- Colorado is the first state to pass a law designed to ensure that insurance companies cannot set rates in a way that discriminates against people from traditionally underrepresented communities. For example, using algorithms that force Black people to pay more for coverage because of their race.
- After the mass shooting at Club Q, author Malinda Lo, who grew up in Louisville, Colorado, re-shares an essay she wrote following the attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida in 2016. Her words still resonate. Lo is a best-selling author and National Book Award winner.
- For Veterans Day, we recognize the skiing soldiers of World War II. Members of the 10th Mountain Division trained at Camp Hale in Leadville. In October, President Biden declared it a national monument. These troops fought to take Mt. Belvedere, in Italy's Apennine Mountains. And their victory was a turning point in the war. Producer Joe Richman, of Radio Diaries, brings us their story.
- On this Election Day, we talk about civil discourse. It means having a conversation with people of different viewpoints to broaden understanding. The University of Denver and the Korbel School of International Studies recently gathered experts from four think tanks for "Denver Dialogues" to talk about the challenges, opportunities, and importance of engaging in civil discourse.
- Mid-to-late October is when we usually see the first snow in Denver. Last year, the first measurable snowfall didn't happen until December, which, by the way, is the latest "first'' snowfall on record. We get perspective on weather and climate now in our regular conversation with Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson.
- It’s back to school, which means it can also be back to… music. Music Blocks is CPR’s podcast which explores how songwriters and composers use sound to express emotion. And how kids can tap into their own feelings. It was developed to spur classroom discussion with middle and high schoolers in mind, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Music Blocks co-hosts and producers, Rebekah Romberg and Luis Antonio Perez, join Colorado Matters to talk about the second season, which focuses on musical storytelling.
- There’s a saying: “Never get between a mama bear and her cubs.” Shirley Smith can relate. The wife of NBA star J.R. Smith delivered their daughter at just 21 weeks. And many of the mental challenges she’s faced in her life unfolded in Colorado, while her husband was making moves on the basketball court as a Denver Nugget.
- Returning art to its original and rightful owners is a big topic these days. It's something University of Denver associate history professor Elizabeth Campbell, has dedicated a career to. She directs DU's Center for Art Collection Ethics.
- He's considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. But the International Olympic Committee didn't remember it that way, until now. This month, the IOC reinstated Jim Thorpe as the sole gold medalist in the 1912 Olympic decathlon and pentathlon. The reinstatement comes after decades of petitions. Thorpe was Indigenous, and when the IOC stripped him of his medals for violating amateurism rules, many claimed it was motivated by racism.
- The James Beard Awards are one of the top prizes in the culinary world. This year's ceremony included a recommitment to upholding "racial and gender equity, community, sustainability and a culture where all can thrive." Denver culinary ambassador Ietef "DJ Cavem" Vita, a vegan chef and rapper, was one of this year's judges. He joins us along with Denver's Soul Food Scholar and culinary historian, Adrian Miller, who won an award for "reference and scholarship" for his book, "Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue."
- Colorado Preservation, Inc. is accepting nominations for next year's endangered places list. Nominations must be submitted by August 22 for consideration.
- This April is one of the driest on record so far, dating back to 1880, according to Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson. He joined us for our regular conversation about the interplay between weather and climate in Colorado. And, as the wildfire danger continues, so does the outlook for warm and dry weather. Plus, Nelson explains why it's been so windy recently.
- The congressman recently traveled to Eastern Europe, where he got an update on the war in Ukraine and the refugee crisis. He also visited troops overseas.
- March and April are among Colorado’s snowiest months, but in the last few days authorities have ordered evacuations in Boulder and near Estes Park as they’ve fought wildfires. What's going on? Mike Nelson, chief meteorologist at Denver7, joins us for our regular update on weather, climate and climate change.
- In the words of CPR's Vic Vela, "When we can meet each other with empathy and compassion, we can find hope." That's at the heart of his podcast "Back from Broken." It's about people who've emerged from the hardships of addiction, mental illness, or physical injury. The third season is now available.
- CPR All Things Considered Host Jo Ann Allen retires Friday. Sort of. She will continue her independent podcast “Been There Done That.” We dip into the latest episode in which she reflects on journalism and her own career with friend and former colleague Rachel Maddow, of MSNBC. Then, Jo Ann spends a few minutes with Ryan Warner reminiscing about her radio-filled childhood.
