Colorado Matters

The University of Colorado Boulder will pay $4.5 million to female faculty members after a class action lawsuit. We speak with one of the plaintiffs and her attorney. Then, Denver energy executive Chris Wright has been nominated to be the next energy secretary. Wright owns the world’s second-largest fracking company. And, young people offer their take on age and civic leadership in the “Youth on Rewind,” podcast produced by Youth on Record in Denver. 

To help the climate, the Governor Jared Polis wants to coax you out of your car with better alternatives. Our transportation reporter breaks down his new plan. Then, only weeks after the election, two state senators resign; now there are calls for vacancy reform.  Plus, our regular climate chat with Denver7's Mike Nelson. On the cusp of a new Administration, he has high hopes for the power grid. Later, for Aging Matters, Colorado classical and jazz icon Charlie Burrell reflects on his love for music and making the most out of life at the age of 104. And remembering Jim Bishop, who built a castle in Colorado. 

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing about 1 in 5 of all deaths; the rate is similar in Colorado. During the Great American Smokeout -- when the American Cancer Society encourages people who smoke to make a plan to quit -- we look at a proposal in Denver’s city council that aims to address the issue, calling for an end to the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the city to protect kids and advance health equity. Then, we speak with a vape shop owner. Also, quitting smoking is hard, but there are health benefits to be found with success, and the impact of menthol cigarettes on communities of color.

The U.S. Surgeon General says almost half of American parents report feeling completely overwhelmed by stress. He now calls it an "urgent public health issue." To get perspective, we asked three parents to join us: Craig Knippenberg of Denver is a dad and family counselor, Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya is a mom and the chief operating officer at local corporation, and Jess Pramov is also a mom and a telecom executive. Special thanks to producer Michelle P. Fulcher. This episode originally aired September 10, 2024. 

The state is launching a racial equity study to research whether systemic harm has been done to Black Coloradans. We hear from state Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, who co-sponsored the bill to create a new commission to carry out that work, and from advocate Sade Cooper, executive director of C.H.I.C., the Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities. Then, the debate continues after voters allow the sale of recreational cannabis in Colorado Springs. Plus, the benefits, and pressure, of the Michelin guide. And the Swans of Harlem on their dancing legacy. 

President-elect Donald Trump has made Aurora the centerpiece of his immigration policy. The specifics remain unclear but state and local officials are on alert. Then, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is also wary of changes that could impact his city. And, remembering pioneering meteorologist Warren Washington. Plus, paleontologists discover a new species of mammal on Colorado's Western Slope. 

Colorado voters approved a proposition in the last election that funds victims' services and other support programs through an excise tax on guns. We talk with an advocate about efforts to reduce gun vigilance. Then, what's next for RTD now that voters have weigh-in on new board members and funding? Also, how the fantasy novel "Navola" helped the author escape climate change anxiety. And a mother's immigration story is at the heart of "Avaaz," now playing at the Denver Center Theater Company. 

For the first time since this month’s consequential election, we sit down with Governor Jared Polis, who has just launched a new national project to "safeguard democracy." We also ask about immigration, U.S. Space Command, and working with the incoming presidential administration. Then, artifacts in glass cases are one way to share history, but History Colorado now incorporates works by living artists -- to connect past and present. And the new novel, "Playing with Wildfire." 

Following the election, a Colorado non-profit's been inundated with requests. The Trans Continental Pipeline helps trans people move to Colorado, where protections are stronger. Then, avia flu was likely more prevalent in Colorado's dairy workers than first thought; we'll track the outlook. Plus, another chance to celebrate 20 years of African cuisine. And Chris Pandolfi takes us "Inside the Musician's Brain."

Without the horse, says historian Tim Winegard, the world would look nothing like it does today. The Colorado Mesa University professor has written, "The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity." He joined Sr. Host Ryan Warner on stage in Grand Junction in September for our reading series, "Turn The Page." They discuss how goods, ideas, and diseases proliferated on horseback. Plus, The Great Manure Crisis?!