Sept. 11, 2025: Gov. Polis Goes West pt. 1: ICE, healthcare, and Tina Peters
Gov. Jared Polis joins Ryan Warner on stage at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction to answer questions in front of an audience about issues affecting the Western Slope as well as statewide and nationally. In this first part of the conversation, they discuss “Governor’s Safeguarding Democracy,” the use of the National Guard, immigration enforcement, convicted former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and the pardon power, healthcare, and balancing the state budget.
Sept. 10, 2025: Bringing wolverines back to Colorado; A temple comes to Grand Junction
First, there were moose. Then lynx. Then wolves. Now, Colorado’s planning to reintroduce wolverines to the state. We’ll get an update on the plan. Then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is opening temples around the world, including Grand Junction. Plus, a push to keep coal power in Colorado. Also, answering a Colorado Wonders question about what happens to the invasive smallmouth bass when the fish is caught. Finally, the 89-year-old at the heart of Vail’s Oktoberfest.
What conservation easements mean for that perfect Palisade peach
The Colorado West Land Trust formed in the ‘80s to protect agricultural land in Western Colorado.
Sept. 8, 2025: Conserving land on the Western Slope; Retracing family history 80 years after WWII
A land trust has helped conserve more than 150,000 acres on Colorado’s Western Slope, from fruit orchards in Palisade to ranches on The Grand Mesa. Then, descendants of the 10th Mountain Division of skiing soldiers retrace their fathers’ and grandfathers’ journey in Italy 80 years after the end of World War II. Plus, we visit a medical clinic in a Grand Junction church that offers free health care amid growing need. Later, we say good-bye to a familiar voice on CPR News; Mike Lamp is stepping away from the mic on Friday. And later, new music from ChuckJay.
Longtime CPR Morning Edition host Mike Lamp retires after 44 years in radio and TV
Lamp came to Colorado Public Radio in 2000 after a broadcast career in Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona.
Sept. 5, 2025: Broncos’ season hopes are a mile high; ‘Soles of a Survivor:’ escaping horror amid hope
The Denver Broncos kick-off the regular season Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium against the Tennessee Titans, and hopes for the season are a mile high! We get perspective from former Bronco and sportscaster Ryan Harris. Then, “Soles of a Survivor” recounts a harrowing journey from oppression to freedom, with author Nhi Aronheim of Englewood. The book has just been published in paperback.
Sept. 3, 2025: What is Colorado without Space Command? Unforgettable short story; Gasoline Lollipops persist
In the battle to keep Space Command, Colorado has lost. At least for now. We talk through the impact. Then, a Southern Colorado ranch tests the next generation Moon rover. Plus, Colorado author Erika Krouse is racking up accolades for her new short story collection. She shares a doozie and answers questions about it. Later, the evolution of Boulder’s genre-defying Gasoline Lollipops.
‘Short stories are like watching a streaker. You see everything.’
Boulder author Erika Krouse is racking up accolades for her new short story collection, “Save Me, Stranger.” Krouse reads a story that won a 2025 Edgar Award. “Eat My Moose” is about a military veteran who helps terminally ill people take their own lives. She then answers the volley of questions this story raises.
Sept. 1, 2025: Labors of love on Labor Day
On this Labor Day, labors, of love. Like a budding fruit orchard on property previously ravaged by historic flooding in Lyons. And a barbershop in Denver, where former inmates offer a shave, a haircut, and heart. Plus, Stranahan’s celebrates 20 years of tradition where the art of making whiskey is truly a labor of love for the head blender.
When aid workers need aid. We visit a support group for laid-off international development workers
The Tuesday Group helps these Coloradans emotionally and professionally.
Aug. 29, 2025: We visit a support group for laid-off aid workers
The Tuesday Group formed in Denver when the Trump Administration shut down USAID. Experts in international development are in need of aid themselves– emotionally and in the job search. Colorado Matters visits this support group at the Posner Center for International Development, which is a nerve center for Coloradans in foreign aid. Then, a Buc-ee’s-sized fight in Palmer Lake. And is the Colorado River a person?
Aug. 27, 2025: A fall check-up on vaccines and viruses; Keeping water in the Colorado River
Heading into fall, we get a check-up on COVID vaccines, the seasonal flu, measles, and West Nile with Dr. Ned Calonge, the state’s chief medical officer. Then, as Western states divvy up water from the Colorado River, a new documentary wants to make sure the river isn’t run dry. Plus, new research from CU Boulder on drought conditions and human-caused climate change. Later, an update on bodies found in a Pueblo mortuary. And an unexpected moment of joy thanks to a TikTok video and one family’s lost wedding photos.
Aug. 25, 2025: Special session closing budget gap as AI debate continues; Local 303 has August’s ‘hot’ artists
Lawmakers remain in special session at the State Capitol after working over the weekend. The first order of business: close a billion dollar budget gap. But they’re also trying to legislate artificial intelligence. Then, Systemic asks what can be done to keep young people from getting guns. And later, the Local 303 showcases “hot” artists for the month of August.
Aug. 22, 2025: A cooldown at long last amid drought, wildfires; Tennis’ farewell tour nears an end
Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo joins us to discuss weather, climate, and water in the face of worsening drought and wildfires on the Western Slope. Then, researchers hope to unravel the mystery of hailstorms. Plus, Denver music duo Tennis nears the end of their farewell tour in Colorado; their last date here is Tuesday, August 26 at Mission Ballroom in Denver. Plus, helping teachers help themselves to build housing in Southern Colorado. And the National Goalball Championships in Colorado Springs showcase our state’s future in the sport.
Field trips that were as dry as dirt helped shape Denver7’s Lisa Hidalgo
In her regular climate & weather chat with Colorado Matters, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo reveals a little something about her father… and her own parenting. We swear it’s relevant.
Aug. 20, 2025: Intervention to prevent youth violence at a crossroads; Boulder author on dating smarter
Where youth violence was once rampant, it has plummeted. A successful program screens young people for their susceptibility. But now Denver’s Youth Violence Prevention Center is itself susceptible to federal budget cuts. Then, a lot of single people are sick of dating in the modern era; Boulder author and dating coach Tim Molnar has ideas to make relationships strategic. Plus, it’s all in the family at a school in the San Luis Valley.
