Oct. 10, 2024: Remembering Dikembe Mutombo; Reimagining Crested Butte
He came to the United States with the dream of becoming a doctor — instead, Dikembe Mutombo became a basketball star in Denver and around the world. But he always maintained his desire to help. Then, Colorado’s longest-running mining fight is over; locals in Crested Butte celebrated after securing permanent protections for Mt. Emmons, and now they turn to tackling affordable housing. Also, rediscovering Denver’s Manhattan Beach, and the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Remembering Dikembe Mutombo, an inspiration on and off the basketball court
Dikembe Mutombo was more than a Hall of Fame basketball player; he was a humanitarian who loved helping other. He died September 30, 2024 at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer. We reflect on his life and impact on and off the court, including as a star player for the Denver Nuggets.
‘I know God changed my life and I want to help other people’ — Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae reflects on music, overcoming trauma, and his special new tattoo
Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae Moore talks with Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo.
Oct. 8, 2024: For Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae, a tattoo represents so much more than art
Fresh off two Grammy wins, Christian rapper Lecrae talks with Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield about growing up in Denver and growing in his faith, all while getting a unique tattoo that represents far more than art.
Oct. 3, 2024: Candidates for CD8 on priorities for a district that’s both urban and rural
The state’s newest congressional district, District 8, was designed to be Colorado’s only toss-up seat between the two major parties. Today we hear from the two candidates vying for that seat. Democratic incumbent Yadira Caraveo is a pediatrician and Colorado’s first Latina member of Congress. Republican Gabe Evans is a state representative, former police officer, veteran and grandson of Mexican immigrants.
Oct. 1, 2024: Grocery store merger heads to court; Colorado’s Filipino community celebrates 70 years
The Colorado lawsuit to stop what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history heads to court. We look at what it could mean for shoppers. Then, the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley faces scrutiny after claims of an unsafe workplace and inhumane living conditions. Plus, a 70th anniversary milestone for Colorado’s Filipino community. And new citizens sign up to vote for the first time.
Celebrating Filipino American History Month with a 70th anniversary milestone in Colorado
October 1 marks the start of Filipino American History Month, a time each year dedicated to honoring the history, accomplishments and legacy of Filipinos in the United States. And this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Filipino American Community of Colorado, one of the oldest Asian-American non-profits in our state.
Sept. 26, 2024: From careers after retirement to outdoor excursions, Aging Matters knows no limits
A record number of Coloradans are nearing retirement age, and that could be good news for pre-schools. Industries that are struggling to find staff, like education and senior care, are hiring older people who may be looking for a second career or simply a way to stay involved and active. Then, we meet a group that gets older people outside, socializing, and trying something new. Cycling Without Age Littleton provides bike rides to people who can no longer ride themselves. This is an Aging Matters on Colorado Matters special.
Colorado’s first Latina Supreme Court justice on life, law and making history once again
While Justice Monica Márquez is widely recognized for her role in Colorado history, she says she remains humble about her achievements.
Interview with Justice Monica Márquez: Firsts that shaped her life
During an interview with Colorado Matters, newly appointed Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez shared some of her memorable “firsts.”
Sept. 24, 2024: Chief Justice Monica Márquez on the responsibility of being a role model and pioneering judge
Monica Márquez’s name is synonymous with firsts. In 2010 Governor Bill Ritter appointed her to the Colorado Supreme Court, making her the first Latina and the first openly gay justice to serve on Colorado’s highest court. As of 2021, she is the longest-serving of eleven openly LGBTQ-plus state supreme court justices in the United States. And on July 26 this year, she was sworn in as the chief justice for the state’s high court, again making her the first-ever Latina to serve in that role in Colorado. Chandra Thomas Whitfield sat down with Justice Márquez at the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center in Denver, to talk about her journey, the responsibility she feels as a role model, and her priorities for the court.
Colorado makes its mark in the evolving culture of tattoos
The 9th annual Colorado Tattoo Convention & Expo is September 27-29, 2024 at the National Western Complex in Denver. Chandra Thomas Whitfield spoke with the festival’s founder and general manager, Rito Ramirez, about the rich history of tattooing in Colorado and across the Rocky Mountain region!
Sept. 19, 2024: Defense rests in Boulder grocery store shooting trial; Colorado’s tattoo culture
The defense rests in the trial of a man accused of killing ten people at a Boulder grocery store. We’ll get perspective on the case ahead of closing arguments. Then, the owners of a funeral home where nearly 200 bodies were found decomposing avoid a federal trial. Also, climate migrants and the rich, evolving tattoo culture of Colorado.
Sept. 17, 2024: More wolves heading to Colorado; Sharing stories of culture and heritage
More gray wolves are coming to Colorado, nearly four years after voters decided to reintroduce them to our state. But the process has not been without problems. CPR climate and environment reporter Sam Brasch joins us with an update. Then, for Hispanic Heritage Month, we share stories of family, culture, and community with ¿Quién Are We? and one man’s special connection with his father.
Sept. 12, 2024: What’s next for MDMA after FDA rejection? Interpreting a lost Euripidean find
Researchers hoped the FDA would approve the drug commonly known as “ecstasy” to help treat PTSD. But now that the FDA has rejected it in a surprise decision, what’s next for the psychedelic? Then, two CU Boulder scholars interpret what they believe to be previously unknown fragments of two lost tragedies by the Greek playwright Euripides. And, using mammograms to increase awareness of dense breast tissue.
Sept. 10, 2024: Why parents are stressed out, and ways to cope
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’ve 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.
