Colorado Matters

What cuts through political polarization? Fighting corruption. Voters are generally disgusted by overt self-dealing, says DU political scientist Seth Masket. This is borne out by the midterm results. Today, a post-election edition of our series "If You Can Keep It," about the state of our democracy. Then, how "Mortified" gets Coloradans to read from their teenage diaries on stage. "Mortified Colorado's" 10th anniversary show is November 19 at Denver's Oriental Theater. Plus, I share my own "Mortified" story in this podcast bonus!

Jared Polis will be governor for two more months; he sits down with Ryan Warner to answer questions after Democrats' big win in the midterm, his support for passenger rail, his legacy with Tina Peters, and what's ahead for Colorado. Then, a New York Times Magazine article has sparked national debate over school segregation, parental choice, and the complexities to achieve academic success. Chandra Thomas Whitfield speaks with a panel of Black parents who've navigated this issue in Colorado. 

Democrats swept the statewide offices. They now have a supermajority in the state legislature. In even the reddest congressional districts, races are still too close to call. Meanwhile, voters sent mixed messages via ballot measures. We break it all down with our panel of experts: Democratic strategist Craig Hughes, Republican columnist Krista Kafer, and unaffiliated communications consultant Alton Dillard.

Dr. Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder (CAAAS), widely known as "The Cause," joined Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield in August to discuss the Center's fifth anniversary and his work as a scholar and author. The author of the books, The Funk Movement and Black Feminist Funk, Dr. Rabaka shared his reflections (and playlist) that he says trace the cultural and political power of Black music and its role in shaping history. 

Krista Hanley survived the attack on Columbine High School April 20, 1999. For years, she did everything she could to avoid being "the Columbine girl." In her new memoir "How To Survive A Mass Shooting," Hanley comes to terms with her trauma. She joins Senior Host Ryan Warner at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver for the book's launch. 

Do you dare open the door on Denverite's 4th annual DenverFright? From ghosts to readings to climate horror, plus a little comedy to laugh in the face of fear, nothing is off limits at the Bug Theatre in Denver. 

The race to be the next governor of Colorado has bucked campaign norms; Purplish takes a closer look in the final countdown to Election Day. Speaking of governing, a middle-schooler gets to run the office for a day. Then, voters in Grand Junction will decide the fate of a swimming pool that's been used for generations. And, remembering a San Luis Valley lawyer who was a champion for farmers and ranchers in a landmark case he took on pro bono for decades. 

Usually the U.S. welcomes election observers from abroad, but not this time. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants to send federal observers to Colorado. Then, what to know about how your ballot is counted. Also, a new documentary examines the ongoing evolution of the First Amendment. And the Second Verse choir, featuring people with dementia and memory loss, gets ready for a fall performance.

Colorado's 8th Congressional District is one of the state's most competitive and diverse, designed to be a 50/50 swing district. Democrat Manny Rutinel joins us to discuss why he thinks he's the right person to represent it; incumbent Republican Gabe Evans has declined an interview. Then, we break down Proposition NN and what it could mean for Colorado schools. Plus, the beauty and the danger of the Million Dollar Highway. And a Grand Junction filmmaker's "American Vampires."

Colorado’s 5th Congressional District encompasses most of El Paso County. It’s the only House seat in the state never to elect a Democrat. Could this conservative stronghold be in play this election? Republican incumbent Jeff Crank and Democratic challenge Jessica Killin spoke with CPR's southern Colorado reporter Dan Boyce.