Oct. 26, 2023: Report on domestic violence in Colorado; New Speaker of the House
For a second consecutive year, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high in Colorado. A new report, just released by Colorado’s Attorney General’s office, provides details. And we hear from a woman who calls herself a victor — not a victim. Then, the U.S. House is back to work after finally electing a new Speaker. CPR’s Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim, has been following the weeks of drama closely.
Interview: ‘The voice’ of the Denver Nuggets on the NBA Champions’ return to Ball Arena
Kyle Speller has been the PA announcer for the Nuggets for 19 seasons.
Oct. 24, 2023: State lawmakers with roots in Israel, Gaza; Meet ‘the voice’ of the Nuggets
As the war escalates between Israel and Hamas, we hear from state lawmakers with roots in the region. Then, as the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets start their new season, a familiar voice will call the players to the court. Kyle Speller begins his 19th year as the team’s stadium announcer. He’s also the team chaplain. Plus, how did “No Name” get its name? And rethinking how we buy and discard clothing.
Remembering Colorado arts titan, actor, playwright and director Ken Grimes
Denver’s arts community is mourning the loss of playwright, director and actor Ken Grimes. A fixture in Denver’s arts scene, Grimes had written, directed, and acted in dozens of plays since he was a teenager. He died of ALS last week at the age of 74.
One of the nation’s first abortion counselors on how times have changed
One in three abortions in Colorado last year was for someone who traveled out of state to undergo the procedure.
Oct. 19, 2023: Abortion access in Colorado after 50 years; Perseverance marks ‘Lessons in Chemistry’
Thirty percent of abortions in Colorado last year were for people from out of state, and that number’s increasing. We talk with Linda Weber who helped found the first clinic in Colorado with abortion access 50 years ago. Then, a closer look at what’s on the November ballot. And, we remember playwright and arts mentor Ken Grimes. Also, a Fort Collins native helms “Lessons in Chemistry.”
Oct. 17, 2023: Proposition HH and property taxes; Why is leaded fuel still used at small airports?
One of the statewide issues voters will decide in this election is Proposition HH, designed to lower property taxes. We look at both sides with Purplish, CPR’s podcast about politics and policy. Then, why do small airports still use fuel containing lead for planes? Also, a new LGBTQ+ community center opens soon in Colorado Springs. And we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the Blue Book.
Oct. 13, 2023: The McClain verdicts and police accountability; Coloradan in Gaza
One trial ends with split verdicts for two Aurora police officers and the next trial is beginning in the death of Elijah McClain. We’ll take a closer look at police accountability and changes to Colorado law. Then, we speak with a Colorado doctor who is in Gaza, unable to leave. And the U.S. Forest Service is rethinking housing on Forest Service land.
Oct. 12, 2023: Denver Basic Income seeks homelessness solutions; Matthew Shepard’s legacy
There’s no “one size fits all” solution for homelessness, but one big idea being tested is literally giving unrestricted money to those struggling. We ask how the Denver Basic Income Project is working out and hear from a man who says it’s transformed his life. Then, 25 years ago… a young college student named Matthew Shepard was brutally attacked and left for dead — all because he was gay. His parents reflect on his legacy and their ongoing work toward acceptance.
Oct. 10, 2023: Is the consent decree resulting in police reform in Aurora?
The forceful tactics Aurora police used to stop and subdue Elijah McClain four years ago, and protests a year later, led to a state investigation. It concluded that the Aurora Police Department has a pattern of racist policing. As a result, Aurora became the first city in Colorado placed under state oversight. It’s now required to overhaul its policies and practices. We ask how that consent decree is going.
Oct. 5, 2023: New exhibit showcases Colorado’s Black history; Student loan questions and answers
Colorado’s Black history is diverse and rich, but not widely known. A new exhibit, “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History,” is working to change that by illuminating the stories of Black people across the state. It’s at the Museum of Boulder. Then, student loans have come due after a pandemic reprieve. We’ll talk about the changes and things to consider.
Oct. 3, 2023: Challenging Colorado’s new gun laws; New support for survivors of domestic violence
Colorado’s legislature has been passing stricter gun laws at an unprecedented pace. But opponents have a new tool to try to roll them back, following a pivotal U.S Supreme Court decision — the courts. Then, finding better ways to support survivors of domestic violence in Colorado. Also, some of Colorado’s largest factories must reduce pollution under new state rules. So why are environmental groups upset? And he turned his garage into a tribute of ’80’s rock and roll!
New state law helps survivors of domestic violence navigate the legal process
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And a new state task force is looking into ways to better support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and related crimes as they go through the legal system in Colorado.
Sept. 28, 2023: Record TABOR refunds for taxpayers; A park at the center of homelessness
Colorado is set to pay more than $3.5 billion in TABOR refunds next spring, one of the largest paybacks the state has ever returned to taxpayers. Then, why Grand Junction’s latest move to address homeless is drawing attention. Also, what do monthly employment numbers say about Colorado’s economic health? Then, researching long COVID. And Colorado Wonders about tornadoes.
Interview: A Colorado woman shares her story of how racism on the job nearly drove her to suicide, and her path to healing
Jacquie Abram of Aurora wrote the book “Hush Money” about her experience.
Sept. 26, 2023: One woman’s journey back from the brink of suicide
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, focused on raising awareness about the alarming number of people who take their own lives each year. It’s also an opportunity to have important conversations about the stigma that surrounds suicide. Jacquie Abram of Aurora is an author and DEI consultant. She shares her personal journey back from the brink.