective as the NFL finalizes the sale of the Broncos to an ownership group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton. And voters may get to decide if wine should be sold in grocery stores.
MDMA and talk therapy are a powerful combo to treat PTSD, a Boulder study finds
Research on the potential benefits of MDMA, or ecstasy, to treat mental illness and other issues like PTSD, anorexia and even drug and alcohol addiction have gained traction in recent years.
After 40 years fighting homelessness, a Denver ‘legend’ steps down
After 36 years, a fierce advocate for people experiencing homelessness announced he will leave his job once a replacement is found. John Parvensky leads the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. By his count, CCH has built or acquired more than 2,000 affordable housing units and on any given night, the group says it houses up to 4,500 people or families. We speak with Parvensky and with Cuica Montoya, who runs the Safe Outdoor Spaces program. Montoya was formerly homeless and now works with Parvensky as a member of CCH’s board.
On the front lines of preventing overdoses
Fentanyl deaths in Colorado are ten times higher than they were just a few years ago. That’s why more people carry Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse overdoses. Test strips, which can detect whether other drugs, like cocaine and ecstasy, are laced with fentanyl, are also more common. We checked in with people who contend with the reality of overdoses and have made it their mission to save lives.
With fall boosters likely on the way, a check-up on COVID
The US government hopes to have millions of doses of a new COVID-19 booster this fall. The vaccine will be formulated to target the Omicron variants, including BA.5, which is spreading rapidly in Colorado. We get a pandemic checkup from Dr.
July 14, 2022: Psychedelic treatment for PTSD; Astonishing images from space
It’s illegal. And a party drug. But MDMA., also known as Ecstasy and Molly, is showing revolutionary promise as a way to treat PTSD. Then, a Colorado company that wants to remove greenhouse gasses. And, dancing galaxies are just some of the cosmic marvels spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope. Also, local artists on the eve of the Underground Music Showcase.
Veteran says MDMA therapy helped him find his former self
Scott Ostrom, of Denver, had nightmares and anger problems after two deployments in Iraq. He took part in a study in Boulder of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and said it helped him confront painful memories and heal. Boulder is one of 15 sites in the US and abroad conducting the study. Researchers anticipate FDA approval for MDMA could come in late 2023.
We bought some Bitcoin in 2014. It’s been quite a ride.
By now, most people have some idea what Bitcoin is as well as some general knowledge about cryptocurrency. But, back in 2014, it was a fairly new concept. That’s when CPR’s Andrea Dukakis learned about a machine–sort of a Bitcoin ATM. She made a purchase and did a story on it. We’ll hear about that experience and then talk to an expert about Bitcoin’s fluctuations and the rise of cryptocurrency.
July 5, 2022: Living with long COVID; SCOTUS rulings on religion and public education
Dr. David Micklin’s been living with long COVID since the beginning of the pandemic; he shares how his life has changed. Then, the state is tracking monkeypox. Plus, perspective on two Supreme Court rulings related to religion and public education. Also, reclaiming history after the Marshall Fire. And, a Denver man helps Buzz Lightyear get to infinity and beyond.
One man’s story of long COVID and a lost career
Dr. Dave Micklin, a dentist, was in the first wave of Coloradans to contract COVID-19 in early 2020 and among the earlier sufferers of what’s known as long COVID. At the time, Micklin didn’t understand what was happening to him. Today, more than two years later, the Louisville resident is still dealing with symptoms and has had to give up much of the life he knew before he got sick, including his dental practice.
Eight books to read this summer recommended by Colorado booksellers
Most of the books feature Colorado and there are suggestions for all ages.
July 1, 2022: Stories behind what Avs fans wear; The primaries and the Republican party
Avs fans at Thursday’s parade tell the stories behind the jerseys and t-shirts they wear. Then, the primary election may be a defining moment for Colorado’s Republican party. We’ll get perspective with CPR’s politics podcast, Purplish. Then, remembering the man who made history as the first Black starting quarterback in modern football. And, meet Colorado Matters’ new co-host!
June 30, 2022: Six months after the Marshall Fire; Watching the Colorado River run (dry)
Six months ago, after a spark or flame landed in some very dry grass and ignited, the Marshall Fire became the most destructive in Colorado history. Then, Colorado and states sharing the Colorado River have two months to figure out how to reduce the river water they use. Also, Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson’s monthly chat. And, the best in summer books.
