Colorado Matters

Photographer Armando Geneyro celebrates his adopted city and sends a message about how Denver’s changing. Then, Denver increases enforcement of its homeless encampment ban but experts say it’s not working. And, as the school year nears, teachers absorb lessons from the pandemic.

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?

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.

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge talks about homelessness, the federal eviction moratorium and affordability. Then, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock lobbies for infrastructure money. And, colleges tackle new NCAA rules. Also, the U.S. Olympic museum pushes past the pandemic. Plus, camping limits near Crested Butte. Finally, short stories in “Lyrics For Rock Stars.”

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.

While Denver became the center of baseball's universe with the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the number of African-American players in the contest was lacking compared to years past. It's a situation that can be found in all levels of the game. Then, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser discusses taking on big tech and the push for antitrust reform with CPR's Allison Sherry for the Vail Symposium.

Life expectancy fell dramatically last year in Colorado and that hit people of color especially hard. We talk through the reasons and look toward solutions. Then, improving the response to drought and wildfires. Plus, "Merciless Indian Savages" works to break down Indigenous stereotypes using those very caricatures. And, banking on All-Star business.

Ahead of Major League Baseball's All-Star Game we talk with Futures Game scorer Jillian Geib. Then, Mickey Mantle will make an appearance — in the form of his mint condition baseball card. Plus, Carbondale's Kyle Coon prepares for the Paralympics in Tokyo in late August. Also, author Claire Boyles talks about her short story collection, "Site Fidelity."

Mudslides have been a part of life on Colorado highways recently. Geologist Paul Santi from the Colorado School of Mines goes inside the ooze. Then, Sen. Brittany Pettersen on a new state law addressing the "hidden need" of paying for diapers. And, Walton Levi works with the government entity aiming to destroy a stockpile of mustard gas in Pueblo by 2023.

A new state law ends the requirement that students include ACT and SAT results in their college applications. Experts say testing-optional practices are increasing the applicants and their diversity.