Colorado Matters

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen talks about the spike in violence and police reform. Then, a Colorado Sun and 9News investigation into residential treatment centers show they aren't keeping vulnerable children safe. Plus, the pandemic in India is nowhere close to ending and hits close to home for thousands of Coloradans.

CU Boulder historian Phoebe Young traces the history of camping from the Civil War to the Occupy Movement, exploring the booming recreation industry, the use of camping in protests, and the controversy over camping bans. Her new book is "Camping Grounds, Public Nature in American Life from the Civil War to the Occupy Movement." Then, a toxic cave.

A year after an officer murdered George Floyd in Minneapolis, we hear from members of a community task force about their vision for how Denver could do less harm to people -- from more citizen oversight for cops to a safe injection site for IV drug users. Then, Indigenous students on a Native approach to fighting fires they say could quell future blazes.

Colorado’s new state veterinarian is Dr. Maggie Baldwin. Her job includes monitoring animal diseases not only to protect the health of four-leggeds but to prevent sickness from spreading to humans. There’s a climate change angle to her work, too.

Jose-Luis Jimenez is a professor of chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder who studies how viruses like COVID-19 spread through the air. So what's been learned over the past year to prevent another pandemic? Then, we revisit the history of medicine with Dr. David Schneider and how it led to the quick development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Jordan Finegan, director of the Colorado Healing Fund, has been raising and allocating money for victims of the Boulder and Colorado Springs mass shootings. Then, Colorado painter Jordan Casteel talks about how her art connects her with people. Plus, a listener remembers the chance to "leave it to Lily."

Artist Gregg Deal draws on stereotypes to break them down. The title of his exhibit, “Merciless Indian Savages,” comes straight from the Declaration of Independence. Then, the Southern Colorado town of Trinidad was known as the “Sex Change Capital of the World.” Author Martin Smith’s “Going to Trinidad” tells the story of pioneering surgeon Stanley Biber.

A new book called "The Holly" takes a deep dive into the history of turf wars between gangs in northeast Denver, efforts to stop the violence and police use of informants. We talk with author Julian Rubinstein. Then, Purplish explores the racial tension within the legislative session.

Two Colorado writers forged a friendship in isolation by becoming pen pals. They talk about place, politics, and the pandemic. Plus, the Apron Chronicles explores what aprons mean in American society and culture.

A group of Republicans wants the GOP to reform and embrace clear principles or they may consider creating a new political party. Then, what parents need to know now that children 12 and older can get vaccinated against COVID-19. Plus, creating energy from the sewers. And "On Something" is back to explore the connection between cannabis and social justice.