July 28, 2021: New DPS Superintendent On Masks, Learning Gap; Broncos QB And Ownership
Alex Marrero is the new superintendent of Denver Public Schools, the largest district in the state. We ask about masks and assessing how much learning’s been lost to the pandemic. Then, Broncos training camp begins with questions about the quarterback and team ownership. Also, working to preserve Dearfield, and Lake Powell’s critical water drop.
July 21, 2021: Cannabis’ Impact On Life, Athletics; How The USPS Shaped The American West
A new assessment about the impact legalized marijuana has had in Colorado shows disparities in arrests and prosecutions, among other things. Then, the intersection between cannabis and athletics. And, “Paper Trails” explores how the U.S.
July 19, 2021: The Delta Variant Effect; Appreciating Natural Wonders With ‘Subpar Parks’
As COVID-19’s Delta variant spreads, perspective from Denver ICU pulmonologist Dr. Anuj Mehta on masks, schools and why the virus continues to mutate. Then, the neighborhood disparity of cases. Also, “Subpar Parks” uses humor to appreciate the nation’s natural treasures. And, Colorado Wonders: What is the Front Range?
The Great Sand Dunes ‘Are Just A Big Mountain of Sand’ And Other 1-Star National Park Reviews
Amber Share designs travel poster-like images of parks with commentary from unamused visitors.
July 16, 2021: Young Olympian Hopes To Climb To Gold; What Are Whales Saying?
At age 17, Colin Duffy, of Broomfield, is one of the youngest Olympians on Team USA and he’s competing in one of the newest Olympic sports: climbing. Then, MSUD biologist Leanna Matthews shares her research into whale communication and how it might boost conservation. Plus, we revisit artist Koko Bayer’s #ProjectSpreadHope.
Koko Bayer’s Message Of Hope… Through Hearts
Giant, colorful hearts continue to pop up along the Front Range including a 12-foot tall one on the side of Denver Health. Words like “hope,” “esperanza,” and “love” are emblazoned across these hearts. They are the work of Denver artist Koko Bayer. She says no project she’s done has taken off like #ProjectSpreadHope.
July 14, 2021: Transgender Pastor Had To Rebuild After Coming Out
Rev. Paula Stone Williams, of Left Hand Church in Longmont, transitioned at age 60. The evangelical circles she’d dedicated her life to as a man rejected her as a trans woman. Williams’ new book is “As A Woman: What I Learned about Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned.” She joined us for “Turn The Page,” our regular reading circle.
We’re Hitting The Road, Colorado — What Should We Know Before We Do?
We need your help now that Colorado’s reopening! Colorado Matters is going “On the Road Again.”
Kim Day Ran DIA For 13 Years. As She Retires, What’s Her Hope For The Airport?
For half of Denver International Airport’s existence, one woman has led it: Kim Day. After 13 years, several downturns, and some major expansion, she’s stepping down. Day actually thought she’d leave sooner because of a breast cancer diagnosis. But she hung on to help DIA navigate COVID-19. CPR’s Ryan Warner met her in the terminal.
July 2, 2021: How John Adams’ Time In Europe Shaped America; New Citizens Detail Life Now
In an Independence Day special, we talk with historian and author Jeanne Abrams about her latest book, “A View From Abroad: The Story of John and Abigail Adams in Europe.” Then, we revisit conversations with people who became citizens during the pandemic. Plus, how a transformative experience on Pikes Peak inspired one of America’s most enduring songs.
Mexico-Born Denver Muralist Redefines ‘MAGA’ One Garage Door At A Time
The mononymous Denver artist Charlo is trying to “make alleys great again.”
June 30, 2021: Clearing The Air About Continuing To Wear Masks; Redrawing Colorado
The World Health Organization urges vaccinated people to continue to wear masks. We talk with a leading Colorado pulmonologist about what to consider and what it means to stopping COVID-19. Then, Colorado’s political landscape is being redrawn on both the state and federal level. And a coming out story 90 years in the making to mark Pride Month.
June 29, 2021: Investigating Pandemic Nursing Home Deaths in Colorado; Explaining UFOs
At one point in the pandemic, the rate of nursing home deaths in Colorado was the worst in the nation. How did the state get to that point? CPR’s Ben Markus lifts the curtain on his heartbreaking investigation. Then, political spies in the American West. Plus, CU astronomer Doug Duncan on the recent UFO report. And a mouthwatering cookbook is back in print!
June 28, 2021: Are I-70 Mudslides The New Normal?; Officers Face ‘Friend Or Foe’ Decisions
Mudslides closed I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, and they may be a sign of things to come. Then, can training prepare officers to determine quickly if someone armed with a gun is a friend or a foe? Plus, we answer more Colorado Wonders questions about pollinators, from plants to pesticides. And the love story of a Denver philosopher whose wife died of cancer.
From Plants To Pesticides, Answering More Colorado Wonders Questions About Pollinators
We invited CSU Extension horticulture agent Lisa Mason back to the show to answer more Colorado Wonders questions about pollinators, from what types of native plants attract bees and butterflies, to what to know about the threat of pesticides.
June 25, 2021: Arvada Mayor Reflects On Shooting; Rediscovering Playwright Mary Chase
Mayor Marc Williams discusses the shooting that took place in Olde Town Arvada on Monday. Plus, the drought is drying up Lake Powell, an important reservoir for a lot of Western states. Then, author Mimi Pockross talks about Denver playwright Mary Chase in her new biography, “Pulling Harvey Out of Her Hat.”
