Dec. 18, 2024: Celebrate the holidays with an extravaganza of music and memories
Today, world-class musicians serenade and enchant us! We’ve drawn from the archives of our Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza to create a collection of some of our favorite vocal and instrumental performances from the past 9 years. Celebrate the season with jazz, blues, country, Broadway, and a cappella.
Dec. 16, 2024: Rep. Crow on revamping Secret Service focus, culture; Colorado books for gift giving
The Secret Service is spread too thin. That’s one of the findings of a congressional panel that looked into the attempted assassinations of Donald Trump while he was a presidential candidate. We talk with Colorado’s U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who was the ranking Democrat on the task force. Then, investigating the turnover in RTD’s leadership. Plus, books by Colorado authors to consider as holiday gifts. And a special project creates pillows that provide more than the usual comfort.
The Secret Service is spread too thin, Congressional panel finds
Rep. Jason Crow, who was the ranking Democrat on the task force, told Colorado Matters that the Secret Service needs to hire more people and employ new technology to protect the nation’s leaders.
Dec. 13, 2024: Notorious Denver murder at the heart of white supremacy and ‘The Order’
“The Order” is about the investigation into one of Denver’s most notorious murders, the killing of Jewish shock jock Alan Berg, by white supremacists. We speak with Kevin Flynn, the former Rocky Mountain News reporter whose book inspired a new film. Then, Colorado’s congressional delegation on what it might take to cut government waste. Plus, Colorado Wonders about the state flower. And homestyle cooking in Delta.
Dec. 11, 2024: Syrian-American restaurateur has high hopes post-Assad; Mike Nelson forecasts his future
At Syrian-owned Shish Kebab Grill in Denver, it’s as if a weight has been lifted. One man’s hope for a country whose future remains in flux. Then, a farewell in Fahrenheit to longtime Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson. Later, blood medics are coming to four more Colorado counties. And a homecoming for Michael Trent of “Shovels & Rope.”
A farewell in Fahrenheit: Denver7’s Mike Nelson retires
After a half century as a television meteorologist, Denver7’s Mike Nelson retires December 12, 2024. In his regular climate & weather chat with Ryan Warner, Nelson looks at the Christmas and Chanukkah forecast for Colorado… and the forecast for his life post-retirement.
A new feeling for this Denver restaurateur: Hope for Syria
Obeid Kaifo, who is Syrian-American, has high hopes post-Assad.
Dec. 9, 2024: Blindness cure in the works; Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey turns 20
Eye transplants have not successfully restored vision. Dr. Kia Washington at CU Anschutz leads an ambitious campaign to change that. Then, we linger in the rack room at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey with the 20-year-old distillery’s head blender. Plus, cricket is a reminder of home for Afghan middleschoolers in Thornton.
As Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey turns 20, its head blender barrels toward the future
Twenty years ago, a whiskey distillery opened in this beer-centric state. Today, Stranahan’s is a spirituous staple in Colorado. Head Blender Justin Aden clues us into the process of making whiskey at a mile high.
Dec. 6, 2024: Trauma of Indian Boarding Schools forever changed lives
“A blot on American history” is how President Joe Biden described Indian boarding schools as he formally apologized for them in October. For survivors of these institutions, designed to assimilate Indigenous children, it may be too little, too late. CPR’s Elaine Tassy spoke with three people who endured boarding schools, Beverly Granger, Amanda Kee and Ruby Left Hand Bull Sanchez, about how their lives were forever changed. Then, re-envisioning an unused rail line between Boulder and Erie. And, what a Denver man who visited very county in the U.S. learned about embracing differences.
Comedian Josh Blue will never completely figure out stand-up. And that’s how he likes it
In his new special, filmed at Comedy Works South in Greenwood Village, Colo., Blue invites audiences to laugh along with him at his disability, his divorce, child-rearing and the absurdity of life.
Dec. 4, 2024: Tracking money for mental health; ER dogs bring comfort; Josh Blue’s ‘Freak Accident’
Denver taxpayers have spent millions on mental health, but how’s that money invested? CPR investigative reporter Ben Markus has answers. Then, dogs are becoming a powerful resource in medical settings to bring calm and comfort amid anxiety and uncertainty. Plus, Denver comedian Josh Blue reflects on life and comedy in anticipation of his new special, “Freak Accident.”
This doctor was fired over medical aid in dying. Now she helps patients and providers navigate Colorado’s law
A Catholic health system fired Dr. Barbara Morris after she questioned its policy on end of life care. Now she educates patients, families and other clinicians.
Dec. 2, 2024: A doctor’s calling shifts to medical aid in dying; Colorado Mesa’s big rainforest win
Five years after she was fired from her hospital system in a dispute over medical aid in dying, Dr. Barbara Morris runs a non-profit that educates people about, and advocates for, the practice. Then, a team from Colorado Mesa University won $5 million for its work to save the rainforest. And, the hidden history of Denver’s longest-running fire station emerges.
Nov. 27, 2024: Indigenous chef on embracing food and family at Thanksgiving; Ensuring Western Slope water
At the first Thanksgiving, there were Native Americans and there were colonists. That story’s predominantly been told from the European point of view. Today: We hear from restaurateur Ben Jacobs, a member of the Osage Nation of northeast Oklahoma, who co-owns Tocabe in Denver. His goal – not just on the holiday – is to share the stories of his community through food. Then, why an aging power plant in Glenwood Springs is key to water security on the Western Slope. Plus, farmers celebrate the change of seasons. And the Roaring 20s at the Kirkland Museum.
Nov. 25, 2024: Pay equity breakthrough at CU; Colorado nominee for energy secretary
The University of Colorado Boulder will pay $4.5 million to female faculty members after a class action lawsuit. We speak with one of the plaintiffs and her attorney. Then, Denver energy executive Chris Wright has been nominated to be the next energy secretary. Wright owns the world’s second-largest fracking company. And, young people offer their take on age and civic leadership in the “Youth on Rewind,” podcast produced by Youth on Record in Denver.
