Colorado Matters

Today’s Colorado Matters is a laughing matter. We’ve sewn together a comedy special that, we hope, will have you in stitches! It’s a compendium of Colorado comics from our previous Holiday Extravaganzas.

Colorado’s county clerks have been fighting back against disinformation and election lies for years. But this election, there’s a twist — Artificial Intelligence — and they’re training to ensure election integrity, before and after the vote. Then, ballroom culture has been sweeping the nation — and the world — for more than 40 years. How the spirit of the LGBTQ sub-culture that originated in New York City in the 1960s is shaping pop culture globally today, and making its mark here in Colorado. Plus, finding the right tree for your yard.

Céline Dion’s Olympic performance came despite her struggle with stiff person syndrome. She’s finding help, and hope, in Colorado. Then, lawmakers may try again to address high property taxes. Plus, Cherry Creek bucks the office vacancy rate. Also, the future of the historic Zuni power plant. And, what would your Olympic sport be? Finally, Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic premiere a new outdoor venue in Colorado Springs.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is optimistic as he takes on the high cost of housing, reducing homelessness and rebuilding trust with the police. Then, a job fair that helps people with felony records start over. Plus, meet Colorado cyclist Olivia Cummins as she makes her Olympic debut and celebrates her birthday at the same time. And Aging Matters looks at the importance of advance medical planning.

As Colorado endures another tough wildfire season the state has expanded its investigative team and hopes to hold people who start the blazes accountable. Then, Melissa Stockwell of Colorado Springs trains for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. And, a Colorado Wonders question about bunnies. Plus, echoes of an epic Summer of Love concert in a college archive.

A late-night donation highlights the spirit of community in the town of Lyons amidst the nearby Stone Canyon fire. Lyons Mayor Hollie Rogin joins us. Then, both sides position their arguments in the trial of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. Also, a new state law will help protect pollinating insects and rare plants. And the Taste of Ethiopia celebrates 10 years!

Does Colorado have what it needs to fight so many wildfires at once? Governor Jared Polis discusses the three current blazes and how federal funds could help in combating them. Then, fire’s effect on the air we breathe is significant. And as climate change supercharges the season, health effects become a bigger and bigger concern, says pulmonologist Dr. David Beuther. Also, a new superheroine whose tag line is, “transforming disabilities into SUPERabilities.” And, celebrating Colorado Day.

It’s illegal. And a party drug. But MDMA, also known as ecstasy and molly, shows promise in treating PTSD. The FDA has an August deadline to approve it, after clinical trials that include Colorado. Then, a father and son bond over gardening in Colorado Springs. Plus, the legacy of a tough-on-crime Denver DA from the 1920s. And En Garde! A Colorado fencer heads to the Paralympics.