Colorado Matters

What makes a downtown successful? Why are some bustling while others are hollowed out? Downtown Colorado, Inc. came to Main Street in Grand Junction to award innovators across the state. Some of the finalists joined Ryan Warner on stage to discuss delicate downtown ecosystems. Kat Correll is the executive director of Downtown Colorado, Inc., Kimberlee McKee is the executive director of Longmont’s Downtown Development Authority, Lynn Clark is the executive director of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo Authority; and from Telluride, but appearing on behalf of a project in Montrose: Jay Raible, who co-owns the new Rathbone Hotel. 

Primary ballots will arrive in mailboxes in a few weeks, and now, we know which candidates will be on them. Today Purplish looks at which candidates rallied enough support at the recent state assemblies and what this method of selecting candidates means in the big picture. Then, today marks 10 years since the passing of pop icon and musical virtuoso, Prince. Chandra shares her personal reflections on what his music meant to her, and speaks with Coloradans about their memories of his visits here and the influence he had on their lives. 

On 4/20, an addiction psychiatrist raises red flags around high-potency cannabis. Dr. Libby Stuyt has particular concerns about psychosis as THC levels increase multifold in today's cannabis and wants to raise awareness about the evolution of the drug. Then, for Aging Matters, Ryan meets an octogenarian who has mastered the "dead hang" at her gym in Woodland Park; it's about more than strength. And Colorado Wonders about finding gemstones in our state. 

The ultimate goal of Artemis is to get people to Mars. But there was a time, in the early 1900s, when it was widely believed there was already life there and engineered canals to bring water from the poles to cities. There were skeptics, but it’s hard to overstate how ingrained this idea of Martian life became. Former NPR science correspondent David Baron, of Boulder, has written “The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America." He spoke with Ryan Warner last August in front of an audience in Colorado Springs, where some of the story unfolds. 

The Western Slope farming family who introduced the world to Olathe Sweet Corn is scaling back in the face of a rough economy and a pesky crop worm. They talk about the mixed blessing of farming and how you can still get that beloved corn. Then, leading UCLA to a national championship is just the latest chapter in a lifetime of hoops success for sisters Lauren and Sienna Betts. Their coach at Grandview High School in Aurora reflects on their time there as well as the dynamics that drives them. And, Colorado Wonders what state legislators do when they're not in session.

A water project known as The Arkansas Valley Conduit became a political football, with a presidential veto. But for rancher Kevin Karney, of La Junta, it's about quality of life for his community. Then, we visit the Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa in the San Luis Valley, where a fifth generation farming family brews beer on land that's been in the family for nearly a century. And Boulder author Erika Krouse is a finalist for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize for her collection of short stories, "Save Me, Stranger." 

Eleven questions could save a life. That's the idea behind a bill in the state legislature right now. It would require law enforcement officers to ask the questions to determine if someone is at risk of dying at the hands of a domestic abuser. We'll explore the issue with Purplish. Then, Denver Center Theatre Company announces its new season. We get a glimpse into how those choices are made with artistic director Chris Coleman us for our series "Raise The Curtain," about Colorado's vibrant theater scene. 

Democracy in the United States is deteriorating according to three studies. We ask about it in "If You Can Keep It," our series about unprecedented presidential policy. Then, the state budget proposal heads to the senate after some drama in the house. Plus, the Republicans hold their state assembly to determine who's on the primary ballot. And, Gil Boggs marks 20 years as the artistic director of Colorado Ballet. He reflects on the challenges he's faced and overcome, and the evolution of ballet productions and outreach in an age of increased competition for entertainment dollars.

Business in Breckenridge is borderline after a lack of snow this past winter. And planning for the future of a ski town is tricky business. We speak with the town manager about tax revenue and diversification, whether it's wildflowers or the arts. Plus, we get a read on just how little snow did fall in high country. Then, plans for a train between Denver and northern Colorado cities may be back on track. And a Colorado Springs bagel shop will represent our state at a big bagel competition this weekend. A chat amid the morning bagel bustle at Bella's. 

State officials want to find a troubling piece of history. But they need help. We'll update the yearslong effort to find a cemetery on the grounds of a former Indian Boarding School in Grand Junction. Then, from a new approach to policing and helping the unhoused, to honoring student athletes and everyday heroes, there's a lot going on in Aurora, Colorado's most diverse city. We speak with the editor of the Aurora Sentinel which is part of the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange. Plus, a new state law requires schools in Colorado to have policies in place by July about what's allowed for students when it comes to cell phones; some students have thoughts about what to do. And, a pair of sisters from Grandview High School help win the women's college basketball national championship!